Huddersfield

Off in good time as we needed to make it to the middle of Huddersfield by tonight if we are to reach Marsden on time Tuesday afternoon.

Our route took us back the way we came yesterday, up river to Wakefield and then the various canal and river sections. The flood gates at Fall Ing look as if they were once the top gates for a large lock but turned around to face the river. More recently the level has been raised as with the flood lock in Wakefield itself.

We now had to learn the reverse technique for short locks, a bit different from going down hill. In this case it is a little easier but much greater vigilance is needed from both the lock-side crew and the steerer as the lock is filled. One bottom gate is opened and once the boat is as far forward as possible the stern is brought round behind the closed gate, thus allowing the other one to be closed. The order for opening paddles does depend on individual lock design and the lower locks are very varied, although most of the first stretch are quite long.

We had planned to use the facilities at Shepley Bridge but another boat had just moored there and was making use of them. It also looked rather a challenge to get into and out again as permanently moored boats obstructed the access. Instead, we stopped a few metres ahead on the visitor moorings for lunch, planning now to stop in Aspley basin for servicing.

Off again and before long we arrived at Cooper Bridge, the junction between the Calder and Hebble and the start of the Huddersfield Broad canal. There are nine locks up to the town centre, all just long enough for our 60 ft boat to pass through. Most of the paddles have a rather good mechanism which we have not encountered anywhere else.

Several of the locks have cranked balance beams. Normally, these are the result of bridge widening which makes it impossible to fit in full length beams. However, these are adjacent to original accommodation bridges - so why?

By now it was a pleasant afternoon, warm enough and with occasional blue skies. After completing the nine locks, the next unusual feature is the old Loco Lift Bridge, now thankfully properly mechanised. Sadly, we held up no traffic!

Shortly afterwards we arrived in Aspley Basin and duly filled with water, emptied the elsan and disposed of rubbish! The next bridge seems impossibly small from the nearby footbridge but is bigger than it seems although the steerer does have to duck!

Just beyond this bridge we moored for the night as the start of the ascent to Marsden begins immediately ahead of us. We shall soon find out what the water level conditions actually are - rumours abound!

17.6 Miles - 29 Locks