Skipton on the Leeds Liverpool Canal
Even the dog didn't want to get out of bed. She took one look at the wind and rain and hid. Not a promising start. A bit of wind and rain doesn't deter the true SOTP; even if he is in a kayak - I recon it's the spirit that counts.
Looking at maps the other night I realised that the Leeds Liverpool canal in the Skipton area was no further from me than the Lake District and as it must be all of 20 years since I was last down this way I decided that would be a good bet on a wild and windy day. On the drive down York local radio were enthusing that they could actually see some blue sky so that sounded promising and in fact the day turned out far better than I had expected.
For those of you who don't know the region Skipton is an attractive small market town on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. I won't go into it and the canal's history as you can find lots of information at http://www.skiptonweb.co.uk/history/index.asp save to say that this part of the canal was the first to be opened in the late 18th century.
If you're so inclined you can paddle a long way from Skipton
and the canal junction in the middle of the town makes a good start point with easy access to the water.
On this occasion though I decided to start at a small free parking space adjacent to the canal west of Skipton, paddle through the town and have lunch a couple of miles towards Leeds. You can see the route and distances on this map http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1443630
The folder was soon unpacked, I'm getting better.
In no time the first obstacle appears. No amount of limbo dancing was going to get me under this one. Portaging around is easy though as the banks are quite low.
The canal in this region is a 17 mile lock free pound between Gargrave and Bingley but as my guide book says the low swing bridges are a noticeable feature.
You are soon into the outskirts of town and before long the banks are full of narrow boats. The towpath is well used by locals and visitors alike and at the next low bridge I had the offer of assistance to lift the boat out.
Passing honey coloured buildings soon brings you to the canal junction.
This spot is a hive of activity but before stopping for a break I explored up the short Springs Branch which takes you along below the castle in a narrow ravine.
You pass under attractive bridges in what is the oldest part of the town. I turned round below the castle but you can continue a bit further.
Back at the junction I had a welcome break at this great cafe - highly recommended.
For those of you wanting more liquid refreshments there are no shortage of alternatives - there's even an outdoor shop right on the canal.
The skies had lightened and the early drizzle had stopped as I headed south out of town. This section is pleasant enough as it passes through Snaygill, but not awfully photogenic. In addition it must be said that the main road runs adjacent to [but below] the canal along this stretch which makes the traffic noise a bit intrusive.
What is it with cows and canoes?
The canal swings away from the road just before the swing bridge at Bradley. This one I could squeeze under and moor opposite the small car park and picnic area.
I'd chosen this spot as a destination to check out the parking for a future trip. doing this trip in an open boat it would have been more sensible to moor the boat on the Skipton side of the bridge and save the portage.
Turning round I was heading into an increasingly strong headwind but a good thing about canals is that you often get protection by the banks even on windy days. In spite of the traffic noise the journey back was most enjoyable, the narrow boats at Snaygill making an attractive scene.
The approach to the Springs Branch junction at Belmont Bridge was most attractive.
After I brief stop for coffee I retraced my route out to the west of the town.
This was a really interesting first visit and a place I would certainly recommend if you are interested in canals and are not just looking for a country paddle though the backdrop of the Yorkshire dales certainly is attractive.
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Originally Posted by retro
