If you've never been on a canal holiday before, you may have some questions about the locks.
In this article we'll give answers to the most frequently asked questions by first time canal boat holiday makers.
What are canal locks? A lock allows you and your narrow boat to go up or down hills - this is done by changing the water level of the canal.
The lock itself consists of a chamber, with two doors at the front, and two doors to the rear.
How does a canal lock work? You sail your narrow boat into the lock, and the doors behind you close.
If you need to go "up hill", water is let into the lock, causing your narrow boat to rise.
For a "down hill" journey, the water is let out of the lock, causing your narrow boat to go down too.
When you have reached the top or bottom (depending on whether you are going up or down), the doors in front of you will open, and on you cruise.
How does the water get into the canal lock? The doors to the front and read of the lock chamber are called "paddles".
These doors are opened and closed by using a "windlass".
This is a lever used to turn the cogs, to open and close the paddles.
The windlass will be supplied on your hire boat.
What do I do in the canal lock? When you get your narrow boat into the lock, wrap the ropes from your boat around the bollards at the top of the lock.
This will keep your narrow boat steady as the water rises or falls.
Don't tie the ropes to the bollard, as this will cause problems - your boat may well hang in mid air as the water level decreases.
How long does it take to get through a canal lock? It will take around 20 minutes to get through a canal lock.
Canal boat holidays are a very relaxed and slow moving type of holiday - so there is no need to rush your lock manoeuvre.