Opening Times

Notice: Towpath Talk and Mortons Media Group Ltd. is not responsible for any of the information held on this page. Please confirm any stoppages and restrictions with individual waterways prior to travelling.

For Canal & River Trust: You can find all notices at the url below:
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices

Winter stoppages 2023-2024: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/report/winter-notices.pdf

CRT Enquiries: 03030 404040 unless indicated otherwise

For River Thames:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/river-thames-restrictions-and-closures

For Anglian Waterways: please contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506506 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and ask for the Waterways team for the Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire area. Visit Anglian Waterways: boating, moorings, navigation notices

For Avon Navigation Trust: avonnavigationtrust.org>>

For Bridgewater Canal Company: bridgewatercanal.co.uk>>


Last updated 20 February 2024

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River Nene

Dog in a Doublet Lock – Lower Nene

ADVICE (Thursday 1 February 2024 until further notice)

Please be aware that the process for locking vessels through Dog in a Doublet Lock has now changed. If you wish to book lock passage please call Patrick Mahoney, Mobile Lock Keeper on
07789 945971.
Please note 48 hours advanced notice is required in order to book a locking.

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Leicester Line (Grand Union Canal)

Starts At: Lock 38 – Kings Lock
Ends At: Lock 37 – Blue Bank Lock
Up Stream Winding Hole: GL-059-007

Update on 12/01/2024:

Assisted passage has resumed between Kings Lock and Blue Bank Lock.  The assisted passage will be available at 12pm on each planned Wednesday for up to four boats, pre-booking is required.

A member of staff will embark each boat as a pilot for the passage.  Please follow any instructions as they assist you through the pound and locks.

To book your passage please contact [email protected] or call on 0303 0404 4040 (option 2 then 5).  

We would be grateful if any bookings for a Wednesday could be made with us by 1pm on the Tuesday so we can plan the required resource to assist you. 

Please do not approach either lock until after your booking has been confirmed.

The towpath remains closed.  We will update this notice by the 31st March 2024 or as soon as we have further information.

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Grand Union Canal
Blisworth and Braunston tunnels

BOOKING INFORMATION (Thursday 4 January 2024 until further notice)

All wide beam boat passage through BlisworthTunnel/Braunston Tunnel must be booked in advance so that the tunnel can be closed to other boat traffic.  This is managed at either end of the tunnel by colleagues or volunteers to ensure safe passage.

Passage for wide beam boats can be accommodated on a Tuesday and Thursday only, with a maximum capacity for four boats, two in either direction.  Bookings can be made using our online booking system: Booking your passage online | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk) or by phone on 0303 040 4040, selecting the option for the East Midlands region.

Passage needs to be booked 48 hours in advance and can be booked Monday – Friday (Exc bank holiday and weekends). 

Wide beam boats must be ready at the entrance of the tunnel for 7:45am prompt. On arrival please wait for instructions from the Trust representative before proceeding through the tunnel.  

We kindly request a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for any cancellations.

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Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Location: Bingley 3 & 5 Rise Winter Booking information
Starts At: Lock 29, Bingley 5 Rise Top Lock
Ends At: Lock 22, Bingley 3 Rise Bottom Lock

Update on 22/12/2023:

The winter stoppage has ended, and bookings slots are open for passage through Bingley 3 & 5 Rise.

Please ensure the required minimum 72 hours notice is given when making a booking. 

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River Glen

Updated 15/12/2023:

ADVICE (until 31 May 2024)

Please be aware the planned water level changes on the River Glen this
winter will be: –
20/11/2023 – Lowering of the river level from summer level (2.75m) to winter
level (2.50m)
11/03/2024 – Raising of river level from winter level (2.50m) to summer level
(2.75m)
08/01/2024 until 31/05/2024 – Lowering of river level either side of Surfleet
Sluice to 2.2mAOD for planned works.

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Sheffield & Tinsley Canal
Tinsley Flight – Lock 4

Update on 15/12/2023:

A temporary repair has been made with one sluice working on the top and bottom.

Navigation is now open and bookings can be made as usual:

Passage through the Tinsley flight of locks must be booked at least 24 hours in advance by calling the customer service team on 0303 040 4040 Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm

Lock Keepers will advise customers what time the last passage will be as it takes approximately 4 hours to navigate the flight. 

Our summer hours are 1st April until 30th September  Monday – Sunday 8am until 5 pm 

Our winter hours are 1st October until 31st March Monday – Sunday 8am until 4pm

The Tinsley Flight passage starts at Holmes Lock. Customers who have not booked passage will not be able to progress past Holmes Lock. We advise customers to moor at Eastwood or Iccles Lock. 

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Kennet & Avon Canal
Caen Hill Flight – Opening Hours
Starts At: Lock 29, Devizes Lock
Ends At: Lock 44, Sir Hugh Stockwell

ADVICE (9am Friday 1 December 2023 until further notice)

Please be advised that the winter opening hours for Caen Hill Flight (Locks 44-29) will be 10am – 1pm daily, with last entry into the flight by 1pm.

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River Ouse
Lock keeper shift times/tide times & booking information
Naburn Large Lock

Update on 10/11/2023:

We have revised the booking period notice needed for bookings to be 48 hours.

Naburn Lock Operating Times:

Operating before HW: 3hrs

Operating after HW: 4.5hrs

Booking: 48hr advanced booking required in winter period. Advisory 24hr booking in summer. Please contact lock keeper on 01904 728500.

Summer operating times: 06:00 to 22:00 – Last week in Feb to Mid Oct

Winter operating times: 06:00 to 22:00 (1st daylight tide only) – Mid Oct to last week in Feb

Comments: End of tidal section of River Ouse

Details of Lock Keeper shift times for Naburn lock are now available to view on the Canal & River Trust website.

You can view the shift times here:https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/yorkshire-and-north-east/lock-keeper-shift-tide-times

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Selby Canal

Lock keeper shift times/tide times & booking information
Selby Lock (Lock 1)

Update on 10/11/2023:

We have revised the booking notice period needed to be 48 hours.

Selby Lock Operating Times:

Operating before HW: 2.5hrs

Operating after HW: 5hrs

Booking: 48hr advanced booking required in winter period. Advisory 24hr booking in summer. Please contact lock keeper on 01757 703182.

Summer operating times: 06:00 to 22:00 – Last week in Feb to Mid Oct.

Winter operating times: 06:00 to 22:00 (1st daylight tide only) -Mid Oct to Last Week in Feb.

Details of Lock Keeper shift times for Selby lock are now available to view on the Canal & River Trust website.

You can view the shift times here:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/yorkshire-and-north-east/lock-keeper-shift-tide-times

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Rochdale Canal
Lock 17 – difficult to fill

Update on 06/11/2023:

Whilst we await the manufacture of replacement gearing parts at the foundry we are pleased to advise that assisted passage will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 10am and 2pm. Booking is not required, however if you are unable to operate the lock yourself at these stated times then please give our Customer Service Team a call on 0303 040 4040 and they will ensure a member of the team comes to assist you.

The lock is available for customer self-operation outside of these times, however if you require assistance the team may be working further away and as a consequence take longer to get to you.

We will provide further information on the repair to the gearing when we have received the parts needed from the foundry. 

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Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Starts At: Lock 1, River Lock

From the week beginning 6th of November River Lock will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday between 13:00 & 15:00 for boaters wishing to move between the Leeds and Liverpool and Aire and Calder canals. 

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Montgomery Canal
Frankton Locks Winter Opening Times
Starts At: Lock 1, Frankton Locks
Ends At: Lock 4, Frankton Locks

BOOKING INFORMATION (9am Monday 6 November 2023 until 1pm Friday 15 March 2024)

Winter Opening Times 2023 – 2024

Frankton Locks is operated from 9am to 1pm.

Booking is required 48hrs before the day of passage. Please note we do not accept bookings on the day.

Due to stoppages, availability of the locks are as follows:

2024

Monday 1st January to Friday 15th March CLOSED for STOPPAGES

Saturday 16th March onwards see Summer Opening Times.

You can book online – Book your passage online here 

Please note only boats with a booking will be allowed passage through the locks. Customers are advised that there is a maximum of 12 boats allowed down the locks and 12 boats allowed up the locks in any one day and booking well in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment. There is a minimum of 1 night and a maximum of 14 nights stay.

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Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Winter Opening Times, Blackburn Lock Flight
Starts At: Lock 52, Top Lock
Ends At: Lock 57, Bottom Lock

OPENING TIMES (8am Wednesday 1 November 2023 until 2pm Sunday 31 March 2024)

Please be advised the following daily opening times will be implemented between Lock 57, Bottom Lock and Lock 52, Top Lock, Blackburn Lock Flight on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to reduce the risk of vandalism which will help our team manage the water levels in the local area.

  • Open at 8am, close at 2pm. Last entry at 1pm.

The above locks will be padlocked closed outside of these times.

Please note, this is not an assisted passage. If you experience any issues whilst on the flight, please call our North West Customer Support Team on 0303 040 4040.

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River Avon

Avon Lock, Tewkesbury

Avon Lock Tewkesbury is now closed for the winter season until 15th March 2024 . During this period the lock is un-manned. Bookings for out of season locking can be requested by calling 0300 111 2010 48 hours prior to passage or via our website Request to Navigate off season – Avon Navigation Trust

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River Severn Navigation
Winter opening hours.
Starts At: Lock 2 Gloucester Lock
Ends At: Lock 9 Lincomb Lock

ADVICE (8am Wednesday 1 November 2023 until 4pm Sunday 31 March 2024)

From 1st November 2023 to 31st March 2024 the River Severn will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

From Thursday through to Monday when the river is open (between 8am and 4pm) the following locks will be unmanned and therefore operate on a booking system; Lincomb, Holt, Bevere, Diglis and Upper Lode.

These bookings must be made via Gloucester Lock 24 hours in advance of travel by calling 01452 310832 or 07717 681 086.

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Weaver Navigation
Winter 2023 Lock Booking Information: Marsh, Dutton, Saltersford, Hunts & Vale Royal Locks,
Starts At: Marsh Lock
Ends At: Vale Royal Small Lock

BOOKING INFORMATION (8am Wednesday 1 November 2023 until 5pm Sunday 31 March 2024)

From Wednesday 1 November through till Saturday 31 March the five main locks on the Weaver Navigation: Marsh, Dutton, Saltersford, Hunts & Vale Royal Locks are available to book for passage by prior arrangement.

Bookings are available to book via your online Canal & River Trust licensing account here. Alternatively, please call 0303 040 4040 and speak with the North West Customer Support Team. Passages need to be booked 48 hours in advance.

There are no bookable slots between Sunday 24 December and will open again on Tuesday 2 January 2024. 

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Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Lock Flight Operating Times
Starts At: Lock 85, Lock 21
Ends At: Lock 7, Kirkstall Little Lock

From 1st November Bingley 3 & 5 Rise/ Kirkstall Forge and Newlay will move to winter opening times. 72 hours notice is required for booking passage. Please follow the links below for further details. 

Kirkstall Forge & Newlay Locks Winter Booking Information | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

Bingley 3 & 5 Rise Winter Booking information | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

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Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Kirkstall Forge & Newlay Locks Winter Booking
Starts At: Lock 7, Kirkstall Little Lock
Ends At: Lock 13, Newlay Top Lock

Update on 02/11/2023:

Following feedback CRT has decided to alter the passage times at Kirkstall Forge and Newlay locks to maximise passage options.

Monday, Friday & Saturday: Up direction bookings will be 09:00 & 13:00 slot and down direction will be 11:00 slot

Tuesday and Thursday: Up direction bookings will be 11:00 slot and down direction will be 09:00 slot.

Wednesday: Up direction bookings will be 09:00 slot and down direction will be 11:00 slot.

Sunday: Up direction bookings will be 11:00 slot and down direction will be 09:00 & 13:00 slot.

BOOKING INFORMATION (9am Wednesday 1 November 2023 until 4pm Sunday 17 March 2024)

Throughout the 2023/2024 Winter Season  Kirkstall to Newlay Locks (7-13) can be booked with a minimum of 72 hours notice. 

Kirkstall to Newlay Locks –

Monday, Wednesday & Friday Up direction bookings will be 09:00 slot and down direction will be 11:00 slot 

Saturday: Up direction bookings will be 09:00 & 13:00 slot and down direction will be 11:00 slot 

Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday: Up direction bookings will be 11:00 slot and down direction will be 09:00 & 13:00 slot.

To make a booking, please sign in to the online licensing pages and click on ‘my boats’, followed by the ‘bookings’ section.

https://licensing.canalrivertrust.org.uk/Account/SignIn

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Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Bingley 3 & 5 Rise Winter Booking
Starts At: Lock 29, Bingley 5 Rise Top Lock
Ends At: Lock 22, Bingley 3 Rise Bottom Lock

BOOKING INFORMATION (9am Wednesday 1 November 2023 until 4pm Sunday 17 March 2024)

Throughout the 2023/2024 Winter Season Bingley 3 & 5 Rise will operate on the following times and can be booked with a minimum of 72 hours notice

Please arrive at Bingley 3 & 5 rise 15 minutes prior to your passage booking.

Please introduce yourself to the lock keeper on arrival so they can go through any safety procedures.

Bingley Three & Five Rises –

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday:

Up direction bookings will be 11:00 slot and down direction will 09:00 & 13:00 slot 

Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday:

Up direction bookings will be 09:00 & 13:00 slot and down direction will be 11:00 slot.

To make a booking, please sign in to the online licensing pages and click on ‘my boats’, followed by the ‘bookings’ section.

https://licensing.canalrivertrust.org.uk/Account/SignIn

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Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Lock 1, River Lock

Due to reduced staff during the winter season River Lock will be open between 1pm and 3pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting from the 1st of November.

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Trent & Mersey Canal

Harecastle Tunnel Winter Opening Times 2023/2024

BOOKING INFORMATION (Wednesday 1 November 2023 until Wednesday 28 February 2024)

During the winter season 2023/24, booking will be required for all passages through the Harecastle Tunnel.

From Wednesday 1st November to Thursday 29th February 2024, booking slots are available between 9am to 12noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only: –

North to South – 9am & 11am

South to North – 10am & 12pm 

Booking is required 48 hours prior to passage, and we will be unable to accommodate late arrivals. 

To make a booking for tunnel passage, Please click here to book; alternatively, please call 0303 0404040.


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Kennet & Avon Canal

Crofton flight winter opening times
Starts At: Lock 51, Wootton Rivers
Ends At: Lock 60, Crofton Lock

RESTRICTION (9am Monday 30 October 2023 until 2.30pm Monday 25 March 2024)

Please see winter opening hours for the Crofton Flight (Locks 51 Wootton Rivers, Lock 60 Crofton Lock)

Opening hours will be 09.00hrs until 14.30hrs.

The winter opening hours will commence from Monday 30th October 2023 and finish on Monday 25th March 2024.

Note that exceptions may apply to these rules at Crofton. Please look out for local signage.

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Huddersfield Narrow Canal
Location: Huddersfield Narrow Canal Lock 3E to Lock 1E – Tuesday & Thursday only
Starts At: Lock 3 East
Ends At: Lock 1 East, Stanley Dawson Lock

Update on 11/10/2023:

We are only be able to provide booked passage on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is due to the manpower needed to remove and reinsert the stop planks before and after passage.

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Gloucester & Sharpness Canal/River Severn Navigation

Opening times

Intersection of: Bridge 3, Purton Lower to Bridge 24, Llanthony Lift Bridge on Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and
Lock 2 Gloucester Lock to Lock 9 Lincomb Lock on River Severn Navigation

Update on 10/10/2023:

Please be aware of the following bridge opening times for the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal & River Severn Navigation, for Winter 23/24.

From 1st November 2023 to 28th March 2024, the bridges will be available between 08:00 and 16:00 every day except Tuesday and Wednesday, when all bridges will be closed.

Please be aware of the following lock opening times for the River Severn Navigation, for Winter 23/24.

From 1st November 2023 to 28th March 2024, the locks will be available for booked passage only, between 08:00 and 16:00 every day except Tuesday and Wednesday, when all locks will be closed.

Please contact Gloucester Lock on 01452 310832 at least 24 hours before your journey, to book your River passage.

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Fossdyke Canal

Lock 1, Torksey Lock

BOOKING INFORMATION (Thursday 20 April 2023 until further notice)

TIDAL LOCK OPERATION IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

Torksey lock core operating hours are: 7:00am to 9:00pm in Summer (the earlier of Good Friday or 1st April to 30th September) and 8:00am to 4:00pm in Winter.

To allow us to ensure Lock Keeper availability, and plan the best use of our limited resources, we would appreciate at least two working days’ notice wherever possible.  Bookings can be arranged by calling our lock keepers on – M: 07884238781  LL: 01427 718202

Torksey lock opening times and more information can be found:  Torksey Lock office | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk) 

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River Trent
Lock 15, Cromwell Lock – Top Chamber

BOOKING INFORMATION (Thursday 20 April 2023 until further notice)


TIDAL LOCK OPERATION IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

Cromwell lock core operating hours are: 7:00am to 9:00pm in Summer (the earlier of Good Friday or 1st April to 30th September) and 8:00am to 4:00pm in Winter.

To allow us to ensure Lock Keeper availability, and plan the best use of our limited resources, we would appreciate at least two working days’ notice wherever possible.

Bookings can be arranged by calling our lock keepers on – M: 07887754485  LL: 01636 821213

Further information about Cromwell can be found: Cromwell Lock office | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

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River Witham

Lock 4, Boston Lock

BOOKING INFORMATION (Thursday 20 April 2023 until further notice)

TIDAL LOCK OPERATION IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

Boston lock core operating hours are: 6:00am to 9:00pm in Summer (the earlier of Good Friday or 1st April to 30th September) and 8:00am to 4:00pm in Winter.

Bookings can be arranged outside of core hours and are subject to lock keeper availability.

To allow us to ensure Lock Keeper availability, and plan the best use of our limited resources, we would appreciate at least two working days’ notice wherever possible.

Bookings can be arranged by calling our lock keepers on –  Boston Lock – M: 07387050967

Further information about Boston Can be found: Boston Lock office | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

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Leicester Line (Grand Union Canal)
Location: Foxton Lock Flight – Grand Union Leicester Line
Starts At: Lock 8
Ends At: Lock 17

BOOKING INFORMATION (Wednesday 1 March 2023 until Saturday 30 March 2024

Original message:

Foxton Lock Flight Opening Times:

29th October 2023 – 30th March 2024

9:30am until 3:30pm, last boat in at 2:45pm

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Leicester Line (Grand Union Canal)
Watford Lock Flight
Starts At: Lock 1
Ends At: Lock 7

BOOKING INFORMATION (Wednesday 1 March 2023 until Saturday 30 March 2024)


Original message:

Watford Lock Flight Opening Times:

29th October 2023 – 30th March 2024

9:30am until 3:30pm, last boat in at 2:45pm

Please ensure you have booked in with the lock keeper before you enter Lock 1or 7.

The lock keeper will either be on the flight, or in the Top Lock Keepers Hut.

If you enter the Locks without booking in, you may be required to back out, as other boats may be working the flight.

Please follow any advice given by our Trust representatives on site. 

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