The first thing that struck us about this wide waterway was the electrified locks.
Meeting a boat coming the other way can lead to problems with BW keys as these can't be
removed mid-lock. Swapping of keys on key rings is quite common therefore. Commercial
boats have right of way and expect plenty of wash as they don't slow down.
Expect lock keepers to close gates in front of you as well as they let out the
commercial craft. Mooring pins are definitely out. The journey to Castleford is quite
pleasant and interesting. Good moorings near the bridge. We tried the Old Mill but found
the beer sour; the Stones Bitter at the Garden House was much better but the place is
fairly ordinary. Didn't try the John Smiths at the Griffin. Useful shop near the bridge.
The scenery is surprisingly green due I think to much reclamation. Ferrybridge is
interesting and you make rapid progress on this wide and deep waterway. An excellent
lunchtime stop at the Bay Horse, Great Heck. Excellent value food and good John Smiths
Bitter (also spotted Tetley and Directors).
We came across lots and lots of anglers on this section. They all seem to be have been
ferried to their pitches by double decker buses. However the water is so wide that you and
they simply do not get in each others way. The waterway is entirely rural now as it
suddenly meets the New Junction canal. We turned right here.
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