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Melbourne to Bielby, Pocklington Canal Walk

Plan your self-guided walk along the Pocklington Canal and see the restoration work. There is a towpath along the full length and there are a number of Grade II listed bridges and locks. The canal is a haven for wildlife.

Walk

Branch
IWA East Yorkshire Branch
Location

Pocklington

Distance

3.2km (2miles)

Ease

Active

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Walk along the 2 mile section of the Pocklington Canal from Melbourne to Bielby and back down towpath.

The Pocklington Canal was built in the early 19th century to transport agricultural goods from the East Riding to the south and west. It was built to allow keels to use it. These flat-bottomed boats were used primarily on Northern waterways.

The canal rose by around 101 feet (31 m) along the 9.5 miles (15.3 km) from the Derwent to Pocklington, and so the locks were deeper than many locks on the connected waterways.

Walk details

Parking

Parking is available in Melbourne.

Accessibility

The towpath can be uneven in places and may be muddy during the winter months.

Melbourne to Bielby Walk Map

Find directions to the Activity

Begin The Walk

1.Melbourne Canal Head

Start your walk by crossing over the foot bridge, taking a right turn. Follow the towpath all the way along the Pocklington Canal.
This is a two-mile section between Bielby and Melbourne that was reopened in 2018. The opening commemorated the bicentenary of the original opening of the canal in 1818, extending the navigable length from five to seven miles. A very generous contribution of £106,400 from the IWA Tony Harrison bequest made it possible to achieve the £250,000 needed to fund the restoration of the two additional miles of canal between Melbourne and Bielby.  A number of Waterway Recovery group Canal Camps and joint Pocklington Canal Amenity Society / WRG working parties have helped restore the two locks and other works along this stretch over many years.

2. Bielby town

Once you have reached the end of the path before it bends to the left to go North towards Allerthorpe, you can either turn around and head back towards Melbourne Canal Head; alternatively continue towards Canal Head via Allerthorpe. This  walk along the Pocklington Canal is 3.2 km (2 miles) each way and can be followed here.

The canal is navigable from Bielby to the River Derwent, passing through four locks and seven swing-bridges and there are permanent moorings for boats at Melbourne Arm.

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