Skipton

There are still plenty of sheep around the sheep town of Skipton. The town once held cattle markets on its streets and bull-baiting was a local custom. The first boatload of coal transported on the Leeds Liverpool canal was sold in Skipton for half the previous price demonstrating the benefit of canal travel. Today, more than any other town Skipton has made the most of the canal. At the junction with the Springs Branch there is a thriving canalside scene with shops, cafes and trip boats.