Thornes Lock, Wakefield. Length?

[MoominPapa]

We're moored at Castleford, and planning a quick diversion to Wakefield in a 60' narrowboat. I don't intend to try out the long boat diagonal on a short lock technique this time, so I'm trying to work out how far we can get.

 

According to Nicholsons, it's to Broad cut, but looking on Google Satellite view, Thornes Lock, the one before Broad Cut, looks short too, but with a second set of gates to make it longer. So the question is can I get a 60' boat through Thornes lock in short mode? If not can I use the extra gates to make it long? If not can I wind on the river below Thornes lock, and if I can get through Thornes lock can I wind on the river below Broad Cut Low lock.

 

Locals, please advise.

 

Cheers,

MP. 

[nicknorman]

We did it in 59', I don't recall it being anything difficult. Further on towards Dewsbury they get shorter!

[Jen-in-Wellies]

Deleted.

Edited August 30, 2021 by Jen-in-Wellies

[PD1964]

Have taken a 60ft up that stretch to Saville Town Wharf, Dewsbury, didn’t have to go diagonal. 

[PeterF]

From memory, the second long length gates at Thornes are rather decrepit and not servicable.

[DaveP]

I think from memory (having moored at Fall Ings for a few years), Thorne is doable on the straight in a 60', but be very aware of the overhanging walkway inside the bottom gates - I broke my swan neck off on it.  Winding below the lock is fine.