At about this point there is a gate with a notice prohibiting access to the public (northwards); it's therefore best not to use it. If you do open the gate and carry on northwards the path becomes very overgown. At the end of the path (close to Black Jacks Lock on the canal) you are faced with  a high fence and two tall gates, one of which is padlocked. The only escape from the path is to go through the unlocked gate into what appears to be a private garden, and then to exit via their main garden gate into the lane. Such a shame that this wonderful path is so neglected and apparently unavailable to the public.    