We have started!

The Silver Propeller Challenge has started! Springs Branch, Leeds-Liverpool Canal

On the evening of 15th June David and Robin launched the canoe from Niffany Farm on the outskirts of Skipton for a short trip on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. 

Their objective was to reach the end of the Springs Branch of the canal. This would be the first of the 20 trips required to complete the Inland Waterway Association Silver Propeller Challenge.

It was only just over a mile of paddling to reach the junction of Springs Branch in the centre of Skipton. Here it bustles with activity - moored narrowboats and a lively pub and restaurant. But the branch canal is a much more tranquil experience as it narrows with Skipton Castle towering above. Soon, with the wooded hillsides climbing up from the canal, and thick, overhanging vegetation, it feels more like a tropical gorge. And suddenly, the ‘rock fall’ blocks further progress. This marks the achievement of our first challenge. Photos were taken as evidence.

Whilst the last 100 metres of this made for an intriguing paddle in a canoe we could see that the limited depth of water, fallen tree branches and other floating detritus plus overhanging foliage would make access by a larger boat quite difficult. A good reason for it to be on the Silver Propeller Challenge list as its ‘off the beaten track’ atmosphere and interesting history make it a very worthwhile detour from the main canal.

Springs Branch was opened in 1797 to serve a quarry owned by Lord Thanet who lived in Skipton Castle. Barges were loaded with stone via chutes – hence the apparent rockfall.

Pleasant return paddle punctuated by delicious bankside fish and chips from Bizzie Lizzie’s in Skipton. In all a lovely evening on the waterways