The Ittre lock

“Promoted” as a lock with the second highest waterfall in Belgium, the lock 5F of Ittre in Walloon Brabant, as a gateway to the “plan incliné de Ronquières” and the old hydraulic lifts, material heritage of UNESCO, offers its history to visitors , but also a large number of rural and sporting activities. The Charleroi-Bruxelles Canal was put into use in 1832 and is the result of a long story dating back to the 16th century during the reign of Philippe II. At that time, the idea arose to connect the Meuse basin to that of the Scheldt by a navigable canal from Brussels. The main goal of the initiators was to break the isolation of Hainaut and promote the economic growth of the capital by serving the exploitation of the coal mines as best as possible. Today the canal is an opening to France, the Netherlands and Germany. The lock 5F of Ittre, with upstream the “plan incliné de Ronquières” and the current Charleroi canal, has allowed the passage of inland vessels of 1350 tons since 1968, but it nevertheless preserves the remains of the old disused canal of 70 tons and the second channel of 300 tons. As witnesses to the past, they could be protected from dampening and the locks preserved – because of homesickness? – the suffix F added to their name to distinguish them from the others already in service at that time. It is also interesting to note that the large water movements and subsequent waves caused by the various locks were limited by the construction of widenings upstream and downstream of the lock. And it is precisely in the upstream widening that the marina of Ittre was established, offering a whole range of activities: all kinds of water sports and peaceful walks in a rural setting. And that's not all... because lock 5F is also home to the "Corps Royal des Cadets de la Marine", an association supported by the Belgian Defense. This environment is therefore quite suitable for water sports, and young people receive training here, mainly focused on water activities, but also rural activities, supervised by civilian and military volunteers.
Source: cirkwi.com

Once on top, you have a beautiful view of the canal...