The New Junction Canal in Yorkshire is a 5.5 mile long canal with just 1 lock at Sykehouse Bridge. Why ‘new canal?’ Well, the New Junction Canal is only actually around 100 years old, dating back to 1905. It was built to carry freight and still does that job to this day. So, if you do paddle this stretch make sure you follow the ‘rules of the road’ and stick to the right. The canal links the Aire & Calder Main Line close to Pollington Lock, with the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Canal and Stainforth and Keadby Canal at Kirk Bramwith.
The section is still a freight route but makes for a pretty paddle. Some stretches are quite exposed so make sure you check the weather forecast before heading out.