Calder, and Hebble Navigation

Such a beautiful start to the day as we were woken by sunlight shining through the bedroom window.
We had a lovely walk from Brighouse along the towpath of the Calder & Hebble Navigation as far as Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve.

Opened in 1770 the Navigation began not as a canal but as an attempt to improve the River Calder for boats bypassing non navigable stretches with manmade diversions between Brighouse, Elland & Sowerby Bridge.
It continued to bear commercial freight until the 1980s.

At Cromwell Bottom we came across a lovely cafe run by friends of the Reserve. We enjoyed two cups of coffee along with pieces of fruit cake and cheese. They just asked fir donations and as MrC had a £5 note with him he put it in the box. Was quite surprised when the lady asked if he required any change. We thought it was well worth it. Certainly would have been charged more in a cafe. It makes you wonder what people in general pay.

Have done a collage of things we came across on the walk. Including the plaque on a bench by the canal. The Yorkshire translation means “ Come and sit yourself down”......
The bridge is Crowther Bridge. Rebuilt after it was destroyed by the 2015 Boxing Day floods.
The little yellow flowers are coltsfoot. It always brings back memories of my childhood as it was the first wild flower I used to pick for my mum, on my way home from primary school. Quite appropriate for today as I remember mum on Mother’s Day.

I received a lovely card from our oldest son yesterday along with a great plant/ tree. Will blip later.
Today our youngest son came for a meal tonight along with our grandson.
Enjoyed seeing them both. Another card along with some wine.
I have certainly had a very happy Mother’s Day.
Hope you have all enjoyed it too.