Apperley Bridge

We had a plan: leave in good time,like 8 o'clock, go down the lock to the sanitary station, empty the elsan (it needed it as there are no facilities in Clarence Dock, apart from water and electricity which you cannot buy at weekends) - then return back up the lock and still be on  our way by 8:45 or better.


Crown Point Bridge

Well, we left on time and came back up the lock on time but, alas, in between we failed to empty the elsan as the facilities are broken and out of use! The next nearest is above Apperley Bridge.

River Lock

Another lock on the river and we were finally on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal which will be home (at least for the boat) for the better part of the next two or three weeks. Sadly, in the morning's emails was a notification that our application for a passage through the Liverpool Canal Link has been unsuccessful as the first available space is not until the middle of September. We will have to plan much further ahead next year . . .

Buddleia

Whilst waiting to enter River Lock Mike spotted this buddleia growing out of the lock entrance walls - Christine has been complaining that we have not included any photos of buddleia even though it is almost as much in evidence at the moment as the ubiquitous Japanese Balsam.

Ground Paddle

Ground paddles in the section are mostly of a unique design - the horizontal bars are rotated, turning a screw mechanism inside the box structure to lift the paddle. Unfortunately, because it is not easy to tell when the paddle is fully up, turning the bars further pushes the mechanism against the bolts that hold it down. Many of the mechanisms are in poor condition and often not easy to operate. On the other hand, most of the gate paddles are fitted with a reduction gear and are turned easily - only down side is the number of turns!

Apartment blocks, both modern and conversions of older industrial buildings, dominate the scene for the next section - but rarely are they boring slabs - no two even start to look similar. One of the great things about the regeneration of Leeds city centre, although we have no idea how good they are to live in!

Oddy Staircase

Oddy Locks are the first of several staircases on this side of the Skipton. These are just two and later sets of three make a better photo - come to that soon, promise!

We were now beginning to leave Leeds rapidly behind us as we continued to climb. Very quickly the canal becomes very green and insulated from any developments on either side - although by lunch time we were definitely in the countryside.

Kirkstall Abbey

The ruins of Kirkstall Abbey could be seen in the distance.

Forge Locks Staircase

Forge Locks were the first staircase set of three and we were greeted by the seasonal lock keeper - both this set and Newlay just a little further on, are usually manned in order to reduce the amount of damage through misuse and to keep a check on vandalism. Sadly, the locks from Leeds to Newlay are kept shut after 18:00 - otherwise pounds are frequently emptied overnight. Forge Locks seem popular with young lads and older who dive into the seep locks from the footbridges! At least the water si very clean along here.

Handcuff Lock and Key

Most of the locks and swing bridges on this canal are protected by 'handcuff' locks - in case, dear reader, you are wondering what these look like, here is a picture that also includes the key used to unlock them (the long barrel shape) - the others are for different anti-vandal locks. Handcuff locks are very simple and tough in construction - a captive threaded bolt is turned using the key (which has a square inset to match the end of the bolt) and this screws into the other part of the handcuff. Simple,  but the only problem is that sometimes it is a bit difficult to make the chain stretch the right way.

Newlay Locks Staircase

Newlay Locks are also manned - this keeper was particularly chatty and was happy for us to tie up at the end of the lock landing above the flight so that we could have our lunch.

Swing Bridge 219

Next came the first in a long series of swing bridges, a particular feature of the Leeds and Liverpool: there are many more to come and not all as easy as this one was to open and close.

Although towns would soon return to the canal side, at this stage we were really and truly in a rural setting.

Millman Swing Bridge

The swing bridge in Apperley is mechanised and carries quite a bit of traffic so there was a satisfying queue by the time the boat had passed through. Rather worrying was the number of care that jumped the lights once Christine had started the automatic mechanism and the flashing lights were showing.

Dobson Locks Staircase

Finally, today, came the Dobson two-lock staircase with very deep locks. Two young girls plus mother were very keen to help - we had quite enjoyed all day having varying ages of onlookers helping out. It is always rather agreeable when young people want to become involved in something as intrinsically quite simple and historic. We have to admit it, but we do actually rather enjoy teaching people of any age how locks work.

Sadly, the middle gates of this flight leaked badly and it was not possible to prevent some water pouring into the front well deck as we only just fit into the length with little to spare. What we could have avoided was leaving two library books on the front. We will have to own up when we return home as both are now wet through.

We moored above the lock - here were disposal facilities (and a shower if we had wanted it) but we could not go any further as we have to pick up a key from Apperley Marina for the mooring we have booked in Shipley (which they also manage). Unfortunately, the marina is closed on Mondays so we will have to walk back down in the morning. We need to reach Shipley in good time as Mike has to catch a train back to Thorne to collect the car. Christine snapped the heron on the bank opposite our mooring.

9.8 miles - 17 locks (including Leeds Lock twice)