We had left the Boat at Castleford following our trip to Leeds as we fancied trying the Wakefield branch of the Aire and Calder whilst at that neck of the woods. Saturday lunch we went on our way, initially going a mile up the main branch of the A&C to have lunch at The Boat Inn, Allerton Bywater which was well worth a visit. We then headed back to Castleford Junction and up the Calder
A family of swans followed us up the River Calder
The disused coal loading basin at Whitwood is now the pleasant moorings of Fairies hill and Altofts cut
Moored at Stanley Ferry
On exploring on foot I found this impressive view of the original aqueduct which was built over the River Calder in 1863.
From this angle you can see the original aqueduct along with the replacement which was only built in 1981 to allow renovation of the original structure. Coal from local collieries was loaded at Stanley Ferry right up to 1985 for transport down to Goole Docks in tub boats known as 'Tom Puddings'. To the right of the picture you can see the buildings belonging to the Canal and River Trust where lock gates are made for use all over the country.
New lock gates awaiting shipment.
The atmosphere was so nice at Stanley Ferry we are planning to go back again this weekend before heading back to our mooring at Pollington either Sunday or early next week as I'm working the next 2 weekends.
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