29th March 2023
Whether you’ve travelled by canal boat previously or not, you’ll have likely seen a canal lock as you pass the canal or walk along the towpath. You might be wondering what they’re used for and how they work, and this guide has you covered!
Canal locks are used to solve the problem of moving boats across different levels of elevation. You can’t move water uphill so canal locks were developed to move canal boats from one stretch of water to another, at a different hieght level. Essentially locks are used to help boats to go up and over hills instead of having to navigate around them.
The demand for transport at the beginning of the industrial revolution lead to canal mania in the 1760s and 1770s. During the rise of the Industrial Revolution, a solution was needed to transport goods from one part of the country to another quickly and efficiently, and the solution was to build canals. With the first canal systems, the need for locks came as they had to deal with varied height elevation.
Locks have been used for centuries, with the very first built near Milan in the 15th Century. The first modern lock in the UK was built in 1773 in Manchester, and the first full lock flight was built soon after on the Sankey Canal in 1757.
A lock consists of a chamber which holds the water between two gates. To enter the lock the water on the other side needs to be the same. Essentially, if you’re travelling up-hill, when you enter the lock it needs to be almost empty. Then it will need to be filled up with water to elevate the boat to the right height, and finally, when the gates are opened it can continue across the canal. The water level is raised or lowered by gate paddles which control the flow of water into the chamber.
Some locks are designed to allow two boats side by side, and are known as wide locks whereas narrow locks only fit one narrow boat in them. Here at ABC Boat Hire, our expert team will advise you how to operate a lock so that you feel confident when traveling along the canal. But, if you need more in depth information explaining how to ascend and descend using a lock, read our full length guide.
If you’ve never been on a canal boat holiday before the idea of operating a lock can be daunting. If you’re looking for some of our easier routes, check out our guide to canal boat holidays for beginners.
Some of the routes we recommend with minimal locks include;
There are just two locks on the Lymm & Return from Anderton Marina, making it the perfect short break. The trip includes the Anderton Boat lift, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterway.
Llangollen and return from Whitchurch Marina has just 4 locks, and also travels along the UNESCO World Heritage Site Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The picturesque route is good for boaters who aren’t confident with lots of locks.
Llangynidr and return is a fantastic opportunity to explore the beautiful Welsh countryside and move at a slower pace. You can avoid all locks on this route if you want to, making it the perfect trip for those who’d prefer to cruise along instead.
If you enjoy operating locks, there are plenty of routes for lock experts including the Stairway to Heaven Canal Lock.
With 137 locks, the Cheshire Ring is a great trip for those who are confident in mastering locks! You’ll also get to check out the famous Anderton Boat Lift and the Marple Aqueduct, perfect for those who want to see it all.
The Avon Ring from Worcester Marina features 139 locks, including the famous Tardebigge Lock Flight, you’ll also get to visit some of the most idyllic English villages and cruise past gorgeous listed buildings.
If you’re ready to check out your next boating holiday, whether you’re a fan of locks, or not – check out our canal locations across the UK. Or, contact us today to find out more.
