Here we go again

Sunday, 25 July 2010 19:22

A new section of waterways for us today

But first we had to retrace our cruise on the Selby Canal. The weed was all over the canal and the Canada geese and ducks seemed to enjoy being in it.

Geese before Braydon Bridge

We have seen more boats on the move today than we have for a while, three on the Selby Canal and one just mooring up at West Haddlesy Flood Lock. We were surprised to see that the lock gates were closed: I presume because the River Aire had been up above normal level.

West Haddlesley Lock

There was a family of swans in the lock and the newly moored narrowboat crew came to help us shoo them out. The male swan was a little daft and couldn't understand which way to go. John came into the lock and we eventually reopened the bottom gates. The man who lives in the cottage there came out to help. He knew the male as "Simon" and, at his call, the swan realised he had to lead his family out onto the Selby Canal where they belonged!

Once through the lock we were back on the River Aire - the water skiers were out and all the boats were moored up with caravans beside. We did not encounter any skiers on the water though - maybe because it was almost lunch time.

We have crew for a few days - my long-time friend from Canada, Rachel. This means that I was off the boat to do the locks for a change, with Ray, and John directing from the helm! Here we are at Beal Lock!

The lock gates are heavy but with hydraulic gear and a bit of muscle we overcame them. The top gate paddles at Bank Dole Lock are very fierce so we had to raise them gradually.

At Knottingley, we turned left to continue on the Aire and Calder Navigation, Knottingley and Goole Canal. New territory! This was obviously once a busy stretch of wide waterway, which was built in 1826 to bypass the lower reaches of the Rive Aire that links with the Selby Canal. This created the inland port of Goole, allowing access to the sea via the Humber.

Knottingley Junction behind us

Commercial trade is much less now, but large vessels can still be encountered, all but filling the 200 by 20 foot locks on the Aire and Calder. They are likely to be petroleum tankers or gravel barges. Fortunately for us, the locks are electrified!

We passed Kellingley Colliery and the "Tom Puddings" moored alongside. These cargo carrying tubs are no longer in use, but seem to be just left at various sites all along the navigation.

Tom Puddings and Colliery

In the shadow of Eggborough Power Station there are visitor moorings, convenient for the station which has a limited service.

We overtook a convoy of two boats who seemed to be dawdling along. They pulled over for us, and as they were exchanging chocolate bars, we assumed they knew each other! A cruiser came up fast behind us and overtook us. This meant he was first at Whitley Lock, so it was open and waiting for us to slip in behind him.

We moored just below the lock where there is a picnic site, BW boaters services and water opposite, with the M62 far enough behind not to bother us.

Selby Canal, Selby to Below Whitley Lock, Aire and Calder Navigation

4 hours 29 minutes, 15.57 miles, 4 locks