The Calder and Hebble Navigation is almost unique in that it requires a special handspike to operate the paddle gear on some of its locks. (A similar handspike is used on the Driffield Navigation.)
Some of the original paddle gear has been replaced with more standard gear but there are still several locks that cannot be operated without a hand-spike. Hand-spikes can be bought at boatyards in the area or you can make your own from a piece of 4" x 2" or 3" x 2" hardwood about 3' long, tapered to about 2¼" x 1¾".
Hard wood is needed as soft wood will quickly become chewed up.
Hand-spike gate paddle operation at Salterhebble.
Hand-spike ground paddle operation at Mill Bank Lock.
