Skipton

After another night just above Gargrave, I tackle the first of many swing bridges - there are 33 on the way to Leeds and most have nowhere to tie up on the offside (where you need to be to open the bridge). 

Actually I lied - I did not tackle the bridge - another boat was going through and I piggy-backed.

The introduction to Skipton consists of the rows of terraced houses common to this part of the world.

The canal is very much integral to the heart of Skipton and this is the start of the Springs Branch where most of the canal based activity is centred - from half hour trips to full narrowboat hire.

Tribute to one of Yorkshire's greats, Freddie Truman - fast bowler for Yorkshire (1949-1968) and England (67 tests and 300 wickets).  He would have achieved much more had he not been in almost constant conflict with the establishment, accusing them of snobbishness and hypocrisy. Harold Wilson once described him as the greatest living Yorkshireman.

Transformed the next day into a beach complete with Punch and Judy as part of the Yorkshire Day celebrations

The Springs Branch runs for half a mile from the main canal around the back of the castle to a former stone loading wharf. The branch opened in 1797 and was built for Lord Thanet, who lived in Skipton Castle and owned the limestone quarries served by the branch. Stone was brought from the quarries by tram to be loaded into boats for the journey down to Leeds.

There is a very pleasant walk up the branch with the canal on one side and the river on the other.

The canal almost runs under the mediaval castle, one of the best-preserved in England, sitting on a hilltop overlooking the tree-lined High Street

Unfortunately I decided against a castle visit because of James. I should have gone - it would have been a lot less painful on the wallet than the malt whisky shop. Over 1000 malts and the owner reckons he has 3 times as many at home!

I had to stop here for a pint.

And make a difficult choice!

Also picked up a fresh crab, at the street market, for lunch.  And a new pair of boots as well as the malts, so Skipton was an expensive place for me!

4 miles; 0 locks

TOTAL:  495 miles (196 miles broad, 40 miles river); 244 locks (111 broad); 37 moveable bridges