In defence of the wide locks of the northern Grand Union

Bridge 29 on the Grand Union Canal below Bascote Locks

This is a brief update - much tidying and cleaning of the boat to be done - more to follow.

We got going reasonably early from last night's mooring at Wood Lock on the Grand Union. After yesterday's lock sharing on the whole of the Hatton flight, we had today's wide locks to ourselves.


I have decided that I actually quite like the "modern" GU locks. The gates operate smoothly and are well balanced. The locks fill quickly - and empty even more quickly - and they are consistent. There's little turbulence when filling, provided, of course, that the first paddle you open is on the same side as the boat. All right, the paddle gear itself can be hard work, but not as hard as, say, some windlass operated lift bridges. Yes, I do prefer narrow locks, but I have seen the wide locks of the Grand Union in a new light. It wasn't windy. In wind, manoeuvring into them can be tricky.


approaching Wigram's Turn Marina under Napton Junction bridge

We are now back at Wigram's Turn Marina. Our last night on board (until the next time) is tonight: home tomorrow will seem unnecessarily big.