From River to Canal

This morning we slipped away from our mooring at Knottingley and immediately turned left into Bank Doles Lock. After spending the last couple of weeks on waterways where locks had largely looked after themselves, this was my first manual lock for some time.

Bank Doles Lock uses hydraulic gate paddles. While hydraulic paddles are usually easier to wind than traditional mechanisms, they certainly make you work for it in a different way. The paddles require many more turns to fully open and close, and by the time the lock was ready, I felt as though I’d had a proper workout.

Leaving the lock brought its own challenge. John had to steer the boat out onto the River Aire before carefully reversing back to the lock landing so that I could climb aboard. Once reunited, we were finally ready to begin our journey along the river.

A River Washed Clean

The River Aire feels wonderfully open here. The banks are low and sparsely wooded, allowing uninterrupted views across the surrounding farmland. Under an enormous blue sky, the countryside stretched away on both sides of the water.

The day itself could hardly have been more perfect. Overnight thunderstorms had washed the air clean, leaving everything feeling fresh and vibrant. The sun shone warmly overhead, but a gentle breeze drifting across the river kept the heat comfortable.

Water lilies were blooming across the surface, their flowers adding splashes of colour among the green leaves. Wildflowers lined the banks, while the first damselflies of the season darted back and forth around the boat like tiny living jewels.

For long stretches, the only sounds were the quiet whirr of the motor and the gentle lapping of water against the hull. It was one of those rare cruising days when the world seems content simply to drift by.

Signs of a Powerful River

Approaching Beal Bridge, something caught our eye high above us. Wrapped around one of the bridge legs was a large tangle of sticks and branches.

It was an impressive sight and a stark reminder of the river’s power. The debris had clearly been left behind during flood conditions, showing just how dramatically the River Aire can rise when heavy rain sweeps across the catchment.

Immediately beyond the bridge, the river forks. Avoiding the weir directly ahead, we turned sharply right and pulled into the short lock landing at Beal Lock.

The landing here isn’t particularly generous, making it a little tricky to get close enough for me to step ashore safely. Thankfully, we managed it without incident, and I headed up towards the lock.

Help from a Fellow Boater

As I walked towards the gates, I could hear John talking to someone behind me. Turning around, I saw another boater approaching, windlass in hand, accompanied by his cheerful little Cockapoo puppy.

Without hesitation, he offered to help us through the lock.

One of the joys of travelling the waterways is the willingness of people to lend a hand. Whether it’s sharing local knowledge, helping with a difficult manoeuvre, or simply offering a friendly greeting, the boating community rarely disappoints.

I was extremely grateful for the assistance, and before long we were descending through the lock and continuing our journey.

Cows, Corners and an Unexpected Grounding

Beyond Beal Lock the river became noticeably more winding. Several bends were surprisingly sharp, and we had been warned that silt can build up around the corners.

To be safe, John kept the boat well towards the centre of the channel. As we cruised, we found ourselves discussing whether the worst silting occurred on the inside or outside of the bends. Neither of us could remember.

Then the cows appeared.

At first there was just one standing at the water’s edge, cooling its feet in the river. Around the next bend we discovered many more. On such a warm day they had clearly decided that paddling was preferable to standing in the fields.

One adventurous cow had wandered a considerable distance from the bank, directly into our path.

As John carefully steered around the animal, he took the bend a little tighter than intended.

Suddenly the boat stopped.

We were aground.

For several nervous minutes we wondered whether our journey had come to an abrupt end. John tried reversing and moving forward, but the boat stubbornly refused to budge.

Eventually, using the bow thrusters to swing the front of the boat back towards deeper water, combined with plenty of engine power and some determined use of the stern thrusters, the boat slowly worked itself free.

Relief quickly gave way to laughter as we imagined the alternative – being stranded on a sunny river bend while curious cows looked on from the shallows.

Needless to say, we approached the next few corners with considerably more caution.

Leaving the River Behind

As the afternoon progressed, we eventually reached the junction where the River Aire continues ahead while the Selby Canal branches away to the left.

To enter the canal, we needed to pass through West Haddlesey Flood Lock.

This required a very sharp left turn from the river, and we’d been told that the lock is usually left open. We certainly hoped that information was correct. Had the gates been closed, John would have faced the awkward task of reversing back onto the river so that I could get ashore and work the lock.

Fortunately, the advice proved accurate.

The gates stood open and we were able to cruise straight through without stopping.

A Perfect Place to Pause

On the far side of the flood lock, a picturesque mooring stretched alongside the canal. Surrounded by greenery and enjoying complete tranquillity, it looked far too inviting to pass by.

We pulled in, secured the boat, and finally let Boasley ashore for a well-earned run around after the day’s travels.

After a day of open rivers, winding bends, helpful strangers, adventurous cows, and one slightly embarrassing grounding, it felt like the perfect place to stop.