Gailey Locks

This is a gem of a place which brings boaters and walkers together. It’s an oasis in the middle of rural passages both north and south.

Boaters stop and linger here for a while because it is a contrast to the secluded rural atmosphere they have passed through for a couple of hours. There is a discreet hire boat marina but this can be ignored when making use of the excellent BW facilities.

The Roundhouse close to the lock was so built to give the lock keeper good views north and south. Of course, the bridge shown at the back of the lock was not there originally and beneath it can be see the original two arched bridge, surprisingly not demolished to make way for the new one. Thankfully the new bridge has some brickwork which is maturing to blend with the original lock buildings.

Inside the round house is a very pleasant surprise – a canal shop. But, this exceeds this description. It is a real gem of a place, a veritable treasure, tastefully filled with canal objects to cater for both children and grown up ones plus essential groceries. When I was there I was served by a lady of mature years who was passing the time doing a crossword, but was very attentive when I approached with my purchases (actually an Oxford Canal map and a chocolate ice cream for just 75 pence!).

There are seats outside (one an old balance beam) for me to sit and have my picnic lunch while keeping an eye on possible photo opportunities and chats with passing boaters.

There were a number of chatty boaters while I lingered here and these photos show some at work!

I later ran into a chap from Queensland, Australia. His boat Fair Dinkum is shown below. He owns the boat and flies over here every year for a 3 month cruise around UK canals. There aren’t any canals in Australia! He was working the boat on his own and very expertly as I could see. From our conversation he knows the canals pretty well. We seemed to agree on the usual grumpy old men topics!

See the photos enlarged in a slideshow.

Download photos from the ONLINE SHOP.