Canal cruises on the Lizzie-Jean during the
Saltaire Festival, 2011

Airedale Cruising and Saltaire Festival are again pleased to include Skippered Day Cruises aboard narrowboat Lizzie-Jean as part of the 2011 Saltaire Festival - on most days between the 8th and 18th September. There is also a cruise on the last weekend of the month (25th).  The details are all available on from the Airedale Cruising website.

Lizzie-Jean's Saltaire Festival cruises begin at 11 a.m. beside Saltaire Bridge (next to the famous Salt's Mill on Victoria Road). We set off in an easterly direction past the mill and other historic buildings into Shipley. Complementary drinks and light refreshments are served on board at the start of the voyage.

We turn around at the junction with the (former) Bradford Canal and return westwards, through Shipley and Saltaire, to Hirst lock. Once up the lock and through the swing-bridge nearby, the cruise continues through the peaceful setting of Hirst Wood with the River Aire in a deep, tree-lined, valley on our starboard side. When we reach the double Dowley Gap locks passengers may disembark to walk the short distance (2 mins.) to the Fisherman's Inn where their pre-booked lunch tables will be waiting. Alternatively passengers may bring their own lunch to eat on board, or as a canalside picnic (weather permitting).

After lunch Lizzie-Jean will be ready just beside the Inn for her return voyage to Saltaire, this time descending three locks and re-crossing the massive seven-arched Hirst Wood Aqueduct (see photo on right). We will return to Saltaire Bridge around 3.30 p.m.

For further information on dates, times and booking, please visit the Airedale Cruising website: www.airedalecruising.info