The First Day on the Canals

Hatton Locks

 The longboat is picked up and training is given on two relatively easy locks.  Moor up for the night and nice dinner in a pub ready for the start of the trip next day.  We are told by a fellow boater that the next part of the journey involves the 21 Hatton Locks.  No problem we think!

There are 21 sets of locks altogether and they raise the Grand Union Canal to a height of 45 metres/144 feet, over a distance of 2miles/4km. For a narrow boat to make the climb it takes, between 3 to 5 hours, depending if they went singly or in pairs.

Well we did it under the 3 hours with help.  A young couple in their 30's with a small boat.  However, the wife was 7-8 months pregnant!  But that did not stop her from winding up the sluice gates, opening the heavy lock gates, and steering the boat.  If anything, she put us to shame with her energy and abilities!

After fourteen more locks we decide to call it a day and moor up for the night.  All four of us tired out, wet from the several down pours, and ready for a nice drink and pub dinner.

At Lapwoth Locks