Having just returned from crewing on narrowboat Birdswood that operates between Cromford Wharf and Leawood Pump . . . The original canal and warehouse is the one on the right in the photo that I hope I have attached
Thirty years after the canal opened, the second (left-hand) arm was opened to serve limestone quarries and also to take the feed water that had originally arrived via a culvert. The water came from the Bonsall Brook and Cromford Sough (a lead mine drain). When the latter dried up, they were short of water so built Leawood Pump in 1849 (story rather shortened!). The brook/sough water first of all fed Arkwright's mills, the goes via the weir in the mill yard under buildings and the road to pop up in the feeder. This is the regular supply of water today and is sufficient for most of the year. Leawood Pump is restored and pumps over 4 tons per stroke from the River Derwent to the canal.
And yes, you are seeing a horse boat - offering public trips today and tomorrow, and every day that Leawood pump is in steam. Check out our new web site for more details: https://www.birdswood.org/