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Lock No. 8 - a magnificent display of Beech trees

The stretch of towpath between bridge number 17, which carries Station Road over the canal, and Lock 8 is perhaps best know for its magnificent beech trees. In autumn these wonderful trees provide a truly magnificent spectacle.

Fabulous beech trees in autumn.Fabulous beech trees in autumn.

There is a sluice running between Lock 8 and Lock 7 pounds that contains a V-shaped channel. The purpose of this was to measure the rate of water flow, which was proportionate to the height reached by the water in the V.

V channel.The V-channel

The original stone bridge is still under the concrete.
The original stone bridge is still under the concrete

The view looking towards Bridge number 17 and Lock 9 has not changed enormously since the canal was first built, although the bridge itself has been widened and is no longer as attractive when approaching from Lock 8 pound. The picture below showing this scene was scanned from an old image in the Local History Society archives taken by Arthur Hulme in 1950.

Lock 9 on the Peak Forest Canal in 1950.
Lock 9 on the Peak Forest Canal in 1950.

Photo credits:
Modern day images - Mark Whittaker.
Historic Images: The Marple Website Virtual History Tour
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