Spirit of Guiding Narrowboat

15/09/2026

These guys really look after us when we go up and down "the deep lock". They often give us certificates for the girls and a really supportive of everything we do. If you know someone who would make a great "vlockie" then send them to Canal & River Trust 🙂

13/09/2026

What a weekend our skippers have had with Todmorden Guides and Rangers.

On Saturday water levels were so low that many boats were just abandoned in Mytholmroyd and ours having got stuck on the approach to lock 5, it took teamwork, creativity, initiative, grit and determination to refloat us and get going again. Luckily Girl Guides have that in droves and our crew were fantastic. The man who had left his boat here⬇️ at the approach to a bridge on definite wonk, was amazed we'd got passed. We even pulled an old bike tire out of the w**d hatch.

We changed crew in Hebden Bridge and returned today, had another low water incident and when a kindly passer by offered a shove, we happily accepted. Unfortunately he slipped off the bank and in to the canal 🙈. If you see this, sorry again and thanks for all your help.

Still we all returned safely and are looking forward to showers and sleep.

Narrowboating is definitely an adventure!

05/09/2026

We are right on the towpath, kettle is on and we have lemon drizzle, chocolate brownie and parkin. And spin the wheel for prizes. Come down and say hi!

01/09/2026

We will once again be down at the Rushbearing on Saturday 5th September from 12pm - 2pm selling refreshments and fundraising. Come down and see what the boat has to offer and help us raise awareness of Girlguiding, and the narrowboat.

22/05/2026

We even get a mention in here... Does your unit want a water challenge?

There is a new challenge badge sailing in on the next tide!

Keep an eye out on the region website and socials.

https://girlguidingnortheast.org.uk/volunteers/challenges-and-badges/

19/05/2026

One of the things we often get to do on Spirit of Guiding is go through the deepest lock in England. This event is happening on Sunday to celebrate it's 30th anniversary

Spread the word! Celebrate 30 Years of Tuel Lane Lock on Sowerby Bridge Town Square, Sunday 24th of May 11:00 - 16:00. Enjoy live music, dancing and community stalls. Join in with the trash mob, talk with the volunteer Lock Keepers and learn more about the towns famous landmark.
Thirty years after it transformed the canal, Tuel Lane Lock continues to stand as a reminder of how determination, community spirit and shared effort can shape the future of Sowerby Bridge. We have even ordered some sunshine for you to enjoy this free event.

17/05/2026

Two of our skippers, Aggie and Abigail took 1st Pellon Guides and Rangers on a weekend adventure to Hebden Bridge. From these photos you might not believe we had mixed weather... But we did have fun and managed the odd brew in the sun.

We still have availability for weekend, day, or evening trips.

26/09/2025

01/09/2025

We will be at the Moorings on the boat for Rushbearing on Saturday 6th September, 11.30-3.00pm, serving drinks and home made cakes. Come say hi, find out more about the narrowboat and Guiding in Calderdale. You'll also be helping us raise funds to keep the boat afloat.

1st Pellon Guides Rangers will be there fundraising for their international too.

See you there!

(image description - a washed out photo of the Spirit of Guiding Narrowboat on a blue background with the Ranger, Guide, Brownie and Rainbow logos framing and the words Rushbearing Coffee Morning)

15/07/2025

A couple of Guide units (1st Pellon and St Jude's) have had an evening cruise as an end of term treat. Just a gentle cruise down to Salterhebble. As we can only have 12 people on Spirit at any time, half the unit have explored the bank while half are afloat and then switched over. 1st Pellon even did some litter picking as they walked.