Canal holiday tips: Going through a canal lock #3

How to go up and down through a lock. One of a series of videos on the Mon & Brec Canal in the Brecon Beacons, Wales.
Find out more about our fleet of narrowboats here: beaconparkboat...

[@Clay_Maguire]

Is there a reason for leaving the lock empty? It seems like a huge waste of water to empty a full lock for no reason.

[@beaconparkboats3508]

Hi, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is a contour following canal high above the Usk Valley. Some of its locks are therefore on the valley slopes. Generally all locks leak water through the side brick walls, this is generally not a problem when the lock is in the bottom of the valley as this water just leaks back into the ground. However not the case with us, as this leaking water finds its way through the lock sides and possibly down the hillside creating an unwanted water feature in someone's garden! Hence safer all round to leave them empty, yes wasting water but saving third party damage. I hope this makes sense.....

[@Clay_Maguire]

Thanks for the reply. That makes sense.

[@darrenhayes4181]

I find the disagreement about correct process to be confusing. In this video advice is not to even loop a rope round a bollard and yet in other videoa from experts it is regarded as essential.

[@beaconparkboats3508]

Locks on the Mon and Brec are single, therefore only one boat at a time. Much safer to leave the engine on and maintain position in the lock through gentle use of power than by tying up to a bollard which could lead to all sorts of problems.Hope this clarifies.

[@jeffebdy]

@@beaconparkboats3508 unless single boating I guess?