An Unexpected Stop at Apperley Bridge
Date:
From:
Calverley
To:
Applerley Bridge
Waterway:
Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Travel Time:
1 Hour
Distance:
2 Miles
Content:
Just Two Miles on a Scorching Day
10th August 2026 – it was another very hot day when we left Calverley, so we were more than happy that we only had a short cruise planned. Our destination was Apperley Bridge, just two miles away, and it took us around an hour to make the journey.
Boasley and I decided to walk the route while John took the boat along the canal. Now that we are back on the canal network, having left the rivers behind, we once again have proper towpaths to follow. It certainly makes life easier – particularly when you are trying to stay alongside the boat without having to negotiate fields, road diversions and completely disappearing footpaths.
We moored just past Milman Swing Bridge, at the bottom of the Dobson Lock flight, after finding a lovely spot where we could get Round Tuit nicely in against the towpath.
Low Water and a Change of Plan
This summer has been exceptionally hot and dry, and the lack of rainfall has had a noticeable effect on the waterways. Water levels are low, and finding a good place to moor can sometimes be more difficult than usual.
The Canal & River Trust have temporarily suspended the usual mooring restrictions because of the drought conditions. Normally, continuous cruisers are required to move on after a maximum of 14 days in one place, but reducing unnecessary boat movements makes sense when water levels are so low.
For us, the decision to stop at Apperley Bridge was largely down to practicality. The shallow canal edges were making it difficult to get the boat close enough to the towpath in some places. When we found a mooring where Round Tuit could sit nicely alongside the bank, it seemed sensible to take it.
At the time, we thought it might simply be a convenient place to stop for a couple of days.
As it turned out, we were about to become rather more settled than we had planned.
A Very Convenient Place to Be Stuck
We were already aware that the Canal & River Trust had begun restricting navigation ahead. Some locks were being closed, while others had limited operating hours as they tried to conserve water.
Then, last week, John returned from a walk with some news.
“We’re trapped.”
Well, perhaps trapped is a little dramatic – but the locks surrounding us had been closed, leaving us stuck in this pound for at least two weeks.
Fortunately, there are definitely worse places to find yourself unexpectedly stranded.
Apperley Bridge has everything we need. We have easy access to shops and buses, and, perhaps most importantly from Boasley’s point of view, there is a lovely big park where he can stretch his legs and have a good run around.
So rather than seeing it as being stuck, we have decided to think of it as an unplanned extended stay.
Making the Most of Our Unexpected Stop
We haven’t exactly been sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves.
Last week, we walked up to the top of Dobson Locks to watch the partial solar eclipse – not something we had expected to be doing when we first moored here.
Then, a couple of days ago, we took advantage of the good bus connections and headed off for a day trip to Harrogate.
There are certainly advantages to being forced to slow down occasionally. When you’re continuously cruising, there is always a sense of looking ahead: planning the next route, checking water points, working out where to moor and keeping an eye on where you need to be.
Being unexpectedly stationary gives you the opportunity to explore the area around you instead
Could the Rain Get Us Moving Again?
At last, the weather appears to be changing.
As I write this, it has started to rain, and after such a long, dry summer, the fields are beginning to look noticeably greener again. We’ve had quite a lot of rain over the past few days, with more forecast, so we’re keeping everything crossed that the extra water will eventually allow the locks ahead to reopen.
We’re more than ready to get moving again when the time comes.
Unfortunately, one thing is becoming increasingly clear. Our plans to reach Skipton in time to meet up with family are no longer looking possible.
It’s disappointing, of course, but that is life on the waterways. You can make plans, study the maps and work out exactly where you hope to be – but ultimately, nature often has the final say.
For now, though, we have a comfortable mooring, everything we need close by, plenty of places to explore and a very happy dog with a large park on his doorstep.
So, while we may be temporarily stuck at Apperley Bridge, there really are much worse places to be.
And with a little more rain, hopefully, it won’t be too long before Round Tuit is on the move again.
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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