The Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Yorkshire

   The Cruise

Each cruise begins from Skipton Canal Basin (or outside one of the local canalside hotels).  David Fitch is a friendly, experienced skipper, who will meet you and your party on the towpath.  He will then escort you on board Lizzie-Jean where you will be welcomed with a choice of hot drinks with croissants and jam, or home-made biscuits.  You will be briefed on the details of the journey you have chosen, including the essential boating tasks that at least one adult member of your party will be required to help with.  No special skills are necessary, but this stretch of the canal features a number of Swing Bridges which need to be opened and closed manually (see photo on right).  Additionally, if you have chosen to cruise as far as Gargrave, help will be needed to operate Holme Bridge Lock – again after receiving full instructions from your skipper on the lockside.

A variety of seating is available on Lizzie-Jean, both inside the cosy centrally-heated cabin, and on either side of the front "well-deck", where most passengers choose to sit during the cruise, enjoying the view, and maybe feeding the ducks snd swans (so do bring some bread along with you).  If you keep a sharp look out - you may see a graceful heron alongside the canal too and maybe even kingfishers!

In Spring, as you glide smoothly along the canal, you’re likely to see ducklings, cygnets and maybe families of goose or moorhen chicks. If you choose to travel southwards, you’ll be amazed by the stunning carpet of bluebells that covers the floor of Farnhill Wood (a secret known only to canal users!).  During the entire boating season the canal winds through leafy Yorkshire countryside with stunning views across the wide Aire Valley.

Those who wish to try steering Lizzie-Jean may do so under the supervision of the skipper - a former teacher and adult-trainer.  You may then feel confident enough to hire a canal boat yourself one day (see Links and Comments pages), but if you'd like more instruction why not book for a Boating Tuition day cruise?

Other Options:  If you fancy doing something on Lizzie-Jean that's a bit different to the above we will try to arrange it for you - please contact "the skipper" to discuss your ideas, e.g. in 2009 we were asked to provide an evening Champagne Cruise to a canalside pub during which a prospective husband would propose to his intended bride!