Wednesday 17 August 2016

Very quiet night but I wasn’t convinced that it would be so it took a while to fall asleep!

We set off about 10am and had a pleasant chug through five more locks – not another boat in sight!  There were some nice people around that stopped for a chat on the towpath who were fascinated to see the locks actually being used.  Shame it is so under used - it's probably the amount of locks - nine in just three and a quarter miles.  At 57' we are the longest boat that can do this stretch as the locks are only 57'6" long.  When we leave here we will join the Huddersfield Narrow Canal

There was no rubbish in the canal which makes a nice change when you are approaching a main town but there was a bit of graffiti on the bridges and after the third lock all the paddles needed an anti-vandalism key to open them.

We arrived at Turnbridge Loco Liftbridge – another amazing structure on the canal – it’s electric today but I am sure it would have been hand wound when it was put in – when I went to open it a man came running out of the mill next to it and said I have worked here for 30 years and have never seen it open – he had his camera with him – I think it made his day and The June Rose makes it into another photo album!

We checked into the Marina and went for a walk around Huddersfield – not very busy at the moment but I bet it is a different story in September when the Uni term starts.  Another nice town, again with some great architecture and all framed by hills and countryside when you look to the end of the roads.

We are going back to London for a few days but think we might stay in Huddersfield for a couple of nights when we get back.

Leaving the gap in the hedgerow that afforded us a TV signal!

Most of the locks have a pretty stone bridge in front of them.  

We've learnt now that when climbing up the canal if we are alone in the lock we tie the boat up before we start filling!

The John Smith Stadium - Huddersfield Town FC.

A tight left hand turn under the bridge.

Arriving at the Turnbridge Loco Liftbridge.

It still uses the chains and wheels to lift the road part of the bridge up. 

This is unusual as the road goes straight up rather than lifting on a hinge from one side.

Road back in place - it was built in 1865 - 100 years older than me!

Arriving in Apsley Basin which passes through the heart of Huddersfield.

Everybody's got one!

Look at the lion up there and the countryside in the distance!

Another town that has made an interesting property into a mini shopping centre.

The Railway Station!

The George Hotel - we went to have a look but unfortunately it was all closed up - we think this can only have happened recently as the flags are still flying and the window box flowers are not quite dead.

A very grand building for an Indian Restaurant!

Another open market - we will have to come back when it is open.