Hebden Bridge

It was a dry day, after yesterday's persistent rain, and generally quite pleasant although the sun was reluctant to show its face.

The route through Hebden Bridge remained rural and interesting - at times the river and canal are separated by little more than the towpath - a railway and a road also share the same valley.

At the first lock we found the approach to the lock somewhat obscured -so this is where old boats come to die!

Before long we arrived in Hebden Bridge and found a mooring spot very close to shops. We wandered around - there was a small open market as well as a pleasant selection of rather boutique shops. We saw what we took to be the oldest bridge in the centre of town.

Following Andrew's experience from two year's ago when he was held up here for a day and a half with a canal closure, we set off up the steep cobbled track to Heptonstall. It was a strenuous climb but very well rewarded by views over the town and the hills beyond. (Photos from here are marred by a slight blur on the lens after yesterday's rain)

It is clear that this was once a very prosperous little village/town and is older than the upstart down in the valley below. The church (St Thomas the Apostle) is very substantial and has been pleasantly re-ordered, although Mike found the seating not as comfortable as it looks.

However, this church is relatively modern and replaced the older St Thomas a Becket which still stands as a ruin and scheduled ancient monument next door.

The village is a collection of very narrow streets and often small cottages huddled together in picturesque haphazard arrangement. Amazingly, frequent bus services run through these streets!

We found a small tea shop and bought take-away rolls which we ate, sitting on a bench in the centre of the village.

We also visited the Methodist Chapel - built octagonal so that the devil has no corner to hide in! It also claims to be the oldest continuously used Methodist Chapel.

Back down at the town we picked up a few items from the market and shops but failed to find any suitable new footwear for Mike. After returning to the boat we took a trip to the opposite bank to use the water point and sani station before setting off once more.

Just outside Sowerby Bridge we moored up for the night and were about to settle down for a gentle rest before dinner, when Andrew discovered an outdoor shop just half a mile away. (He neglected to point out that most of that distance was close to the vertical!) After a debate we decided to take a look rather than wait until morning. It was an unprepossessing shop - it would be easy to pass it by if not actually looking for it - with an amusing owner who told us that most of his business now is being done over the internet. In any case, we were successful and Mike now has a new pair of boots which will no doubt soon be as muddy as the previous pair!

5.8 Miles - 9 Locks