Have you noticed the new steps down the bank in several places on the Llangollen Canal? They're probably elsewhere on the system as well, but I noticed these on our October 2009 cruise.
They look well made, with a safety hand rail and non-slip treatment on the treads. I initially thought that they might be footpaths, possibly ending in a stile.
But when I investigated, at the bottom I found a fence completely blocking the way. The steps go nowhere. Or so it seems. A clue was in the fact that they tended to coincide with where a stream was culverted under the canal. Could the steps be a maintenance aid?
I e-mailed BW to ask about them. Here's their response:
I can advise that yes the steps are to enable us to visually inspect the canal to make sure it is running correctly and to check for any blockages/extra water. If we find that there is a problem then we have other means of gaining access to the culvert.
I photographed the steps from the towpath of the Llangollen at Bettisfield. Was this the site of the recent breach? Did the steps make any difference?
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