The wrecked boat above the locks is what remains of M/V Chica,a privately owned boat which was
moored where it now lies. Since B.W. now owns it and to shift it would cost a lot of money which could
be better spent elsewhere, there are no immediate plans for its removal
Lock Dimensions
The large lock is 225 ft by 42 ft (67m by 13m) and has an 8ft drop. When full, it is 24 ft deep and
a half million gallons of water are lost for each passage. And yes! little boats use exactly the same
amount of water as big boats.
The small lock is not currently in use as it is silted up and some of the machinery requires renewing.
Opening hours at Dutton
Monday to Thursday 0800 until 1615; last lock at 1545. On Fridays, the last lock is 1515
Weekends and Bank Holidays during the boating season (April to September) we are open from 1000 to
1800; last lock 1730. From October to November, the last lock is 1530
The concrete posts with 200 at their tops which can be seen in some places along the banks of the
Weaver are 200yd markers placed at the upper and lower approaches to locks and bridges.
Not all of them have survived.The ones above and below Pickerings date back to October 1922.
The surviving example below Dutton is dated Feb 1941
Ships were not to pass them until signalled to do so by the lock or bridge keeper
Access
The lock can be accessed by foot, bicycle or horseback from any of the several footpaths and bridleways
which connect with the lock and we are only a mile from the A49.
There is no vehicular access whatsoever. Sorry but there are no public toilets or tearooms.
This is the countryside; respect it and enjoy it.
Any suggestions for additions to this website will be gratefully received. Either contact the
lockkeeper directly or e-mail me at fredc@freeola.co.uk
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