The final 10, well almost

Monday, 21 June 2010 15:29

The final 10 eastern locks drop the canal down into Huddersfield

The view from Spring Garden Lock (10E) had a real northern feel, or so we thought!

The next lock brought the Oxford Canal (Isis Lock is the last lock before Sheepwash Channel to the Thames), the River Thames and the University Boat Race to mind! However the ambiance and surroundings was definitely not the London artery but still Milnsbridge.

Isis Lock (9E)

The modern Tanyard Road flats give a smart appearance below the lock and beyond the winding hole. Immediately below the lock there is what looks like a sculpture in a stone ring. We did not stop to find out what it is all about. However there are moorings beyond the winding hole for the curious!

Sculpture and winding hole

Lock 8E, Roller Lock is overshadowed by mills that have been converted to apartments. The foundation stone of Burdett Mill, Factory Lane, was laid in 1838 by the reformist politician Sir Francis Burdett who was MP for Wiltshire.

Burdett Mill

Beside Mark Bottom Lock (6E) is another huge mill - Britannia Mill. From the canal it looks in good repair and is used by a number of businesses. The loading doors now give access to a fire escape but some of the lifting gear is still in place

Britannia Mill, built 1861

For the first time since we bought it last year, our long throw windlass had to be dug out as the bottom paddles on the next few locks needed all John's strength, weight and leverage to move the ratchets.

Paddock Foot Lock (5E) is immediately after another aqueduct over the River Colne and almost under Longroyd railway viaduct. Below is a very sharp right turn towards Longroyd Bridge Lock (4E).

On the aqueduct, waiting for Paddock Foot Lock

After Longroyd Bridge the canal is heavily restored and in places re-aligned. We found it a very interesting cruise down onto the Huddersfield Broad Canal so I shall stop here and continue in another blog. Then you can enjoy the detail too!