Dutton Locks
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File:Dutton Locks - geograph.org.uk - 1531904.jpg
File:Lockkeeper's cottage, Dutton Locks - geograph.org.uk - 1544685.jpg
File:Wreck of MV Chica - geograph.org.uk - 1531871.jpg
Dutton Locks is a historic lock on the River Weaver in Cheshire, England. The locks are Grade II listed with Historic England.{{NHLE |num=1216524|desc=Dutton Locks |grade=II |accessdate=18 August 2020}} The locks are still in use and form a destination for walkers and cyclists. Dutton Locks is also the name of a hamlet of approximately six residences adjacent to the locks.
Description
There are two locks built in 1874 for the Weaver Navigation Company. The lock gates are driven by Pelton turbines and semaphores control access to the locks. The locks raise or lower boats by 2.4m (8 feet) and they are 7.3m (24 feet) deep when the locks are full. The largest ship ever to use the lock was the 1,000 tonne capacity St. Michael from the Netherlands, which passed through in 1984.Information board at Dutton Locks. Title of board:Exploring the Dutton Locks Weaver Navigation. Author: Canal and River Trust. Date accessed: 18 Aug 2020.
Facilities
The locks can only be accessed on land via a footpath along the river; consequently they are used as a recreational destination for walkers, horse riders and cyclists.{{Cite news |url=http://www.ellesmereportpioneer.co.uk/ellesmere-port-news/local-ellesmere-port-news/2002/05/09/beauty-spot-to-get-regeneration-cash-55940-11856593/ |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130420021206/http://www.ellesmereportpioneer.co.uk/ellesmere-port-news/local-ellesmere-port-news/2002/05/09/beauty-spot-to-get-regeneration-cash-55940-11856593/ |archivedate=20 April 2013 |url-status=dead |title=Beauty spot to get regeneration cash |newspaper=Northwich Chronicle |date=9 May 2002 |first=Jane |last=Matzen |via=Ellesmere Port Pioneer |accessdate=18 August 2020 }} The footpath forms part of the Weaver Way, a {{convert|40|mi|adj=on}} hiking trail between Audlem and Frodsham.{{cite web |url=https://www.visitcheshire.com/things-to-do/the-weaver-way-p176471 |title=The Weaver Way |publisher=Visit Cheshire |accessdate=18 August 2020}} It is also on National Cycle Route 5.{{cite web |url=https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-5/ |title=Route 5 |publisher=Sustrans |accessdate=18 August 2020}}
The locks are managed by the Canal and River Trust and mooring is allowed with a permit.{{Cite web|url=https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/weaver-navigation |title=Weaver Navigation |publisher=The Canal & River Trust |accessdate=18 August 2020}} There is a shipwreck at the locks, of a boat called the Chica, built in 1894.{{Cite news|url=https://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/18530101.boat-travelled-world-ended-sunk-dutton-locks/ |title=How a boat that had travelled the world ended up abandoned at Dutton Locks|newspaper=Northwich Guardian|first=Paul |last=Hurley |date=20 June 2020 |accessdate=18 August 2020}} The locks are a short distance from two other Grade II listed landmarks – Dutton Horse Bridge{{NHLE |num=1139138 |desc=Horse Bridge over river 250 metres south west of Dutton Lock |grade=II |fewer-links=yes |accessdate=18 August 2020}} and Dutton Sluice{{NHLE |num=1329860|desc=Dutton Sluice 150 metres north east of Dutton Lock |grade=II |fewer-links=yes |accessdate=18 August 2020}} – and the Grade II* listed Dutton Viaduct.{{NHLE |num=1216523 |desc=Dutton Railway Viaduct |grade=II* |fewer-links=yes |accessdate=18 August 2020}}
See also
{{Portal|Cheshire}}
{{commons category|Dutton Locks}}
References
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{{coord|53.2876|-2.6218|type:landmark_region:GB|display=title}}
Category:Tourist attractions in Cheshire