Pocklington Canal Walk – Canal Head to Bielby

Start the walk at Canal Head, where the top lock has been restored to working condition. Historically, coal, manure and building materials were unloaded at Canal Head to and transported to Pocklington by horse and cart. Boats then travelled back along the Canal carrying corn, flour and timber.

A seat near the top lock was built in 2009 using old railway track balance beams that were recovered from the Cottingwith Lock.

Alongside Top Lock is the original lock house, which now privately owned. This is the only lock house on the canal.

Continue down the towpath past Silburn Lock.

The third lock you reach is Giles Lock.

The towpath between Giles Lock and Sandhill Lock was in poor condition, but during an IWA Waterway Recovery Group Canal Camp in 2014 funded by PCAS, volunteers removed protruding tree roots and resurfaced the towpath.

Arrive at Sandhill Lock. You will see that this lock is under active restoration.

Continue down the towpath to see Coates lock, which has already been restored.

Pass under the Grade II listed Coates Bridge. This bridge was built in 1818 and designed by George Leather.

After about a kilometer (3/4 mile) you will reach the Bielby Arm at Bielby. Bielby Arm is now a nature reserve.

Return back along the towpath to complete the walk.