The Curly Wurlys Are Calling
There’s a special kind of magic about being back on the move along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. With the locks from Gargrave to Wigan now reopened, boaters can once again answer the call of the Curly Wurlys – one of the most enchanting sections of this historic waterway.
What Are the Curly Wurlys?
Between Gargrave and East Marton lies a stretch of canal that’s as captivating as it is unusual. Locally nicknamed the Curly Wurly, this winding section is famous for its twists and turns as the canal snakes around the low Pennine hills. Unlike many parts of the Leeds & Liverpool, here you won’t find yourself working through locks or pushing swing bridges open. Instead, the waterway follows the contours of the land, looping gracefully around the landscape and offering boaters a gentle, uninterrupted cruise.
A Boater’s Delight
The Curly Wurlys offer the kind of cruising that makes you slow down, take a deep breath, and simply enjoy being on the water. No rushing, no lock gates to work – just steady progress through a scene that feels remote and timeless. Whether you’re on a short break or a longer journey, this stretch is one to savour.
Nature at Every Turn
Because of its meandering route and peaceful setting, the Curly Wurlys are a haven for wildlife. Kingfishers dart low across the water, herons stand silently in the reeds, and in the quieter corners you might spot deer grazing at the water’s edge. The canal itself is a wildlife corridor, and in these bends, it feels like you’re right in the heart of it.
Dark Skies and Stillness
As day turns to evening, the remote beauty of this section really comes alive. Far from major towns, the Curly Wurlys are an ideal spot for stargazing. With little light pollution, the skies here can dazzle with clarity – the Milky Way stretching overhead, constellations sharp and bright. For dark skies enthusiasts, this is one of the most atmospheric places on the canal to spend a night moored under the stars.
The “Lockie” at Bank Newton
Close to this section, at Bank Newton, you’ll find one of the most charming flights of locks on the Leeds & Liverpool. Many boaters have fond memories of the lock keeper here, adding to the sense of community and character along the route. It’s the perfect blend of practical navigation and canal folklore.
When One Bridge Isn’t Enough
Another curiosity of this stretch lies just beyond East Marton – the double-arched bridge that carries the A59 over the canal. At first glance, it looks like two bridges stacked together. And in a way, that’s exactly what it is.
Originally, a simple stone bridge carried the road across the canal when it was first constructed. Later, when the road was widened, instead of demolishing the original, engineers built a second arch directly on top of the first. The result is a striking, slightly eccentric-looking structure that fascinates boaters and walkers alike.
It’s a piece of living canal history – a reminder of how the waterways have adapted over centuries to fit alongside changing transport needs. Today, it’s one of the most photographed features of the Curly Wurlys, and passing beneath its twin arches is a highlight of the journey.
Answering the Call
The Curly Wurlys aren’t just about getting from A to B – they’re about the joy of the journey itself. Remote, beautiful, and unforgettable, this is canal cruising at its most rewarding. Now that the route has reopened, it’s time to plan your own adventure and experience the Curly Wurlys for yourself.
🌿🚤 Have you cruised the Curly Wurlys? Share your stories – we’d love to hear how this winding stretch captured your imagination.
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