Guide to Using Canal Locks

Most stretches of canal will have locks at regular intervals as the surrounding landscape changes level. Locks work on a fairly simple process, but this can be confusing to the first time narrow-boater so we have put together a basic guide for you.

Ascending a lock:

First thing to check is the level of the water in the lock you wish to enter. If the water is above the level of your section of canal, you will need to empty the lock before you can open the gates to enter it. It is always a good idea to check if there are any other boats approaching from the other side of the lock first, as if there are you can wait for them to enter the lock and descend to your level, which makes things easier all round.

To lower the water in the lock, you will need to open the bottom paddles first to let the water out. Once the water levels are the same you can open the lock gates and enter, closing the gates behind you.

You will then need to open the ground sluice paddles on the opposite gate to let water flow back into the lock and raise it back to the original level. You can use the top paddles but make sure your prow is not underneath the water flowing from the top paddles, as you may end up accidently flooding or even sinking your narrow boat! Once the water levels are equal you can open the second gate and move forward to the next section of the canal.

Descending a lock:

Again, the first thing you will need to check is the level of the water. Remember to check for boats coming in the opposite direction. If the water in the lock you are entering is lower, you need to fill the lock to the same level by opening the top paddles. This will fill the lower lock to the same level. Once the water is level, you can open the gates and enter the lock.

You then need to drain the water from your lock. Do this by opening the top and then lower paddles on the opposite gate. Make sure the rear of your narrow boat does not get caught on the lock cill as the water level changes, as this can cause a vast array of problems and could end up with severe damage to your craft. The cill is normally marked with a white line on the lock wall.

Once the water levels are equal, you can open the lock gate and move forward to the next section of the canal.

Disclaimer

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