Castleford

As we left Naburn on Monday morning the river level was back to normal but the water cascading over the weir was stained brown from its origins on the Yorkshire moors.

Peat stained water cascading over Naburn Weir

At first we travelled at about 4 mph until the tide turned and then after Cawood Bridge we started to pick up speed. 

Cawood Bridge.  The bridge-keeper not only swings the bridge for tall boats but also rings the lock-keepers to advise when boats pass through.  

When we reached Selby Lock we were flying along at 8mph but had to turn across the flow into the lock.  Kev sailed passed the lock and turned Brent III so she was pushing against the tide which gives better control.  Then he had to stop; an enormous tree trunk was floating passed the lock entrance.  On low revs Brent III paused mid-stream until our way was clear and then Kev powered her into the lock entrance.  

Back on the Selby Canal there was no such excitement, we had a steady run and enjoyed the autumn colours flanking the waterway.  Taking it easy we had 2 overnight stops before pulling out onto the non-tidal River Aire at West Haddlesey.  Power lines are strung across the fields and as we passed we spotted some workmen on a pylon. 

The workmen looked tiny on the pylon

Bank Dole Lock took us on to the Aire and Calder Navigation and turning west we continued to Ferrybridge where we moored up.  

Ferrybridge Power Station dominates the view from the canal

The next day we sailed through Ferrybridge flood lock back on to the River Aire which took us up to Castleford where we stayed for a few days.   The short walk into town took me passed Morley Waste Traders unusual entrance. 

Unusual entrance with a little dog made from scrap

Castleford is always busy and has a good indoor market.  It also has an excellent Chinese take-away, Oriental Delight, which we can confirm is still the best we've had.   The old pit tops are now a nature reserve and although I didn't see much wildlife the paths make a good walk for Bess and Brinny.  

Looking back at Castleford from the pit-tops with the River Aire on the left

Our journey from Naburn to Castleford