Cruising the Barrowford Locks: From Lock 51 to Lock 45
- Saturday 14th March 2026
Seven locks, bright spring sunshine and stunning views of Pendle Hill made for a memorable day on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
With the help of the volunteer lock keepers and with another boat sharing the double locks, we climbed the Barrowford flight and ended the day moored in the peaceful countryside.
Introduction
Yesterday was a pleasant and memorable day on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal as we made our way up the Barrowford locks. We started at the bottom of the flight at Lock 51 and ended the day moored above Lock 45, climbing a total of seven locks along the way. Lock flights can sometimes feel like hard work, but when everything falls into place (good company, helpful volunteers and effective teamwork) it can turn into one of the most enjoyable days on the canal.
Planning Our Journey
One thing that really helps when navigating this stretch of canal is the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Boaters’ Calendar. When planning a journey, you can note when you plan to travel through the locks, which makes it easier to coordinate with volunteers and other boaters. Some people prefer not to use it, but we’ve found it incredibly useful especially when tackling the double locks.
Sharing locks with another boat saves water, which is particularly important on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal because water levels can often be a challenge. It also means John has someone to chat with while steering the boat through the locks.
A Perfect Spring Day
Our day got off to a great start when we stepped outside to untie the boat and discovered a volunteer lock keeper waiting to help us. For me, that’s always a sign it’s going to be a good day!
We went through Lock 51 on our own and then waited in the pound above while two boats came down. Another boat arrived behind us, and from there we were able to navigate through the remaining six locks together.
It also happened to be one of those perfect early spring days on the canal. The sun was shining, the sky was bright, and for the first time this year I was able to leave my coat inside the boat. Sunglasses on and working the locks in the warm sunshine felt like a real sign that spring had finally arrived.
Working the Locks
I always work the locks, opening and closing the gates and managing the paddles, while John steers the boat. It means I get to chat with all sorts of people along the way: volunteers, fellow boaters, walkers on the towpath and the ever-curious spectators known as “gongoozlers.”
The volunteer lock keepers helping us were fantastic. Having experienced people around makes a huge difference, not just because they lend a hand but also because they know the specific quirks that each lock inveriably has.
Tight Squeezes and Challenges
Our boat is 62 feet long, which means it fits into these locks – but only just. At Lock 50, the top gates were leaking badly, and that can be risky for a longer boat because water can pour into the bow if you’re not careful. John eased the boat into the lock and kept the bow clear of the leaking water while I shut the gate behind him. Once the gate was closed, he reversed slightly and tucked the boat safely against it. I kept watch on the bow and used hand signals to guide him, while he also kept an eye on the camera mounted at the front of the boat. Once we were secure, the second boat carefully slid in beside us.
There were three of us (me and two volunteers) working the locks. As we continued up the flight, two of us would see the boats through the current lock while the third person went ahead to prepare the next one. Having the next lock ready meant John could move straight through without waiting.
At Lock 48, the gates wouldn’t open fully, so it took careful manoeuvring and adjustment of fenders to get both boats safely in.
Beautiful Views and Local History
As we climbed higher, the scenery began to open up, and the landscape grew more rural. We had beautiful views of Pendle Hill, which sparked an interesting conversation about the Pendle witches with one of the lock keepers. He told me about the grim journey the accused women had to make from Pendle to York for their trial, back when the area was part of Yorkshire. The outcome was almost inevitable, driven by King James’s obsession with witches and accusations based largely on the testimony of a single young girl. The lock keeper even lives in a cottage that supposedly once belonged to one of the accused women, which made the story feel all the more real.
Mooring and Evening Reflections
At the final lock, the volunteers told me to hop back on the boat while they finished everything off – something that always feels like a real treat after working a whole flight. We then cruised a short distance past a few moored boats and tied up above Lock 45.
The mooring is perfect: rings and bollards on a tarmac towpath make it quick and secure to tie up, and the surroundings are peaceful with sheep grazing nearby and a lovely view across Barrowford Reservoir. After spending about a week waiting at the bottom of the locks while they were closed for repairs, it felt wonderful to finally move on.
Boasley rode up the locks on the boat with John and, once we were moored, I took him out for a walk along the towpath. The area is quiet and rural – such a contrast to the more industrial stretches we’ve been travelling through recently.
Conclusion
On our way up the flight we passed five boats coming down: two pairs sharing locks and one travelling alone.
Days like this are a reminder of what makes life on the canal so special. The simple rhythm of working locks, the camaraderie between boaters, and the kindness of volunteer lock keepers all come together to create something truly enjoyable. Add in a bit of local history, stunning countryside views, and a peaceful mooring at the end of the day, and it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend time on the water.
History: The Pendle Witches
Pendle Hill, which rises prominently over the Lancashire countryside, is closely linked to one of the most famous witch trials in English history. The Pendle witch trials took place in 1612 and involved twelve people from the area around Pendle Hill who were accused of practising witchcraft.
The accusations began when a young girl named Alizon Device was questioned and confessed to cursing a local pedlar (John Law) causing him to become lame. During questioning, Alizon implicated members of her own family as well as others in the community. At their trial evidence came from rumours, local disputes and the testimony of a nine-year-old girl (Jennet Device).
The accused were imprisoned and eventually taken to York Castle for trial. In the end, ten were executed by hanging, one died in prison before the trial, and one was acquitted.
Today, the story of the Pendle witches remains an important part of local folklore and history.
