Veterinarian and television personality Peter Wright, known for his appearances on the Channel 5 series *The Yorkshire Vet*, recently took on a new challenge exploring Yorkshire’s waterways. In a segment for the program *Our Great Yorkshire Life*, Wright joined members of the Leeds Rowing Club to experience a journey along the Aire and Calder Canal, a historic waterway that once served as a significant trading route in the region.

Although Wright has become synonymous with veterinary work in Yorkshire, drawing on his connections to the legacy of James Herriot, this latest venture saw him stepping outside his usual sphere. At 70 years old, Wright had never rowed before, and while he did not formally become a member of the rowing club, he participated in the activity for the show. His aim was to gain insight into the canal’s historical importance by retracing the path once navigated by industrial barges.

Wright expressed a mixture of curiosity and apprehension about the endeavor. “I’ve always been fascinated by Yorkshire’s waterways,” he said, explaining his motivation for the feature. He acknowledged the difficulty of rowing in sync with a crew significantly younger than himself, stating, “Not only have I got to pull on this oar, but I’ve got to do it in unison with everybody else.”

The segment reflects Channel 5’s willingness to allow its personalities, like Wright, to engage in activities beyond their primary expertise, so long as these ventures retain a connection to Yorkshire. While *The Yorkshire Vet* focuses on veterinary practice, *Our Great Yorkshire Life* broadens the scope to include cultural and historical explorations of the region.

Wright’s participation in rowing along the Aire and Calder Canal highlights an appreciation for Yorkshire’s natural and industrial heritage, offering viewers an alternative perspective on the landscape he has long been associated with through his veterinary work.