Some views of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

We found the L&L very quiet, we were surprised there was not more traffic.

It is a very picturesque place to be.

The Melora following.

One of the many multiple locks to be found on the L&L we found these to be most interesting and fun to operate. Be aware though some of the ground paddles need a body builder to open them.

Some were manned by Lock Keepers and these are locked with a bar when they leave so you may have to wait until the next day.

We found the "Lockies" really helpful and they would phone ahead to the next lock so they knew you were coming. They also advised how far you would get before the locks closed and offered suggestions for moorings.

All of the locks and bridges require the Handcuff Key and at many of the swing bridges there are no mooring bollards or rings so you need either to stake a line out or hold the boat whist waiting.

The Bingley 5 rise. This is as far as we got as we had to be back home by Sunday. We did not go up the locks as we thought the Lockie might not appreciate us just going up, turning round and coming back.

We had no real problems on the cruise apart from the usual verbal abuse from the yobs in Knottingley. I don't know what it is with that town but 4 times now I've been through it and every time had the same.

There was a slight problem with kids at Office Lock in Leeds on the return trip. They kept shutting the gates as we tried to motor in so I had to be ashore and Gwyn took the boat in. But all in all a marvellous week and I for one can't wait to be out on the cut again.