Alan Carter is the Business Development Manager of British Waterways. Biennial recently quizzed him about the new Canal Link at Pier Head and cruising on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Can you explain why the new canal link was built? The canal link through the Pier Head links the North to the South Docks after something like 90 years? Why was it important to you to re-establish the link?

British Waterways has been thinking about a new Canal Link for a while. Historically, the canal did link with the dock system, but over time some of the docks were in filled for land reclamation. It has been our vision to make this possible again, and this has now been achieved.

How many boats have gone through the new canal link and what do they think so far?

Up until the end of May, 80 boats have gone through the canal link, with another 107 scheduled until the end of the boating season.

Who do you think uses the Leeds-Liverpool canal?

People may feel that the canal is there primarily for boaters, but the canal is for everyone. As well as boating, the canal towpath is used by anglers, walkers and cyclists. This may not only be for leisure the towpath is becoming increasingly popular as a commuter route too. This is even more so where towpaths have been improved, such as in Bootle and Liverpool.

How long does it take an average narrowboat to get from Leeds to Liverpool and whats the speed limit?

The distance from Leeds to Liverpool is 127 miles. Canal boats only travel at 4mph, so it would take a few weeks for them to travel the full journey comfortably.

Is it possible to travel through the whole of the UK by narrowboat?

Yes. You can more or less travel from the South of England up to Tewitfield on the Lancaster Canal. British Waterways maintain over 2,000 miles of navigable waterway, so that is a lot of boating!

 

Can you see much wildlife on/in the canal?

You'll find all sorts - from common sights such as mallards and moorhens, to otters and water voles.  The canal act as green corridors and is safe havens for many species.  British Waterways has launched its 6th annual wildlife survey which gives our ecologists a clear picture of what species live where and how they can be protected. 

Is fishing or swimming allowed on the canal, how deep is it?

Yes but you need a license. There are two great fishing clubs on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The Liverpool and district Angling Association lease the bit from the Eldonian Village up to Halsall Bridge. You need to be a member of the club to fish on this section of the canal.  Wigan and District Angling Club lease from bridge 35 to Johnson’s Hillock moss lane bridge in Chorley. The rest of the Leeds & Liverpool canal is under the waterways together scheme which is open to anyone as long as they have a BW fishing permit and an Environment Agency rod license.

We do not allow swimming in the canal because you never know what hidden dangers there are such as machinery that has fallen in the water and sometimes there are waterborn diseases which may not harm fish or fowl but could make you ill.

Thanks Alan, last question, what’s your favourite thing about the canal in Bootle?

The Leeds & Liverpool canal is rich in heritage, abundant in wildlife and teeming with activity. The canal is a great place to escape from everyday life and you can use the canal as a short-cut to work, for walking the dog or simply for taking time-out and watching the boats.