The Piano Raft.

Always something new to find when walking along a canal.
This time it was the Leeds Liverpool canal near Kirkstall, Leeds.
Third walk this week, and today we met up with the Pudsey Ramblers at Rodley.
A 6 mile walk along the towpath of the Leeds Liverpool Canal to Kirkstall Forge station, where we stopped for our picnic lunch.
Then back along the River Aire.

We came across this strange and fascinating craft just before Kirkstall.
The Piano Raft.
Found out on the Internet that it is owned by a former lecturer who has spent 6 years pulling the “ boat” along the canal with a rope.
Ben Cummins stops off to host workshops aboard, has made it to Leeds from Liverpool.
He arrived in 2018 and was going to stay for 12 months, as you see he is still here.
His mission was to deliver a piano from Liverpool to London by 2037. Picking up bits for his “ boat” as he goes along.
( a load of junk says Mr C !)
Certainly an interesting craft. Unfortunately no sign of the owner when we passed.

Such a lot of interesting things to see on the rest of the walk.
Including a new fish pass at Newlay weir. Part if a multi million pound project to enable salmon to swim up the River Aire again for the first time in 150 years.

Very smart bug hotel.
Beautiful spring flowers.

Finished off at the Railway Pub, Calverley Bridge, Rodley for drinks. Which is where Mr C spotted this very appt sign. ( see extra)

Good weather, great company, and we were pleased we didn’t feel any ill effects after the 6 miles.