"Top Lock", as the name suggests, stands at the top of a large flight of locks on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal to the north-west of Wigan. From there the canal drops 61 metres through 21 locks in just 2 miles. There are a further two locks before the centre of Wigan is reached. The "Wigan Flight" is regarded as one of the wonders of the canal system. Users boast about having passed through it.
It is a popular location. People come here to walk, cycle, jog and fish.
This picture shows how close together the locks are on the flight. Just as a matter of interest, the water between two locks is called a "pound".
This mechanism is used to open a paddle in the lock gate so water can flow into or out of the lock.
Ropes are looped round these blocks to keep the boat steady while the lock fills or empties.
The lock gates are opened by pushing this huge beam. Strength is needed!
This overflow allows excess water to by pass the lock.
Thanks for sharing the story with good photos.
Thank you for your comment.