Stroll along the towpath
Spend a wonderful day discovering Pocklington’s hidden gem
Mention Pocklington and our minds immediately recollect Burnby Hall Gardens with tranquil lake; renowned water lilies; magnificent borders and interesting museum.
However, in 2014 we discovered another gem of an attraction – the Pocklington Canal! Although we haven’t walked its entire length of nine-and-a-half miles, we have over the years enjoyed sections of its course, as it flows from the foothills of the Yorkshire Wolds near Pocklington to join the River Derwent at East Cottingwith.
Access: Canal Head, from where I suggest you park, is about 10 miles east of York. From the A64 follow the A1079 towards Pocklington, and Canal Head is located just off the A1079.
The towpath is suitable for walking throughout its length, but some parts are unsuitable for wheelchairs.
The Pocklington Canal has a wealth of wildlife. It was constructed between 1815 and 1818. For almost 200 years it has remained largely as it was built. There are nine locks, four handsome road bridges and seven swing bridges. Not only is it a haven for wildlife, but for fishing and boating too. Being relatively undisturbed one has opportunities for peaceful recreation.
The canal carried coal, lime, fertiliser and roadstone to be used in the Pocklington area. Agricultural produce was transported down to industrial centres of the West Riding. With the arrival of rail transport in 1847, canal traffic declined, and fell into disuse until it became unnavigable. The last cargo was carried in 1932.
In 1969 Pocklington Canal Amenity Society (PCAS) was formed to safeguard and restore the canal. Clearing the towpath was no problem, but re-building and maintaining the locks is on-going. Great support has been given by the Canal and River Trust, local authorities and countless volunteers.
Start. Canal Head car park. The PCAS information centre is open on Sunday afternoons and bank holidays between April and October. The route of course is open all year round though spring and summer are the best seasons for wildlife etc.
Leaving the car park, proceed to the picnic area – a sheltered sun-drenched spot in summer time, where we enjoyed lunch. The Canal Head is a grand place from where to start discovering the canal.
The towpath from here to Coates Bridge is a bridleway. The remainder of the towpath which runs beside the entire length of the canal is a footpath. You’re requested to keep to the towpath, as much of the surrounding land is privately owned. If you’ve a dog, please keep it under control to avoid disturbing birds and other wildlife. You’ll find that most of the canal is classed as, ‘Sites of Special Scientific Interest’, therefore of great importance to naturalists. Interpretation boards are displayed at several sites along the route.
Along the way are Melbourne and Thornton Ings and Derwent Ings. These ings are seasonally flooded, traditionally managed hay meadows of international conservation importance. Visit them during spring and summer when the meadows are a blaze of colour, flaunting many varieties of wild flower and providing nesting sites for countless wildfowl and waders. In winter these same meadows support greater numbers of wildfowl, as birds arrive from distant places including Siberia.
You’ll notice that many locks and bridges along the route have been restored. Particularly interesting is Church Bridge near Thornton. Notice its pronounced humpback and elegant curved wing-walls. It was once threatened with demolition, but like the other three road bridges it has been Grade II listed.
All nine locks have been given the same protection as Grade II listed structures, which is great news! A feature of the locks is the distinctive paddlegear. This is operated by a large six-spoked wheel. The paddlegear is being reinstated as the lockgates are replaced. I suggest you make your walk as long as you can reasonably manage, remembering that you’ll have the return distance to cover too, unless you have someone to collect you at a pre-determined site!
Having completed your walk, should time permit, you may decide to try your luck at angling.
Rod licences and day tickets are required. For information, please contact the Canal and River Trust.
Boating is another option, as 30 minute public trips on the Pocklington Canal are offered between 12 noon and 4.15pm. This is on Sundays
and bank holidays (April to October) and no booking is required. Longer trips from two to eight hours can be booked at other times for up to 12 passengers. Tel: 07514978645 book newhorizons@gmail.com.
Have a wonderful day and take binoculars and guide books to help identify the flora and fauna en route.
Distance: Entire route (one way only) – 9.5 miles.
Refreshment: Take a picnic.
Rural Rambles: The first run of Rural Rambles Volume 15 has sold out, a re-print of a limited edition is underway. The booklet contains 17 super walks plus larger maps and some illustrations, for £2.50. Entire profits to charities.
For a copy send a cheque for £2.50 payable to EM Robinson and enclose an A5 sized stamped addressed envelope (a 53p stamp will cover cost). Send to Mrs M Robinson, 14 Malvern Crescent, Scarborough YO12 5QW.