Hillmorton Locks on the North Oxford canal

Wednesday, 28 January 2009 14:53

I can imagine that Hillmorton locks are a popular tourist attraction in the sunny weather, plenty of boats and lots to look at. In winter when the sun shines they are quiet and we had time to enjoy them.

The locks are paired or twinned and can be used by both up and down boats. Sometimes one or both may be set for you: or not, of course!

When we arrived at the top locks both locks were set against us so we chose the left hand lock (6).

Epiphany going down lock 6

The photo above shows some old paddle gear in the centre between locks 6 and 7. When the locks were worked as twinned locks this would be used to allow water to transfer to the adjoining lock. This then could act as a side pond and facilitate the operation of one boat going down at the same time as another went up. All the pairs have this old gear;  sadly it is no longer in use in this flight.

Restored old ground paddle gear

Some of the top paddles are different from usual

Top paddles lock 2

The bottom paddles vary too

Bottom paddles on lock 7

Bottom paddles on lock 2

There is a longer pound between the middle locks (4 and 5) and the bottom locks (2 and 3). Exiting lock 4 there is need for a careful manoeuver to avoid hitting the bank! Once around the right hander, a bridge crosses the pound. Emerging from the bridge, Badsey Cafe and Bistro is on the right with Woolwich Motorboat Badsey moored outside.

Badsey x  2!

The disused arm housing Hillmorton Boat Services is just beyond. The final two locks take you down to the 14 day Hillmorton moorings.

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