This rather impressive widebeam boat moored just downstream from Field Locks whilst I was there. I had a brief chat (at a suitable distance!) with the boatman, exchanging information about our respective camera clubs. His was Harrogate, though, since he lives on the boat and travels around, he said he didn't get to club nights very often.
At one time Field Locks used to have assisted passage and a lock keeper used to sit in a little hut alongside, certainly in the summer months, waiting for traffic. The hut is still there but now there are smart instructional signs and the boatkeeper I spoke to had to run up and down opening paddles and generally sorting it all out for himself. He seemed to know what he was doing. A three rise lock is quite complicated to negotiate.
Going up, the top two locks have to be full at the start and the bottom one empty. The middle lock then fills the bottom one and the boat moves a step. The top lock then fills the middle one and again the boat can move. Then water from the canal refills the top lock and the boat can pass out from the lock chamber. You can work out the 'going down' sequence for yourself, perhaps!!
Mr.Kippax who ran Dale hire boats at Apperley Bridge did not wish to confront his greenhorn hirers with all these riser locks. On Saturday afternoons he paid me one english pound to escort his 3 hire boats up through Dobson, Field, Hirst, Dowley, Bingley 3- and 5-rise to reach the 17-mile lock free top pound between Bingley and Gargrave. I was 13 then, young and very fit. I think I earned my money, don't you?
ReplyDeleteIt seems quite complicated but logical at the same time.
ReplyDeleteGood to know the details, which of course are logical, but if you didn't know them with good instructions (or seasoned lock minders) it would be disastrous!
ReplyDeleteScary. I'd wait on the towpath while those in the know take care of the lock journey.
ReplyDeleteThe golden secret is to keep the boat well back when going uphill to avoid the incoming water from the upper gates, which all now have safety water deflectors fitted. When going downhill keep the boat well forward against the lower gate to prevent the rudder/propeller sitting on the stone cill. As the water level drops this has tipped over many a narrow boat. All lock chambers are now fitted with safety ladders.
ReplyDeleteDo it yourself locks? Uhhhh, no thanks.
ReplyDelete