Selby Canal is a 6-mile (9.7 km) canal with 2 locks and was completed in 1778. Until around1830 trade in Selby flourished as goods flowed from the West Riding through Selby to Goole and Hull. The towpath was originally for horses to trudge whilst pulling vessels containing coal, grain or textiles. Sadly for Selby, the canal was made only four feet deep. This was too shallow and the cut was also too narrow. As traffic increased the Aire and Calder Canal was built, linking Leeds directly with Goole, cutting out Selby entirely. Walking by the canal allows you to see how roads, railways and footpaths, as well as industry, have evolved since the 1780s.
Near the swing bridge as the canal goes alongside Shipyard Road, there is a sculpture and paving stones created by local schoolchildren. These summarise the history of the canal and its effect and influence on Selby. Take a seat to find the cache.