Densie does the big one

Rob the lock keeper at Tuel Lane

Tuel Lane lock - view from Densie

The highlight of today was our passage through the mighty Tuel Lane lock, at 19feet 8.5 inches, the deepest lock on the English canal system. Because of its size and the danger to inexperienced boaters caused by the tremendous flows of water as it fills and empties, the lock is operated by a lock-keeper. This is normally Rob, an extremely friendly and helpful guy, who is obviously proud of his lock and also of the delightful garden he has created alongside.

To the details since the last blog....

First job in the morning was to take the washing to the launderette where a service wash was completed for us in 2 hours. After returning to the boat we set off with Rebecca up the Rochdale canal. After a couple of small locks came the Tuel Lane lock. The canal then left Sowerby Bridge and and carried on up the Calder valley. This continues to provide delightful wooded scenery though as the hills get higher more open countryside is seen. The Calder itself which earlier was large enough for commercial barges is now little more than a stream alongside the canal.

Entering Hebdon Bridge

We have now moored at Hebdon Bridge where we plan to spend a couple of days.