The canal heads east towards Huddersfield from Longroyd Bridge, along a re-built channel, with the River Colne on the right, behind the trees.
Approaching the Huddersfield Waterfront development, the site of the re-located Lock 3e. There are a number of mooring rings west of the old lock, making this a potential overnight stopping place.
When the Huddersfield Narrow Canal was re-opened in 2001, it was necessary for it to run in a tunnel beneath the yard of Sellers Engineering. So that the canal could be lowered, Lock 3e was re-located to this spot to the west of the site. Sellers has now moved to a new site and, as part of the Huddersfield Waterfront development, the canal was returned to the surface. Boats now pass straight through the 2001 lock chamber, seen here in this photo.
To see photos of this next section of the canal between 2001 and 2011, when it ran in a tunnel beneath Sellers Engineering, click here.
The channel through the Huddersfield Waterfront development makes use of the structure of the tunnel so is restricted to a 3 metre wide channel.
Looking back towards Longroyd Bridge. Residential property is planned alongside the canal here in a later phase of the Huddersfield Waterfront development.
Approaching the eastern end of the development, the canal widens out to create a mooring and lock landing. Beyond that is the new Lock 3e. To the left is the new Kirklees College building. Further development is planned behind the temporary fencing on the right.
Looking back from the new Lock 3e.
The new Lock 3e, with Chapel Hill Bridge beyond. This is the third Lock 3e. The site of the second lock is seen in previous photos. The original lock was between this lock and the road bridge.
The new Lock 3e, with the new Kirklees College building behind.
Below the new Lock 3e, steps lead down to a landing area. In the background is the restored Folly Hall Mill. The sign warns boaters going uphill not to proceed further until the lock has been set. When travelling downhill by boat you should ensure than all crew members get back on board at this landing.
The landing below the new Lock 3e has been built into the chamber of the original lock, of which you can still see the gate recess and quoins. The canal then immediately passes through Chapel Hill Bridge. The bridge starts as a flat concrete bridge, changing into a stone arch, showing how the roadway has been widened at some stage.
Looking east from the arch of Chapel Hill Bridge, with its tapering tunnel sides, towards the new Lock 2e. Looking back as you leave the bridge you can see the original horse tunnel that carried the towpath below the bridge. Unfortunately the horse tunnel was blocked when the road was widened, leaving this section of towpath with no pedestrian access.
Lock 2e, Huddersfield, with the mill buildings of Bates and Co. behind. Immediately behind the lock, the canal passes through a tunnel below two of the mill buildings. There is no public access to this lock for except by boat.
