In order to go up or down Foxton Locks, you need to “book in” with the lock keepers.

The lock keepers are staff and volunteers from the Canal and River Trust, who work all year round to ensure the smooth running of the locks.

The locks themselves are collectively known as a staircase and they are fed with water both from the canal and via a series of ponds to one side. Their operation is slightly more complex than a single lock and so the lock keepers are on hand to support boaters as they move up or down.

Give your boat name to the lock keeper and they will tell you whereabouts you are in the queue. If you are lucky, you will be able to go straight on in the first lock. At very busy times, there can be a wait of anything up to 2 hours, so use the opportunity to pop into the museum or take some refreshments at one of the cafes or restaurants. It’s also a great place to chat to other boaters while you wait.

When it’s your turn, the lock keeper will wave you through the first lock.

From this point, one of you will be in charge of driving the boat up through the locks and the other will use the windlass to raise and lower the paddles. More on this in our Beginner Guide to operating Foxton Locks.