Lock, lock, lock ...

As mentioned before (see Canals and Locks (2 August 2007)), I quite like working the locks, and am aways ready to leap off clutching my windlass ready operate the next lock. Which is just as well, as we had 110 of them on this trip, although we managed to arrange it so that there were not more than 29 in any one day. However, locks have a habit of coming in packs (or "flights"), and there were several long ones on this trip, which was going to mean a lot of hard work.

Today was the biggest challenge - the Hatton flight, just outside Warwick. It is a very attractive setting, with a great view of Warwick from the top of the flight, but 21 locks in the space of 2 miles is a bit daunting, particularly as we started the day with the last six locks of the Lapworth flight (we did the first 13 the previous evening). However, we teamed-up with a very friendly crew from a hire boat (they were just coming to the end of their 2-week holiday), and we had picked up an extra crew member at Hatton, so there were six of us and six of them in total. We got a good rhythm going (one pair walking on to prepare the next lock each time etc.) so it took us less than three hours to complete the flight (about 8 minutes per lock). It was tough in the sun and heat (we started the top lock at 12:30), and the hydraulic paddle mechanisms on that part of the Grand Union are heavy going, but we had a good time.

After completing the final lock, we said farewell to our co-crew and continued into Warwick for a well-earned drink (or three) at the excellent canalside pub The Cape of Good Hope. We then continued on (through two more locks) to moor not far outside Leamington, and an excellent fish 'n' chip supper (onion rings not withstanding).