On Towards Leeds–Sunday 22nd May

A lovely sunny morning as we left our mooring in Shipley passing these palms growing next door.

This unusually decorated ex lifeboat was moored at Shipley Wharf and a little further out of town was the Shipley Hand Crafted Brewery and shop.

We continued on through the Field and Dobson staircase locks and on to Appley Bridge where we had a pump out at the Calder Valley Marina. The chap who did the pump out was telling us that he and his wife had just taken over the Marina Cafe which looked a very nice place. He had been a professional jockey and although out of it for some years still missed the life every day. Appley is a growing village and there were some nice new developments like these below. It is in easy commuting distance to Leeds by train or bus and the countryside just outside the village is stunning especially considering we are now so close to the City.

Our mooring for the night was just outside the village of Rodley surrounded by the Aire Valley. Just beyond the trees and on the other side of the river and rail track a new village is being built and yesterday we passed through the new station which will service it .

A short walk down the canal took us to the Tiny Tea Rooms for afternoon tea. We were too late for the scones and clotted cream tea as the towpath had been busy all day and they had nearly run out of every thing. However, June and Graham had huge portions of Apple Pie whilst Carolann and I had delicious fruit cake. You do have to sit outside but there is one area which is under cover should it rain. We thought that the lady and gentleman serving the food must live on the Dutch Barge moored next to it as we saw them pop into it a couple of times.

I had a stroll around the village which is on a busy road with a couple of pubs and restaurants as well as several hair salons. The top pictureshows one of the nice gardens backing on to the canal and opposite were these delightful little Shetland ponies; even the short grass came up to their stomachs.

Exploring down by the river I found this old Packhorse bridge built in 1775 with the cobbled street leading down to it via the Railway Pub and with the cobbles continuing over the bridge.