Leeds to Wakefield

Most of the day was cloudy but warm. Occasionally the sun broke through and then it was a lot hotter. Christine donned and doffed an extra layer several times!

Aire Valley Marina

First, a picture of the marina which we failed to add last night.

We wanted to catch up on our schedule which meant reaching Wakefield by this evening. Our estimate was that we might, if all went well, arrive by around 6:30. So long as we could find a mooring, this would be OK but all this was based on setting off as soon after 8 am as we could manage!

Spring Garden Lock

We crept out of the marina but another boat that had mentioned yesterday that they were leaving today to go downstream were watching for our start and quickly cast off the moment they saw us moving! We accompanied each other as far as Castleford where they finally decided to take the route towards Selby.

Oddy Locks Cottage

There is a former lock cottage alongside the Oddy Locks Staircase. Sadly it is currently unused but was once very splendid. We were told that its roof was replaced last winter but before the scaffolding was removed, all of the slates were stolen. At least at the moment it seems intact and waterproof!

Not all wall painting is unwanted graffiti - a splendid example decorates an otherwise unpretty wall alongside these same locks.

Much of the centre of Leeds has been re-developed by demolishing existing buildings - no doubt many of them were not especially good looking but here is one that is now, after standing idle, being converted to new uses.

Our first target was to get to Leeds, with what we had hoped would be an hour and a half to two hours away. However, working two boats together is always slower than alone so, coupled with the fact that the first lock had a problem filling, we did not pass the entrance to Clarence Dock until a quarter to 11! The result: non-stop for lunch today.

There is a range of new buildings in the centre of Leeds and we have commented on these before - some pictures which hopefully are a bit different from other blogs (but we have not checked yet!)

The round tower at Granary Wharf looks at first sight as if it is an imitation gasholder!

The Canal Office that lends its name to Office Lock was an impressive building no doubt from an age when carrying goods by canal was big business.

A blue plaque alongside the last lock on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal states, "In 1777 this robust stone building was constructed as a terminal warehouse for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal."

Calls Landing

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Leeds Lock

After passing Clarence Dock we passed through the first mechanised lock of the day - plenty yet to come. We were now on the River Aire and the navigation gradually became much wider. On this occasion we found the sani station working properly - too often it is vandalised or otherwise out of order, sadly.

Rose Wharf

From here on the locks too are very much larger and were built for the barges that once carried large quantities of coal and other bulk traffic. we were also surprised by how many narrowboats we saw on the move today . In the past we have had all the locks to ourselves, rarely sharing. Today, however, in most of the locks we shared with two other boats. Almost seemed crowded!

All of the collieries have now closed and almost all the evidence with them. Apart from some mis-shapen hills of left over debris, here is one of the few - a huge former unloading wharf. With some on the opposite bank there must have been room for at least a dozen barges to be tied up here at the same time.

Even these industrial locks attract visitors and at one Christine enjoyed showing a young girl, with her grandad, how to operate the huge gates at the push of a button.

A new form of wildlife . . .

Castleford Junction and Flodd Lock

At Castleford Junction we made a sharp right turn - quite exciting as we were going quite fast down stream into a river with the flow against us. At one point we were going sideways almost as fast as forward!

We soon caught and passed another boat, although they joined us at the next lock - we had to wait for a CaRT dredger to go up the lock ahead of us. They were on their maiden voyage after having spent three fitting out a sailaway boat which they had bought at Stanley Ferry. Alas they found that there is a problem with the propeller so were returning to base to have it fixed.

Three's a crowd

Through the remaining locks to Stanley Ferry we were again three in a lock. Not that there was any shortage of space!

Some rather larger craft can still be encountered on the Calder and Hebble - not sure what this one was doing, however.

Stanley Ferry Workshops

Plenty of lock gates under manufacture at Stanley Ferry Workshops.

There are two separate channels across the Stanley Ferry Aqueduct, built at different times in very different styles.

Memories of Broadreach Flood Lock from 2007 are etched in our minds but, thankfully, we went straight through this time and back onto the River Calder. Despite recent rain, this stretch was very placid although we know all too well that this can easily change.

We turned off the river at Fall Ing Lock. Although still comparatively large this is the first since Leeds that is not mechanised and quite heavy to operate.

Once through it was a short distance to Wakefield Flood lock where we hoped to find a mooring. Indeed there was plenty of space with no-one else staying here overnight. It is not a beauty spot but does appear to be safe enough and not too noisy despite the occasional screaming ambulance.

Mike walked towards the shops with the promise of Sainsburys in 10 minutes. After about 15 minutes he spotted Morrisons and diverted there!

20.2 miles - 16 locks