Aire and Calder Navigation

From Leeds to Woodlesford - 1st July 2017

Aire and Calder Navigation, Leeds

One sunny Saturday afternoon I met up with my parents to do the walk on the Aire and Calder Navigation.  We started at Leeds Dock and began our six mile walk towards Woodlesford.  It's certainly not my favourite stretch of the navigation;the unappealing River Aire with its industrial and rotting smells, the indefinite diversion near Thwaites Mill Museum and the overgrown weeds at the riverside!

There was some event happening at Thwaites Mill; with the sudden exodus of people on the towpaths and turning off there and the very loud music.  We could still hear the music half a mile or so further up the path.   The stretch somewhat becomes scenic and more to my liking after the Concrete and M1 Motorway Bridges.  The cut opens out to beautiful countryside which some of it comprises Rothwell Country Park.  In the the distance however we couldn't see the river for its rotting and overgrown weeds!

We finished the walk at Woodlesford Lock and walked through Woodlesford, rather the long way round, to the Midland Hotel.  We had a drink at its pub before catching a bus back to Leeds.  It was a good walk despite not being fan of navigations with its rivers.  I'm best sticking to man made cuts from now on!

From Leeds to Woodlesford - 23rd September 2016

Aire and Calder Navigation, South Leeds

I walked from Leeds Dock to Woodlesford. The walk was approximately 5-6 miles long via Hunslet, Thwaite Mills, outskirts of Rothwell, to Woodlesford Lock. The first part of the walk, after leaving behind the city centre's regeneration of its wharfs and docks, was rather dull and overgrown in parts. The passing areas are densely industralised and Thwaite Mills is rather an isolated attraction. I was diverted to the main road in Hunslet because of works being carried out on the Navigation and the path was closed.

Once I passed under the A1/M1 link bridge, the landscape became interesting and the remainder of the walk to Woodlesford was pleasant. I found Woodlesford Lock rather underwhelming after having high expectations of it after reading about it in the Canal and River Trust guides. Still I was able to finish the walk and walked into Woodlesford for a comfort stop before catching the bus home.  A return visit is expected in Woodlesford as I will be walking from Castleford to there on another walk. 

From Castleford to Woodlesford - 24th September 2016

A heron, Aire and Calder Navigation

I walked from Castleford Bridge to Woodlesford. The walk was approximately 5-6 miles via Allerton Bywater. The walk was very scenic with the numerous lakes and reservoirs dotted along the river.  There were some diversions away from the river on paths which aren't often trodden on! However I eventually rejoined the navigation at Lemonroyd Marina. This is a pleasant stretch of the navigation with dedicated walkways and paths in the Allerton Bywater area. The navigation is part of the Trans Pennine Trail from Mickletown to Leeds.

From Castleford to Knottingley - 22nd October 2016

Aire and Calder Navigation, Castleford

I walked from Castleford Bridge to Knottingley. The work was approximately 5-6 miles via Brotherton. It probably isn't my favourite stretch of the canal but transiting via Fairburn Ings was scenic and pleasurable.

I overcame my phobia of seeing poisonous toadstools! The diversion between Brotherton and Ferrybridge was challenging; I had walked on an almost unmarked trail through the field with overgrown nettles. I eventually crossed the old Brotherton/Ferrybridge bridge where I rejoined the navigation and walked on the tow path to Knottingley. I had an opportunity to explore to explore a bit of the town centre before getting the bus via Wakefield home!

Next challenge is to reach the navigation terminus at Goole with its more or less no towpaths!  In the meantime I will concentrate on the Wakefield Branch of the Aire and Calder Navigation.

From Castleford to Stanley - 3rd January 2017

Sunset over Stanley Ferry, Aire and Calder Navigation

To mark the New Year I decided to begin walking on the Aire and Calder Navigation (Wakefield Branch).  The original destination was to Wakefield but with the riverside paths overgrown with shrubs and vegetation, muddy terrain and litter populated it became a frustrating and time consuming walk.

I had to take an enforced diversion before Fairies Hill Lock near Whitwood.  I should have continued besides the river but I got fed up with the terrain and ended up walking on the main roads until I rejoined the Navigation at Altofts (after the M62 Bridge).  The remaining walk was mostly on a cut until I reached Stanley Ferry which is known for its Aqueduct which crosses over the River Calder.  I then made the decision to finish the walk there as there wasn't much daylight left and it would have been an unwise move to continue.  With hindsight from a future walk it was the right decision.  

I enjoyed a lovely meal at Stanley Ferry, a Hungry Horse Chain Pub/Restaurant, and caught the bus home via Wakefield.   Just under two miles to Wakefield.

From Thornes to Stanley - 12th February 2017

Aire and Calder Navigation, Stanley

I wanted to complete the "missing link" between both the Aire and Calder and Calder and Hebble Navigations.  My last walk on the navigations were from Mirfield to Thornes and from Castleford to Stanley.  The link wasn't a long stretch but taking in consideration the riverside paths, its terrain and the diversions it would feel a longer walk.

I learnt from walking on the navigations is never to assume the mileage and timings as accurate because the stretch is part river and part canal.  Allow extra time for completing the stretches on the navigation.  

I started at Thornes, near Wakefield, the first part of the walk was following the actual river.  It was very challenging with the overgrown shurbs and vegetation, the muddy terrain, the amount of litter (a fridge was dumped there!), and it was drizzly.  My rain tote got damaged with the prickly shrubs and had to backtrack on riverside path as it suddenly ended!  I was able to join a road that was besides the river and led into Wakefield City Centre.

I stopped at The Wharfside Inn for a comfort stop and drink.  The friendly owner shared some of the pub's history and how the area was associated with the Calder and Hebble Navigation.  We exchanged our adventures on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and we challenged general canal related perceptions.

I continued on via the city centre - checked out Wakefield Waterfront and its Flood Lock and crossed Doncaster Road to complete rest of the navigation.  Falling Lock is where the navigation finishes and the Aire and Calder begins.  The first part of the navigation was river and joined the Trans Pennine Trail at Broadreach Lock where it was a straight cut to Stanley Ferry.  I felt a sense of accomplishment reaching Stanley and completing the "missing link".  Had coffee and dessert on my return visit to Stanley Ferry Pub/Restauarant and eventually got my buses home.

Now need to complete the remaining stretch on the Calder and Hebble Navigation after which I'll strictly stick to man- made canals! I think my navigation walking experiences are almost over!