Virtual Cruise Emmotland up the Driffield Canal to Brigham Bridge then on to Snakeholme Lock

The Driffield Canal starts at the junction with Frodingham Beck at Emmotland were the banks had to be raised to form the first section of the canal for approximately half a mile. Just above Brigham Sailing Club the level of the land rises slightly and the canal was dug out all the way to Driffield. The canal is navigable to Driffield for small craft that be carried around the obstructions (Wansford road bridge, Wansford and Winhill locks; Snakeholme lock should be fully restored by the end of 2002). Larger craft can at present only navigate up the canal approximately 1 mile to Brigham bridge. Brigham bridge was original a swing bridge of the same style as Bethell's Bridge. Brigham bridge was replaced by the local landowners with a fixed bridge during the period when the Commissioners of the Driffield Navigation were inactive. Small craft with low air draft can navigate under Brigham bridge up to Snakeholme lock (depending on the water levels). Work started on 24th June 2002 to replace Brigham bridge with a swing bridge, this work still requires completion to allow the replacement bridge to swing. To see pictures and Video of the replacement of Brigham bridge Click HERE. At Wansford the road bridge (originally a swing bridge) was replaced by the local council with a fixed bridge which will be the major obstacle once the replacement of Brigham bridge has been completed. Later this year (2002) or early 2003 Brigham bridge should be in operation as a swing bridge, then navigation will be available up to the fixed road bridge at Wansford. One day you may be able to cruise all the way to Driffield but how far is this day off?

Pictures on this page were taken April/May 2001, Page created 5th May 2001, updated 16th July. Virtual cruise Brigham Bridge to Snakeholme Lock added July 2002 Click HERE