We have done the four counties a few times, on Sylph our share boat and Waterlily our second boat. One thing I recall when we did it on Sylph and Waterlily was we did it anti clockwise and suffered at the hands of the bottom Tyrley lock. It had a wicked by-wash, firing straight across the mouth of the lock on a very narrow channel. This has the effect of pushing the bow into the lock chamber wall. Brave boaters set off at speed slightly pointing to the bank and got 'corrected' into the lock. Get it wrong at speed and you got a massive bang - it was a spectator sport as most could see the challenge. !
Sensibly (at last) C&RT have put in place an effective baffle to push the by-wash down the towpath side. This has resulted in a easier entrance and more critically no damage going forward (in time) to the lock wall. Also looking at the photo below the erosion of the sandstone rock face across the canal is eased - very sensible !
I have a fancy at doing the four counties in April.... still under some planning.
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