Another ambition fulfilled

Monday, 05 July 2010 18:47

Arriving in York by water

We left Naburn Locks, saying farewell to Gill and Geoff on Narrowboat Petroc after a great weekend together.

Eating Al Fresco at Naburn moorings

It was a surprise to see a Grimsby fishing boat moored at Ancaster Malbis - the neighbouring boat, a smart launch was moored below a very nice house. This short section was almost "Thames-like" with posh houses!

We passed the slipway by Yorkshire Ouse Sailing Club at Naburn village. The Blacksmiths Arms is just above the slipway there. We had enjoyed a "full English" at the pub on Sunday morning after church and returned for BBQ steak and a buffet in the evening. We had the best steaks we have had for years - yum!

Naburn slipway

The old railway swing bridge at Naburn is now a cycleway. It is part of the Solar System cycle ride created by Sustrans along the old main line of the East Coast railway. A galvanised sculpture of an angler, dog and bicycle sits on the bridge dangling the Flying Scotsman Lock as bait. It is called "The Fisher of Dreams" and is by Pete Rogers. It was chosen by the community as a community project. There are more details about the Naburn Bridge on this website - clickety click

The Fisher of Dreams

We stopped briefly at York Marina, but they were moving the diesel tanks so we left again! We are not desperate so can wait until further on! Just beyond the diesel and chandlery pontoons is the marina, with motor cruisers (or motor yachts, as some owners prefer them to be known) moored.

The wonderful Bishop's Palace is at Bishopthorpe and overlooks the River Ouse. We thought the one in Cornwall - "Lis Escop" had a lovely location over looking the River Fal, but the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, has both a great view and a wonderful old 13th Century Palace!

Bishop's Palace

After Fulford Hall (on the east bank), the moorings of the York Motor Yacht Club line the east bank - many of these boats were familiar as they had been at Naburn over the weekend! There is some serious money spent at this bank!

Millennium Bridge is on the outskirts of York. Inspired by the spokes of a bicycle wheel, it cost 4.2 million pounds to build. Anyone interested in bridge engineering should look here - clickey click

Millennium Bridge

Entering York on the River Ouse, there is much to look at and photograph. The three bridges after the entrance to the River Foss are important road crossings. They reflect the architecture of York and there are also reminders of the river industry to see. A pictorial blog follows this one to introduce you to York by river!

We moored beyond Lendal Bridge, which is before the railway bridge and footbridge that leads south to York Station. The moorings are just by Museum Gardens, which makes for a pleasant short walk back into the heart of the city.

Epiphany moored, looking back towards Lendal Bridge

Yorkshire River Ouse, Naburn Locks to York, Lendal Bridge moorings

1 hour 37 minutes, 5.97 miles, 0 locks