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Locks |
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Cleverly
designed to lie on two levels, apart from the shallow stop
lock at Hall Green, the only locks on the canal are at Bosley
where there are 12 in the flight, lowering it by 118'.
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Passage
through the locks can take between 1 and 2 hours dependant
upon how busy they are or whether the locks are set
for or against you. However long it takes, there cannot
be many flights of locks as stunningly scenic as those
at Bosley and you are guaranteed a very pleasant sojourn
as you work your way through. |
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Bosley
locks are unusual in that they are constructed with
double mitre gates at each end. |
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| It's
worth noting that over the August Bank Holiday weekend,
volunteers from the Macclesfield Canal Society man the locks
and work them for passing boaters. A modest contribution
to their funds in recognition of this excellent service
is always gratefully received and you'll be given historical
information, news about the society and probably a Canal
Company sticker too!.
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Operation |
A
windlass is required to wind up the paddles to allow water in
or out of the lock.
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Gate
paddles are shutters underwater which are wound by a rack
and pinion mechanism mounted on the gate. |
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You
may climb off the boat and out of the lock using the ladder
mounted on the lockside. |
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Locks
may be crossed by using the metal bridges. |
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Ground
paddles operate shutters which allows water through a culvert
from the upper level into the lock and are mounted on the
locksides. |
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Passage
Downhill |
If
the lock is full then simply open the
gates and drive the boat into the lock. Then close the gates
and, having made sure that the ground paddles are down, open
the gate paddles (slowly). The lock will empty. Open the gates
then motor out of the lock and lower the gate paddles. |
If
the lock is empty and no craft are waiting
to come uphill, then the lock needs to be filled. Ensure the
gate paddles are down and the gates closed. Then open the
ground paddles to fill the lock. When filled, open the gates
and lower the ground paddles. Having closed the top gates,
slowly open the gate paddles. The lock will empty, open the
gates then motor out of the lock and lower the gate paddles. |
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Passage
Uphill |
If
it is empty then simply open the gates
and drive the boat into the lock. Then close the gates and,
having made sure that the gate paddles are down, open the
ground paddles (slowly). The lock will fill, open the top
gates then motor out of the lock and lower the ground paddles. |
If
the lock is full and no craft are waiting
to come downhill, then the lock needs to be emptied. Ensure
the ground paddles are down and the gates closed. Then open
the gate paddles to empty the lock. When emptied, open the
gates and lower the gate paddles. Having closed the bottom
gates, slowly open the ground paddles. The lock will fill,
open the gates then motor out of the lock and lower the ground
paddles. |
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Safety
at Locks |
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Important
information on using locks!! |
Water
saving: |
Save
water when you can. If the lock can accomodate two boats,
do so. Check that paddles are closed. If the lock is set against
you, invite oncoming boats to use it. |
Tying
up: |
If
descending, never tie the boat to anything in a lock. |
Lock
gear: |
Make
sure the windlass fits properly and always remove it after
use.
Make sure the safety catch is in place when winding up and
wind the paddles down carefully after use.
Keep fingers and clothes away from the gear. |
Take
care: |
Make
sure on one has their hands or feet over the side.
Walkways can be slippery, take care.
Keep people away from between the balance beam and the lockside.
Push lock gates rather than pulling them. |
Avoid
the cill: |
Keep
the rudder away from the cill on the top gate. It is clearly
marked and use the motor to keep as far forward as possible. |
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