A web of 18th and 19th-century canals link the rivers Ouse and Aire, and the great cities of York, Leeds and Sheffield. You might still see a loaded barge navigating these wide waters, but you're as likely to spot a heron or kingfisher nestling in the reeds. Threading slowly through miles of rolling countryside, these waterways are prized by anglers, boaters and walkers alike.
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is the longest canal in Britain - yet one of the least busy especially as it climbs through the Pennines from Yorkshire to Lancashire. The mighty River Humber and its estuary occupy a central role in the waters of the region. The Trans-pennine Trail, a coast-to-coast route from the Humber to the Mersey, runs along the Humber and thence to the towpath of the Aire & Calder Navigation. And the Huddersfield Narrow Canal boasts Britain's longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel, superb Pennine scenery, and charming canalside towns.
All of the operators below offer quality assessed boat accommodation:
Thames & Chilterns Holiday Cruises
Rothbury House
High Street
Staithes
TS13 5BQ
Tel: 07966 248079
Rating: 4 Stars
Shire Cruisers
The Wharf
Sowerby Bridge
HX6 2AG
Tel: 01422 832712
Fax: 01422 839565
Email: vb@shirecruisers.co.uk
Website: www.shirecruisers.co.uk
Rating: 3-5 Stars
Discover Yorkshire’s secret waterways, including all three trans-pennine canals. Carefully looked-after boats and friendly personal service. Very thorough tuition, quality assured by the British Marine Federation.
Silsden Boats (Holidays) Ltd
Canal Wharf
Elliott Street
Keighly
West Yorkshire
BD20 0DE
Tel: 01535 653675
Email: info@silsdenboats.com
Website: www.silsdenboats.co.uk
Rating: Awaiting grading
Family run business with both narrow and wide beam boats. Set in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, near to Skipton.