Rover in Ripon
Barge Beagle – sniffing out good finds for crews with canines
THE Ripon Canal was once the northernmost limit of England’s connected canal system but with the opening of the Ribble Link, the Lancaster Canal to Tewitfield now holds this title.
However, reaching Ripon by boat is still considered a great feat – but what is there to do for boat crew and their canine companions once this important destination is reached?
Being a short canal (2.3 miles or 3.7km) walking the entire length of it is easy and offers a chance to take in the wildlife and some of the canal’s architectural delights.
From the compact basin, surrounded by a mixture of restored buildings and new yet sympathetically designed town houses, the towpath runs along the eastern bank. This is easily accessible, good underfoot and wide enough for wheelchair users.
Heading out of the town, on the opposite bank, stands the sanitary station which has won architectural design awards for its styling, which matches the former lock keeper’s house at Rhodesfield Lock.
Beyond the lock, the pretty tree-lined canal provides welcome shade in the summer months for boaters, walkers and fishermen. Anglers are provided with sturdy wooden platforms keeping them off the main thoroughfare.
Bell Furrows Lock stands adjacent to Ripon Racecourse Marina. From here, the route heads into the countryside where there is a bird sanctuary in wetlands formed from old gravel and sand extraction. Among its many visitors is the little ringed plover, a migrant wading bird.
Barge Beagle loved snuffling along this section, picking up the invisible scents of creatures which have already passed this way. The Ripon Canal has been awarded Green Flag status for its wildlife, accessibility, heritage and benefits to those living nearby. This honours the staff and volunteers, without whom this canal may never have been restored and reinstated for boaters in 1996.
For a circular walk, cross Nicholson’s Bridge and follow the path which arcs back towards Rhodesfield Lock. Otherwise continue ahead, passing the pretty red brick Renton’s Bridge, to reach Oxclose Lock allowing access on and off the River Ure, a pleasant spot where your dog can enjoy a paddle before the return walk.