A Walk Along the Canal Towpath

We had planned on taking the three grandchildren to Newby Hall & Gardens today, but due to the heavy rain last night, and this morning, the trip was called off. However by early afternoon the weather had taken a turn for the better, so we hastily arranged a walk on the canal side from Kildwick to Skipton. Olivia wasn't able to join us as she had made other arrangements, but Mollie and Tom were able to come.

We had only just got out of the car after parking it by the canalside when I noticed the name on this boat - Mollie!


Within minutes another boat had appeared from the Skipton direction, and the swing bridge was swung open to give it access on its journey towards Keighley.

We noticed that this Swan was quite tame, and on closer inspection we discovered that the reason was that the boat owner was feeding it from the open window!

Even the ducks along the towpath were fairly trusting and friendly. Unfortunately we didn't have any bread to feed them with!

Mollie, Tom, Dot and Ruby set off walking towards Skipton, whilst I stayed in the car, awaiting for a phone call to summon me. About an hour later it came through to say that they were passing where the old Craven Forge used to be, and would I collect them at Snaygill? As the weather was looking a little threatening I decided to drive on to Bradley, which is the next place where there is access to the towpath. Whilst I was waiting for them to arrive another boat passed through the swing bridge.

Once again there were plenty of ducks just waiting to be fed!

Unknown to the intrepid walkers I took this shot of them from across the canal.

Then called them. We moved on to the Bay Horse at Snaygill, where Tom,

and Mollie enjoyed tucking into a meal.

The walk had certainly sharpened their appetites!