Waltham Town Lock facts for kids
Waltham Town Lock
Narrowboat Alder emerges from the downstream gate |
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| Waterway | River Lee Navigation |
|---|---|
| County | Hertfordshire Essex |
| Maintained by | British Waterways |
| Operation | Manual |
| Length | 85 feet (25.9 m) |
| Width | 16 feet (4.9 m) |
| Fall | 4 feet 3 inches (1.3 m) |
| Distance to Bow Creek |
12.5 miles (20.1 km) |
| Distance to Hertford Castle Weir |
13.8 miles (22.2 km) |
| Coordinates | 51°41′15″N 0°00′45″W / 51.687423°N 0.012596°W |
Waltham Town Lock (also known as Lock No. 11) is a special water gate on the River Lee Navigation. It helps boats travel up and down the river by changing the water level. You can find this lock in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. It's part of the beautiful River Lee Country Park, which is itself a big part of the Lee Valley Park.
Close to the lock, you'll find the River Lee Flood Relief Channel. This channel helps manage water levels and is known as the Horsemill Stream in this area.
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About Waltham Town Lock
Waltham Town Lock is a key part of the River Lee Navigation. This waterway allows boats to travel through different heights of land. The lock acts like a water elevator for boats. It helps them move smoothly along the river.
How a Lock Works
A lock is a chamber with gates at both ends. When a boat wants to go up, the lower gate opens. The boat enters, and the gate closes. Then, water is let into the chamber until it reaches the higher level. The upper gate then opens, and the boat can continue its journey. The process is reversed for boats going downstream.
Olympic Connection
Right next to Waltham Town Lock is a special place. It's called the Broxbourne White Water Canoe Centre. This center was chosen to host the exciting canoeing events for the 2012 Summer Olympics. It's a famous spot for water sports.
Visiting Waltham Town Lock
Waltham Town Lock is a great place to visit. You can watch boats pass through the lock. It's also a lovely area for walks and bike rides.
Getting There by Car
You can drive to the lock from the A121 Station Road. There is car parking available close to the lock. This makes it easy to access if you are traveling by car.
Walking and Cycling Routes
You can also reach the lock by walking or cycling. The towpath runs right alongside the river. This path is part of the Lea Valley Walk. It's a beautiful route for a stroll or a bike ride.
Public Transport Options
If you prefer public transport, Waltham Cross railway station is nearby. Several bus services also stop close to the lock. These include bus numbers 211, 212, 213, 240, 250, 251, and 506.
