Winter on the Pocklington Canal
The weather forecast on Friday evening promised a stormy weekend with every thing from hail and snow through heavy rain and blustery showers to bright sunshine. Bit of a lottery really but it seemed that the Pocklington Canal tucked away in the flat lands of South Yourkshire gave the best promise of a good day out; and so it proved.
It's completely rural and one of the most important canals in the country for wildlife. Opened in 1818 it was never heavily used and commercial use ended in 1932. The navigation soon became derelict and was only saved by the efforts of local residents and waterways enthusiasts. As it is still not fully restored it is only partly navigable by canal boats. In practice you are very unlikely to meet one and are far more likely to come across fisherman or other canoeists. The main village near the canal is Melbourne at about its mid point. Here there is a very short branch leading into the village. There are a few canal boats moored here and a small car park. [Accessed down the unmade lane next to the Melbourne Arms] This would make a good start point but I chose to start just East of the village at Church Bridge where you can park on the north bank.
Back in the spring I had paddled the eastern section of the canal so on this occasion I aimed to paddle west towards the confluence with the River Derwent.
The first part of the route is very weed chocked
This soon gives way to open water at Melbourne
The route is crossed by a number of small bridges of various designs, most giving farmers access.
when canals were created the owners were obliged to provide access for adjacent land owners. Although some of the swing bridges are very low I was able to get under all of them.
Mid way you come to Gardham Lock. Egress is on the right. The canal west of here passes through very low lying marshy land which is important for wildfowl.
Access on the south side was a bit tricky.
On the way back I found it better to get out about 50 yards below the lock on the north bank as it was much lower.
For much of the journey I was accompanied by the resident mute swans. This pair let me get particularly close.
Hag Bridge is the only road crossing on this part of the canal. This view is looking back to it. Many of the bridges are listed ancient monuments.
As the canal swings south west I was paddling into a strong blustery wind. At least I would have its assistance on the way back.
Nearing its start the tiny hamlet of East Cottingwith is passed. Just beyond the waterway is blocked by this fallen tree. One of you who live local will no doubt be able to tell us how long its been like this.
A short way further I reached my destination at Cottingwith Lock where I had lunch.
I was turning round here though the canal continues for another couple of hundred yards to the confluence with the R. Derwent. I'll save this for another trip.
At just under five miles this is a lovely little trip. All that remained was to paddle the 5 mile return.
The route can be followed on this map: Pocklington Canal
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. Weather permitting will be playing out next weekend
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Originally Posted by aslan
May the gentleness of morning, greet your silent passage through endless waters...
