Discover the Pocklington Canal

Published: Wednesday, 23 August 2017

THERE is one particular waterway that very few boaters have discovered, tucked away off the Yorkshire Derwent.

This is the Pocklington Canal, and the reason for its lack of popularity is that it requires a cruise on the Ouse, then the Derwent before the canal is reached and various permissions are required plus a barrage.

Coracle PocklingtonRare opportunity

However Canal & River Trust is hosting a special Discovery Day of free family-friendly drop-in activities taking place on Saturday 2nd September and the rare opportunity to explore the landlocked Canal Head from the water whilst navigating the canal in a traditional coracle looks set to be a highlight of the day’s activities. The picture shows the Trust's Becca Dent 'enjoying coracle sailing'.

Considered to be the oldest form of water transportation dating back centuries, the construction of coracles has remained largely unchanged in modern times. The small, circular traditional solo vessel is propelled by a paddle, like a kayak or canoe. A basketwork frame made using willow or hazel wood is covered either in animal hide, natural cotton canvas (calico) or a synthetic fabric such as nylon sealed to make them watertight. Effective fishing boats, coracles are still used for this purpose, particularly in South Wales.

Pocklington Canal Discovery Day takes place Saturday 2nd September, 10am to 4pm at Canal Head, off A1079, Pocklington, YO42 1NW (follow the brown signs).