It seems a age ago when we approached the start of the Hatton flight - 27th July to be exact. A poor signal prevented me from up dating the blog before we set off to Burscough to deal with property business which took longer than expected.
Thankfully we had company in the shape of narrowboat Pianisino which we recognised from being on the Lancaster Canal when we were. So it was two Lankie boats together.
Yet another version of paddle gear, very distinctive and laborious to use.
The enormity of the task ahead began to dawn....
Plenty of water coming down with us - how different from the Wigan Flight of 21 locks!!!
Safety catch with a difference
Always good to have a bit of one out one in and bear in mind that boat had completed almost the entire flight and it was only just after 9 in the morning!!!
The 21 chambers, spread over just two miles, have a combined rise of almost a hundred and fifty feet.
Along with other locks between Napton and Tyseley, a new Hatton flight of wide-beam dimensions was built by the Grand Union company in 1930. The old narrow chambers were retained in the interim so that traffic was not interrupted. The remains can be seen here to the left of the photo. It is interesting to note that the old flight was numbered in the opposite direction; No 1 being the top lock.
Towards the end of the flight the locks become more spaced.
Three hours later and the final lock. I found the flight visibly daunting and physically no less of a challenge.
We head into the Saltisford Arm for a well earned rest.
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