bearBOATING

10/11/2025

From Canals to Coastlines
bearBOATING is launching a New Sailing Experience for 2026.

We’re thrilled to announce our move to the beautiful west coast of Scotland — and the start of an exciting new chapter for bearBOATING!

Our new focus? RYA Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses designed for couples who want to learn to sail together.

If you’ve dreamed of skippering your own charter yacht, now’s your chance to gain the skills and confidence you need — with RYA training aboard our bearBOATING yacht - equipped to the standard you have come to know and love from bearBOATING.

Stay tuned for more updates.

As we make this exciting move, our exceptional canal boats are now for sale. Visit our website or contact Andy for more details.

If you have booked a canal holiday with bearBOATING for 2026 it will be honoured. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Here’s to new horizons, new skills, and unforgettable adventures.

Luxury Canal Boats for sale with moorings on the Leeds Liverpool canal at Apperley Bridge Marina.

11/03/2025

Resuming our mooring spots posts (sorry I was in China with work. No FB access).

So heading out from Bingley towards Skipton - there are lots of swing bridges on this section but it’s lock free all the way to Skipton! A distance of 13 miles - it can be done in a day if need be. If you need a break there are some good stops along the way.

East Morton just past the swing bridge. A quiet mooring spot and a short uphill walk to the Busfeild Arms a fantastic spot for lunch or dinner.

Riddlesdon to visit Riddlesdon Hall and stock up at the local coop

Silsden - fabulous little town with local shops, bars and restaurants.

Kildwick - town mooring by the Church and yes, just after the swing bridge! The White Lion is a short walk down the hill.

Bradley - a mooring just after the swing bridge and walk up to the fabulous Slaters Arms.

Snaygill - The Bay Horse - moor right outside on the towpath.

You can check out the virtual journey on this section here

Bingley 5-rise locks - Virtual Journey along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

25/02/2025

What’s the next overnight stop on Day 3 of our cruise from Apperley Bridge Marina? My choice would be at the top of Bingley 5 Rise locks. It’s another busy day as you ascend Hirst lock and on to Dowley Gap 2 rise staircase. Once through there cruise into Bingley and ascend the 3 and 5 rise locks. That’s enough for anyone and Bingley is just a short walk from the top of 5 rise with great pubs and curry houses on offer!

Thanks to Down the canal with Bet for the photo of the iconic Bingley 5 Rise

22/02/2025

Our next recommended mooring spot is Saltaire. A beautiful village and UNESCO world heritage site. Saltaire is worth spending a good few hours exploring. There are also lots of cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from.

Daytime mooring is available between the two mills in the centre of the village. Overnight we recommend you move up closer to Hirst Lock - parallel to the football fields - clear of the lock mooring. Here you can enjoy a quiet night but still within easy walking distance of all that Saltaire has to offer.

You can find out more about Saltaire here

https://saltairevillage.info

21/02/2025

It’s almost time for the 2025 Boating season to open!

We are going to post our favourite overnight mooring spots along the route from Apperley Bridge Marina to Skipton.

First up - Field 3 Rise Locks.

Your first day out of the marina is a tough one! Along with your bearBOATING instructor you will tackle Dobson Two Rise Staircase, 2 swing bridges and Field 3 Rise locks. By the time you get to the top of field you will be ready for a rest!
Luckily, it’s a great countryside mooring. Very quiet, surrounded by trees and lots of wildlife. Definitely one of our favourites. Bring food for a quiet relaxing dinner and enjoy your first evening on board your bearBOAT!

08/02/2025

Bingley Five Rise Locks
Great photos from Down the canal with Bet who’s ready to tackle the most iconic locks in the U.K.?

Luckily there are lock keepers to help out!

19/09/2024

Thanks again to Down the canal with Bet Taylor for more great photos - and this time some bearBOATERS on board Little Duke

19/09/2024

Beautiful weather to be bearBOATING - thanks Down the canal with Bet Taylor for these great photos!

14/09/2024

We love to support local businesses along the canal. Make sure to pop in and support Canal Side Café in Kildwick - new opening times for Autumn!

🦆🌧️SEASONAL OPENING TIMES🥾🪵

As the colder months approach, we want to thank you for all your continued support! 🐐☕️🐾🍂

As of Monday 9th September, our new hours for Autumn & Winter will be:

🍂 Monday: Closed
🍁 Tuesday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
🍂 Wednesday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
🍁 Thursday: Closed
🍂 Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
🍁 Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
🍂 Sunday: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Please note - School Holidays we will be open 7 days a week. 📚

We look forward to seeing you soon! ☺️

19/06/2024

Ooh bearBOATERS look out for the spud boat! Freshly from the oven jacket potatoes! Yum

14/06/2024

Saltaire! A must see on your bearBOATING holiday!

Harry Potter star Ralph Fiennes has been spotted filming in Saltaire for a new BBC production that's set in World War One! 📽🎞 It's always fabulous to see the famous village on screen 😍 https://trib.al/94f6hmI

12/05/2024

Who remembers the bearBOATING t shirts? I think this one was the best. Who thinks we should bring these back? 😂😂

Thanks to Steve Reddington for the trip down memory lane.