Turnover Bridge.

One of the problems when the canals were a major form of transport was that towpaths changed from one side of the canal to the other.  Why I don't know as the same amount of land would be required be the same no matter the side.  So what was needed was a way to get a horse from one side to the other while still harnessed and towing a loaded narrowboat.

The turnover bridge was the answer.  You can't always get a  good view of these bridges from the canal, however the two on the Macclesfield canal give a good view.  The way this worked is as follows.  The horse would walk up the ramp on the right of the picture, cross the bridge and down the curving ramp on the left.  This positioned it ready for walking under the bridge with no need for unharnessing or even stopping the narrowboat.

Sadly time was marching on and we needed to turn and head for the Marina.  We were waiting at the top lock ready for them to be unlocked at 8:30.  It isn't normal to lock the flight but we were told it was to save water as there was a shortage.  I am still trying to work out how restricting the opening hours saves water, it just means all the boats crammed into the same short period, as I mentioned yesterday.  Being first in the queue we made it down the flight in the usual time of around an hour and a half.

The extra is added because I like the shot and the circumstances are a little unusual.  Fields with stock in are generally fenced with only a small area (still fenced) giving access to the canal.  These had full access to the canal and in the heat were taking advantage of the cool water.  The breed was also unusual for the area.