LS1…

So, here we are, in the middle of Leeds. It’s always a bit of a long day, Leeds to Rodley or vice-versa, but there’s no real option. The moorings at Kirkstall are OK, but the grafitti-smeared sign and the tall buildings either side don’t commend them.

On Monday evening, after mooring near Calverley Bridge, I unlimbered the sack-barrow and made three trips back to another stack of logs on the towpath that I couldn’t get near enough with the boat. That’s the roof full, now. I decided not to saw it up, burning wood in Leeds City Centre is probably not a good idea, and it’s more compact in log form.

Yesterday we moved the mile to Rodley, mooring just before the swing bridge. So just one bridge to negotiate, which was perhaps as well in the gusty wind.

This morning Meg and I took a walk back along the canal then down to the river, crossing on the stone packhorse bridge.

The river’s a bit full, not looking promising for later…

We were off this morning at 09:15, needing to be at the top of Newlay Locks to meet our C&RT “elf” at 10:30. Just 3 more swing bridges, the first just 100 yards away…

Rodley Swing Bridge


...the last at Ross Mill.

Ross Mill Swing Bridge


We arrived at the top of Newlay Three-Rise at a quarter past ten, time for a walk around with Meg. I’d have started setting up but the paddle gear is all padlocked.

Waiting for the lockie.


It was Barry again, the chap who brought us down Bingley the other day. He was a little late as he’d been down into Leeds to sort out an over-plentiful supply of water at Granary Wharf. They were worried about flooding into the new Hilton Hotel!

Out of the bottom of Newlay and yes, there is plenty of water about!

Forge three are just a quarter mile further down.


The two triple staircases are out of the way and the next was a single, opposite Kirkstall Abbey

The abbey was another victim of Henry VIII’s desperate grab for cash during the Dissolution.

Kirkstall Lock


This was where we lost Barry, who set off to walk back up. From here we were on our own.

Spring Garden Lock was followed in short order by Oddys, a two-rise staircase, and by this time the Leeds fringes were becoming apparent.

Suburbia in the Aire valley at Spring Garden


Castleton Mill below Oddys two.


New footbridge over the river at Holbeck


Last lock of the day, Office Lock


We would have dropped down River Lock and made for Clarence Dock but the river is up as expected, and running rapidly. So we pulled into Granary Wharf instead. We’ll move downstream when conditions improve. Could be in the New Year, then!

Moored at Granary Wharf


Unless anything extraordinary happens, this will be my last post before the big event. So here’s wishing all our friends a very Happy Christmas!!

Locks 12, miles 6¼