Emerging from the West End of Tuel Lock into the light

Tuel Lock in Sowerby Bridge is the deepest single rise on the canal system. To conserve water the lower gates are a double set with the first pair used if less than 60 ft boats, otherwise the second pair are at 70 ft length. The lower gates are so heavy they are wound open and closed on geared mechanisms. The chamber has a single set of ground paddles that fill via a total of 6 sluices simultaneously to give a fast but smooth ascent. The cill on the upper gates is moulded from concrete in a "V" shape to minimize the risk of rudder grounding on descent. The lock is manned full time by a very amiable lock-keeper. To steady the boats, ropes are looped around riser cables on the lock walls.

Photograph taken by Neil Walker on 26 August 2007 and was added to the database on Monday the 27th of August, 2007

This photo is one of 2 of Tuel Lane Tunnel (western entrance) on the Rochdale Canal [Previous | Next]