Aire and Calder Cruise to Leeds photos to come

Saturday 30 July Leeds

A sunny start to the day in Clarence Doc, Leeds. A few late night revellers had shouted a wee bit, but we had a decent night's sleep. John cut quadrant beading to fit on the cratch windows to reduce water ingress, and primed them, before we had a quick visit to the Royal Armories museum, 10 yards away. With the sun blazing down, we enjoyed our ride on the free water taxi up to the River Lock (the start of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal), where we disembarked with excited children from a lively asian family. Granary Wharf by the lock is a possible mooring. We passed through the station to the busy city centre filled with people, shopping centres, plenty of good shops and both indoor Victorian (great architecture) and outdoor markets.

Returning by foot, we visited Leeds minster as a wedding finished and bells were rung. Apparently there are 13 bells here (one for tolling or clock?). It has lovely stained glass and altar, but has unusual balconies dating from the 1840s, when 2000 attended this, the only church in Leeds then, before the Rev Hook had over 20 more built. John continued painting and brassoing until Tim Thornalley, Laura and Naomi arrived for a brief visit. Jeremy Corbyn was making a speech today close by, to thousands of supporters.

Friday 29 July Lemonroyd to Thwaites Mill and Leeds

Rain discouraged the Pokemon hunters, joggers and dog walkers, except for a hardy few. Once it faired up, we set off up four large electric locks towards Leeds, passing plenty of boats. John had to take avoiding action in one, reversing fast as a boater lost control or simply had no idea!

We stopped at Thwaites Mill, which looked interesting – good decision! The old grinding mill was complete and well worth a visit: Well done, Leeds City Council! Reaching Leeds, we passed two push tugs with dumb barges working with a dredger on a huge raft in mid-river, just below the flood lock. After passing up Leeds Lock, it was a sharp turn into Clarence Dock to floating pontoon visitor moorings in front of the Royal Armories Museum. We sang Happy Birthday to Liana's and Ali's mum Flo, 86 today.

water taxi in Clarence Dock, Leeds

John and Annie at Clarence Dock

Annie at Clarence Dock, Leeds

The Royal Armories, Leeds was yards from Annie!

 

Thursday 28 July through Stanley Ferry to Castleford and onto Lemonroyd

Wednesday 27 July Dewsbury Double Locks to near Stanley Ferry

Tuesday 26 July South Pennine Boat Club to Mirfield and Dewsbury Double Locks

Fitting in cratch woodwork and cover, Ali plus baggage, we offloaded and shopped by car in Mirfield LIDL. We arranged to leave the car at SPBC, above Battyeford Lock, set off and ate in Mirfield, then through Shepley Bridge and Greenwood Locks, onto the river to Dewsbury Long Cut. We moored near the foot of the Double Locks, by the Dewsbury Arm.