Bumble Hole Lock.

The second day of our holiday on Solace.  One of the things I really enjoy about canal holidays is operating 200 year old technology (OK it is the technology that is old not all of the structure gates get replaced etc) which is still doing the job it was designed for and doing it admirably.

Bumblehole lock is part of a series on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal.  It this point we had passed the Bratch with its three locks in quick succession two of which were in the form of a stair case.

Beside the lock is what would have been the Lock Keepers Cottage now sadly they have all been sold off.  Equally disappointing is the demise of the "Lengthsman" who was responsible for knowing his stretch of canal and keeping it in tiptop order.  The canals are in my opinion much the worse for these changes.