Page 139 - Des Pawson "Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices"

Highwayman's Hitch

This complex arrangement of loops
and bights makes a quick-release
hitch. Said to have been used by

highwaymen of the past, it works well
for all who wish to tether their horses

to a ring or rail in a way that enables
them to get away quickly. Yachtsmen
may find it good for releasing a

mooring on a dockside that is out of
reach from the boat. Whoever uses

this quick-release hitch must be
careful that the strain is taken on the

correct end of the rope and, as with
all slipknots, care must be taken to
ensure that the hitch is properly

jammed tight so it will not come
undone inadvertently.

1 Hold a bight in front of the bar, with the
shorter working part on the left side.

Bring the working part of the rope behind
the bar.

2 Place the working part over the bight.
Bring the rest of the working part of the
rope, in the form of a bight of rope, round
to the front of the bar on the right-hand

side.
3 Put the working part bight through the
bight in the standing part. Puli tight, first

on the working bight, and then on the
standing-part bight, to ensure that the
hitch is secure. To release, pull the short

end.

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