Monday, 5 September 2011
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Whitley Bridge to Stanley Ferry
Saturday.
Another quiet night at Whitley Locks. Loads of washing up to do. Moved the boat up to Whitley Bridge near the Jolly Miller and walked in to the village to Spar and to pick up J's phone. Had a quick drink at the Horse and Jockey before seeting off eastwards. Passed Kellingley Colliery and Knottingley, before stopping off at Castleford for petrol. The man in the petrol sation said he was closed for one hour. Bizarre.
About an hour and a half later we left Cas and headed towards Stanley ferry where we know there is a canalside family pub. As we approached Birkwood Lock, it was beginning to go dark. We could hear at commotion and were told that the gates would not shut and that a set of keys were stuck in both sets of controls - something that should not ever happen! BW had been called out but there was no indication how long they would be. The two boat owners concerned both were a bit merry - to say the least - and we wondered if this had contributed to the situation. Rather than wait around, we moored the boat closeby and walked down to Stanley Ferry, about a mile.
In the pub, two of the boaters involved came in an hour or so after us, and at this point were making even less sense. Heading back, the lock was closed and both boats had gone.
Another quiet night at Whitley Locks. Loads of washing up to do. Moved the boat up to Whitley Bridge near the Jolly Miller and walked in to the village to Spar and to pick up J's phone. Had a quick drink at the Horse and Jockey before seeting off eastwards. Passed Kellingley Colliery and Knottingley, before stopping off at Castleford for petrol. The man in the petrol sation said he was closed for one hour. Bizarre.
About an hour and a half later we left Cas and headed towards Stanley ferry where we know there is a canalside family pub. As we approached Birkwood Lock, it was beginning to go dark. We could hear at commotion and were told that the gates would not shut and that a set of keys were stuck in both sets of controls - something that should not ever happen! BW had been called out but there was no indication how long they would be. The two boat owners concerned both were a bit merry - to say the least - and we wondered if this had contributed to the situation. Rather than wait around, we moored the boat closeby and walked down to Stanley Ferry, about a mile.
In the pub, two of the boaters involved came in an hour or so after us, and at this point were making even less sense. Heading back, the lock was closed and both boats had gone.
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Goole to Whitley Bridge
Spent a slow morning at the visitor moorings in Goole. At the Yacht Club preparations were being made for a gala day. Gent who we had met the day before asked us to move or boat so he could moor his boat on rings. We did this but then he didn't move his boat.
Cast off around 1 pm and headed upstream. Met a big cargo boat, the Humber Queen, coming the other direction. Minutes later we ran out of petrol mid-stream. After re-fuelling we carried to Pollington Lock where we had a few problems - i.e. the automatic gates would not open. Just as we were about to call BW, we heard a click and everything was working again.
We decided to stay at Whitley Lock again due to its pleasant location. As it was early we walked along the bank to Eggborough. The Jolly Miller pub is close to the water, but appeared to have fallen on bad times. It didn't serve meals and was up for sale. One of the customers said that the Horse and Jockey did "pizza and kebabs." It was about a ten minute walked on a roundabout. The pub was large but, as described, only sold pizza and kebabs, oh, and Black Sheep. We stayed for one and then went to the Spar next door to buy provisions. On the way back, along the cut, Joan realised she had not got her mobile phone. Steps were retraced but it was growing dark.
Back at the boat, K phoned J's mobile and it was answered by a lady in Spar. We said we would be back for it next day.
Dinner was pasta with courgettes and gorgonzola sauce with flatbread, eaten on the bankside. It was warm enough to sit out. No one else moored nearby.
Cast off around 1 pm and headed upstream. Met a big cargo boat, the Humber Queen, coming the other direction. Minutes later we ran out of petrol mid-stream. After re-fuelling we carried to Pollington Lock where we had a few problems - i.e. the automatic gates would not open. Just as we were about to call BW, we heard a click and everything was working again.
We decided to stay at Whitley Lock again due to its pleasant location. As it was early we walked along the bank to Eggborough. The Jolly Miller pub is close to the water, but appeared to have fallen on bad times. It didn't serve meals and was up for sale. One of the customers said that the Horse and Jockey did "pizza and kebabs." It was about a ten minute walked on a roundabout. The pub was large but, as described, only sold pizza and kebabs, oh, and Black Sheep. We stayed for one and then went to the Spar next door to buy provisions. On the way back, along the cut, Joan realised she had not got her mobile phone. Steps were retraced but it was growing dark.
Back at the boat, K phoned J's mobile and it was answered by a lady in Spar. We said we would be back for it next day.
Dinner was pasta with courgettes and gorgonzola sauce with flatbread, eaten on the bankside. It was warm enough to sit out. No one else moored nearby.
Friday, 2 September 2011
Whitley to Goole
Thursday 1 st September
Yet another slow start. Ate breakfast at the picnic tables. JB had lots of safe place where she could run around without harming herselfor anyone else. Lockside was immaculately kept.
Headed on downstream towards Goole. Saw herons and cormorants on the way. Passed the entrance to the New Junction canal and then was joined by Vermuyden's Dutch canal which runs in parallel with the Aire and Calder to Goole.
Moored at Rawcliffe Bridge but the Black Horse was closed. We ate lunch and just as we were preparing to leave it opened, around 4 pm. At the same time a stream of boats passed us coing up from Goole but none stopped. Unlike the older canals there doesn't not seem to be the same number of canalside pubs, but hti is perhaps because these waterways were built later to accommodate coal driven barges which went faster and did not need watering points for horses.
Made Goole late afternoon and walked over the swing bridges in to town. We couldn't find any waterfront pubs and ate (again) at a Weatherspoons.
On the way back we saw a swing bridge open to let a big cargo ship, the Baltic Sailor, back out. Quite a tight manoevre!
A couple of bigger boats passed us as we sat on the back. Clear, starry night.
Yet another slow start. Ate breakfast at the picnic tables. JB had lots of safe place where she could run around without harming herselfor anyone else. Lockside was immaculately kept.
Headed on downstream towards Goole. Saw herons and cormorants on the way. Passed the entrance to the New Junction canal and then was joined by Vermuyden's Dutch canal which runs in parallel with the Aire and Calder to Goole.
Moored at Rawcliffe Bridge but the Black Horse was closed. We ate lunch and just as we were preparing to leave it opened, around 4 pm. At the same time a stream of boats passed us coing up from Goole but none stopped. Unlike the older canals there doesn't not seem to be the same number of canalside pubs, but hti is perhaps because these waterways were built later to accommodate coal driven barges which went faster and did not need watering points for horses.
Made Goole late afternoon and walked over the swing bridges in to town. We couldn't find any waterfront pubs and ate (again) at a Weatherspoons.
On the way back we saw a swing bridge open to let a big cargo ship, the Baltic Sailor, back out. Quite a tight manoevre!
A couple of bigger boats passed us as we sat on the back. Clear, starry night.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Cas to Whitley
A slow start to the day...after all we are on holiday. We walked back into Castleford for supplies and petrol. Both pubs near the canal were closed and the area near the basin is derelict mainly with scrap yards etc. If it were cleared the basin could make a feature for the town but again the navigation passes through without most people being aware of it.
Made it past Fryston and Wheldale collieries and came to Ferrybridge with its imposing cooling towers. At Knottingley the Golden Lion looked promising, offering on boards outside food from 9.30 am til late. But inside, despite its position, it was a basic town boozer, with sticky carpets and nicotine stained paintwork. There wasn't even a veggie option, unless you count a cheese and chutney sandwich. We stopped for one.
After that the canal passed Kellingley Colliery. The water is very quiet and we saw few other craft except a couple of big barges.
Crossing under the M62 we came across Whitley Locks, with a grassed picnic area. We moored up for the night and had a Sherherdless Pie with home grown veg. Despite the motorway being so visibly near, it was pleasant and quiet.
Made it past Fryston and Wheldale collieries and came to Ferrybridge with its imposing cooling towers. At Knottingley the Golden Lion looked promising, offering on boards outside food from 9.30 am til late. But inside, despite its position, it was a basic town boozer, with sticky carpets and nicotine stained paintwork. There wasn't even a veggie option, unless you count a cheese and chutney sandwich. We stopped for one.
After that the canal passed Kellingley Colliery. The water is very quiet and we saw few other craft except a couple of big barges.
Crossing under the M62 we came across Whitley Locks, with a grassed picnic area. We moored up for the night and had a Sherherdless Pie with home grown veg. Despite the motorway being so visibly near, it was pleasant and quiet.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Horbury to Castleford.
Tuesday 30th August
All three of us slept well until 7 am. We had a drink and continued down the locks, under the M1 and through Wakefield. Joan has been to Wakefield many times with work and was not really aware of the canal. It bypasses the town about half a mile from the civic centre and cathedral so you don't really feel aware of the town. It is a shame as the waterfront is underused and has some great warehouse buildings. It could be an asset as it is in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, etc.
The lock at Fall Ing was very slow, in particular. The navigation changes to the Aire and Calder. There was a shower and amenities block at Stanley Ferry where we stopped, then we progressed down the river towars Castleford. The locks hereon were automated and slow to fill and empty. Lunch was had below deck before King's Lock. (No breakfast.)
Progressing to Castleford we tied up at the visitors' moorings, but the loos were out of order. It began to ain quite heavily so K had a snooze whilst J read Isiguru's Nocturnes. Around five we decided to go in to the town and have a look at some regeneration schemes that J had in a very marginal way been involved with at work. The main scheme is the new foot bridge over the weir by Allinson's Mill (as in the bread.) The bridge is impressive and well used and gives a great view of the weir below, but the mill is now boarded up. Such a shame for such a potentially fine building. Heading down Sagar St to the main shopping centre, there has been a superficial "tarting up" of the place, but it still remains a run down town, with a poor selection of shops. Litter strewed the streets, butchers swilled out on to the pavement and it was all a bit discount and shabby. There were no obvious eateries apart from takeaways and the few pubs were either shut or not the sort of place we'd frequent.
Back at the boat, we decided to turn up towards Leeds as there is a reknown pub at Allerton Bywater, the Boat. For a canalside pub, there were no moorings and we struggled to moor a few hundred metres onwards. At the Boat Inn the signs were not good. Despite what its sign and its website said, the pub did not do food on Tuesdays! Two other pubs in the town did not do food either, we googled the next pub in the next village upstream to find it had been flattened for houses. Our guidebook is from 2000, and we are fast learning that whilst canals do not change much, the amenities along them such as garages, village shops and pubs are disappearing.
We headed back to Castleford as a better place to moor, and decided to stay at the 48 hour moorings rather than the visitor moorings as there were more boats around and less drunks on benches. J googled restaurants in Castleford and 9 out of 11 that came up were at the Xscape ski complex on the M62, about two miles from the town centre - on the former Glasshoughton colliery. The only place we found was a JD Weatherspoons on Bank Street. A former Post Office, now aptly renamed the Glassblower's, it served a limited menu for veggies, most of which involved veggir Lincolnshire sausages. We both order bangers, mash and mushy peas. This came a little too quickly and was presented with the applomb of a school meal. Still it's food. The place was busy, mainly with groups of middle aged women, who seemed to be enjoying themselves. One could not help think Xscape has affected the offer of restaurants here, as there didn't seem to be any Italian or other independent restaurants in what is quite a large town. Even Bolsover has an Italian.
Tired, we headed back to the boat and to bed (but typically J woke at 1 am, couldn't sleep, and sat on the back of the boat to write this.)
All three of us slept well until 7 am. We had a drink and continued down the locks, under the M1 and through Wakefield. Joan has been to Wakefield many times with work and was not really aware of the canal. It bypasses the town about half a mile from the civic centre and cathedral so you don't really feel aware of the town. It is a shame as the waterfront is underused and has some great warehouse buildings. It could be an asset as it is in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, etc.
The lock at Fall Ing was very slow, in particular. The navigation changes to the Aire and Calder. There was a shower and amenities block at Stanley Ferry where we stopped, then we progressed down the river towars Castleford. The locks hereon were automated and slow to fill and empty. Lunch was had below deck before King's Lock. (No breakfast.)
Progressing to Castleford we tied up at the visitors' moorings, but the loos were out of order. It began to ain quite heavily so K had a snooze whilst J read Isiguru's Nocturnes. Around five we decided to go in to the town and have a look at some regeneration schemes that J had in a very marginal way been involved with at work. The main scheme is the new foot bridge over the weir by Allinson's Mill (as in the bread.) The bridge is impressive and well used and gives a great view of the weir below, but the mill is now boarded up. Such a shame for such a potentially fine building. Heading down Sagar St to the main shopping centre, there has been a superficial "tarting up" of the place, but it still remains a run down town, with a poor selection of shops. Litter strewed the streets, butchers swilled out on to the pavement and it was all a bit discount and shabby. There were no obvious eateries apart from takeaways and the few pubs were either shut or not the sort of place we'd frequent.
Back at the boat, we decided to turn up towards Leeds as there is a reknown pub at Allerton Bywater, the Boat. For a canalside pub, there were no moorings and we struggled to moor a few hundred metres onwards. At the Boat Inn the signs were not good. Despite what its sign and its website said, the pub did not do food on Tuesdays! Two other pubs in the town did not do food either, we googled the next pub in the next village upstream to find it had been flattened for houses. Our guidebook is from 2000, and we are fast learning that whilst canals do not change much, the amenities along them such as garages, village shops and pubs are disappearing.
We headed back to Castleford as a better place to moor, and decided to stay at the 48 hour moorings rather than the visitor moorings as there were more boats around and less drunks on benches. J googled restaurants in Castleford and 9 out of 11 that came up were at the Xscape ski complex on the M62, about two miles from the town centre - on the former Glasshoughton colliery. The only place we found was a JD Weatherspoons on Bank Street. A former Post Office, now aptly renamed the Glassblower's, it served a limited menu for veggies, most of which involved veggir Lincolnshire sausages. We both order bangers, mash and mushy peas. This came a little too quickly and was presented with the applomb of a school meal. Still it's food. The place was busy, mainly with groups of middle aged women, who seemed to be enjoying themselves. One could not help think Xscape has affected the offer of restaurants here, as there didn't seem to be any Italian or other independent restaurants in what is quite a large town. Even Bolsover has an Italian.
Tired, we headed back to the boat and to bed (but typically J woke at 1 am, couldn't sleep, and sat on the back of the boat to write this.)
Dewsbury to Horbury
Monday 29th August 2011
Our first holiday away since Peru, after an aborted trip to the Lancaster canal.
We had originally decided to leave on Sunday after the Belgian GP, but we had been to our allotment in the morning and had bag loads of beans and peas to pod and freeze. So went went on Monday around noon. By the time we had loaded the boat it was around three. The weather was threatening and windy, but we set off down the Dewsbury arm and then turned east on to the mainline of the Calder and Hebble. The locks are doubles and some can be quite stiff. Some were damaged and only had one paddle working. There was a little rain. Jenson (our dalmatian) did not know what to do and swapped between being inside and out. We made good progress down to Horbury bridge where we spotted a pub advertising Black Sheep and moored up for the night. Sadly as it was a Bank Holiday the pub was doing a BBQ only and that had all finished so we decided to press on to the next pub stop at Broad Cut Top Lock. This was more promising though the landlady said they did not allow dogs in due to them serving food. It was too chilly and damp to sit outside so, with some trepidation, we left JB on the boat and headed to the bar. The choice of fayre was not wide and we both opted for brocolli and Camenbert quiche with chips. (On the menu it came with a bread roll!) For a Bank Holiday the pub was empty, bar one couple in the corner with a small child. We drank Barnsley Acorn Ale.
When the meal came we both had the same thought: "Is that it?" There was a tiny piece of quiche with maybe six or seven chips and some very damp iceberg lettuce. Meanwhile the landlady's four dogs ran through the dining area! Still hungry we retired to bed for a quiet night, apart from the boat next door which ran its generator until late.
Our first holiday away since Peru, after an aborted trip to the Lancaster canal.
We had originally decided to leave on Sunday after the Belgian GP, but we had been to our allotment in the morning and had bag loads of beans and peas to pod and freeze. So went went on Monday around noon. By the time we had loaded the boat it was around three. The weather was threatening and windy, but we set off down the Dewsbury arm and then turned east on to the mainline of the Calder and Hebble. The locks are doubles and some can be quite stiff. Some were damaged and only had one paddle working. There was a little rain. Jenson (our dalmatian) did not know what to do and swapped between being inside and out. We made good progress down to Horbury bridge where we spotted a pub advertising Black Sheep and moored up for the night. Sadly as it was a Bank Holiday the pub was doing a BBQ only and that had all finished so we decided to press on to the next pub stop at Broad Cut Top Lock. This was more promising though the landlady said they did not allow dogs in due to them serving food. It was too chilly and damp to sit outside so, with some trepidation, we left JB on the boat and headed to the bar. The choice of fayre was not wide and we both opted for brocolli and Camenbert quiche with chips. (On the menu it came with a bread roll!) For a Bank Holiday the pub was empty, bar one couple in the corner with a small child. We drank Barnsley Acorn Ale.
When the meal came we both had the same thought: "Is that it?" There was a tiny piece of quiche with maybe six or seven chips and some very damp iceberg lettuce. Meanwhile the landlady's four dogs ran through the dining area! Still hungry we retired to bed for a quiet night, apart from the boat next door which ran its generator until late.
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