Page updated 10 February 2003
Based on mapping ©2001 Richard Fairhurst, Canal Boat & Inland Waterways
General Remarks
Milnsbridge
Between Locks 8E and 9E, anticipating of the canal's re-opening, two mills have been converted to apartments, as part of the Crowther Village housing development. One of the mills is pictured on the right, below, contrasting with the new housing block beyond.
This area is well lit at night, both from the housing development and the security lights of the furniture factory on the left of the picture. This may well be a suitable overnight mooring point
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©2002 Richard Hirst Converted Mills and new housing above Lock 8E |
The centre of Milnsbridge has most facilities, including four pubs, KwikSave supermarket, Post Office, Chemist, Fish and Chip shop, Pizza takeaway and Asian restaurant, all within a few hundred yards of locks 9E and 10E.
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©2002 Richard Hirst Lock12E, and the canal has lost its urban flavour |
Somewhat isolated, between Milnsbridge and Golcar, is lock 12E. The building alongside the lock is remembered by a man, who worked as a lengthman in the days of horse-drawn boats early in the 20th century, as a lengthman's hut. This conflicts with the view of some, who hold that its chimney suggests it served a purpose more than a simple lengthsman's store, and that it was used a shelter for boat crews when the canal froze in winter.
Golcar
The centre of Golcar (pronounced "Gow-ker" according to some locals and "go ka", silent L, no W according to others) is some distance from it, with a long, steep climb in between.
Once the canal has crossed the River Colne on the Golcar Aqueduct and after the new Holme Mill Bridge, the scenery loses some of its interest to those for whom industrial archeology is a passion, but makes up for it with an increasing rural flavour.
Pubs and Restaurants
Four Horse Shoes (By Lock 10E, Telephone number required)
Details of beers served and style of pub required.
Other Comments
- Locks 13E-11E
- Reports of "yobs" in this area mean overnight mooring is not recommended.