Locks, Swing Bridges and a Familiar Boat
Date:
From:
Text
Leeds
To:
CalverleyÂ
Waterway:
Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Travel Time:
6 1/2 Hours
Distance:
7 Miles
Content:
Leaving Leeds Behind
Thursday 6th August 2026 began with us waking up in Leeds, ready for a change of scenery. As much as we had enjoyed our time in the city, today we were heading out towards Calverley – and looking forward to swapping the bustle of Leeds for something a little more peaceful.
It was a hot, sunny day, and we had quite a journey ahead of us. Although the distance was only seven miles, this was certainly not going to be a quick cruise. By the time we reached Calverley, 6½ hours later, we had travelled through 12 locks and crossed four swing bridges.
This was definitely one of those days when seven miles doesn’t quite tell the whole story.
A Busy Day of Locks
The route out of Leeds kept us busy from start to finish.
We worked our way through single locks, one flight of two locks and two separate flights of three locks. Add in the four swing bridges, and there was plenty to keep us occupied – especially in the heat.
Fortunately, we had some welcome help along the way.
At both Forge 3 Rise Locks and Newly 3 Rise Locks, we were assisted by Steve and Mark, two incredibly friendly and helpful volunteer lock keepers.
Their help was particularly valuable because this summer’s drought conditions have made careful water management essential. With water levels already low, getting the operation of the locks wrong can have a significant impact on the pounds between them. Too much water lost in the wrong place can leave a stretch of canal dangerously low, potentially causing problems for every boat following behind or moored ahead.
Steve and Mark understood how to carefully manage the available water, while still helping boats make their way through the lock flights. It was reassuring to have experienced people on hand –  and their friendliness made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Facing My Nemesis!
Of course, there was one final obstacle standing between us and our destination. My nemesis, Moss Swing Bridge!
After a long day in the hot sun, navigating locks and bridges, we finally made it through Moss Swing Bridge (with the help of some people who had come out to watch but ended up getting hands on) before continuing on towards Calverley.
There is something particularly satisfying about getting past the one feature on the route that you have been worrying about. Once the bridge was safely behind us, it felt as though the hardest part of the day was finally over.
From City Streets to Rural Views
The contrast between Leeds and Calverley couldn’t have felt much greater.
After the noise and activity of the city, not to mention our recent adventures navigating the sometimes unpredictable rivers, it was wonderful to finally be surrounded by much more rural scenery.
We found a lovely mooring in Calverley, where we could finally relax and enjoy a quieter pace of life.
After 6½ hours of cruising, 12 locks, four swing bridges and plenty of sunshine, we were certainly ready for it.
A Smithwood Boat Just Ahead
As if arriving at a beautiful rural mooring wasn’t enough, we soon discovered another unexpected connection.
Moored just ahead of us was Electra, another Smithwood narrowboat.
It was lovely to see another boat built by the same builder as Round Tuit, and it gave us plenty to talk about. We spent quite a bit of time chatting with Electra’s owner, Chris – better known in boating circles as Pink Hat Man.
Chris had plenty of stories to share about his experiences on the canals and rivers, and we really enjoyed comparing boats, experiences and life on the waterways.
One of the things we love most about this lifestyle is that you never quite know who you are going to meet. Sometimes you arrive at a new mooring expecting nothing more than a quiet evening, only to discover that the boat tied up nearby has a connection with your own.
Other Stories:
Locks, Swing Bridges and a Familiar Boat
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Maintenance Complete and the Next Adventure Begins
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A Short Cruise to Woodlesford and Preparing for Winter
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Shared Locks, Sunshine and a Fresh Start
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