Llangollen Canal breach boating FAQs

Below are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions relating to the Whitchurch breach. This page will be kept under review and updated as the situation develops.

Latest Updates

Since the breach at the end of December 2025, our teams have been on site securing the canal. Now that the three boats most impacted have been recovered and refloated, our focus can increasingly turn to the effort required to get the canal rebuilt and back open as soon as possible.

Given the size and scale of the repair to reinstate the canal, work is unfortunately expected to continue for much of 2026. We appreciate that some boaters on the stretch of canal north of the breach may wish to move their boat before the canal repairs are complete and are grateful that Whitchurch Marina is providing the option for boats to be moved before the breach is repaired.

Engineering investigations into the cause of the breach are ongoing, and we will publish a summary of our findings once complete.

Llangollen Canal breach FAQs

I’m a boater stuck behind the breach. What does this mean for my movement requirements?
We appreciate the frustration the breach has caused and until the canal is re-opened, will seek to ensure the canal isolated beyond the breach site remains navigable. There remains approximately 69km of navigable network available across the Llangollen Canal, the Montgomery Canal and the Prees Branch.
Maintaining navigation in this section will allow boats without a home mooring to continue moving as normal and in line with guidance. For further information, please see our guidance on how we monitor boat movement and our continuous cruiser FAQs.
Does being stuck behind the breach entitle me to a discounted boat licence?
No, the breach is being treated like any other unplanned stoppage, which we are working to resolve. Though this may take some time, your boat licence fee does not guarantee navigation, as set out in Section 13 of the General Terms and Conditions for Boat Licences.
Can I still access essential facilities?
Yes, there are essential facilities available and can be found using our online interactive map: Canal route planner | Canal & River Trust
If you find a fault with any of our essential facilities, it is important that you let us know as soon as possible using our web contact form so that we can rectify as quickly as possible.
We have confirmation that the Chamberlain Carrying Co. have craned in fuel boat Lindsay at Whitchurch to support boats on the Llangollen. You can place orders via their website: Chamberlain Carrying Co. – Fuels & Hand Painted 'Roses & Castles' Canal Art
I have an equality adjustment. Will my adjustment continue to be recognised?
Yes, if you had an active equality adjustment before the breach, it continues to be recognised in line with our existing agreement.
I’m concerned about my equality adjustment, who should I talk to?
If you have an active equality adjustment and you have any concerns, you can contact our dedicated welfare team to discuss by emailing [email protected].
I am a vulnerable boater and I need to talk to somebody to access support
If you, or someone you know could be vulnerable, it is important you let our dedicated welfare team know by emailing [email protected].

Booking information for the Montgomery Canal at Frankton Locks

Opening Times: 9:00 hrs - 13:00 hrs daily

Booking is required for passage through the locks and booking must be made no later than the day before passage. There will be no passage outside of these opening times.

Customers are advised that there is a maximum of 12 boats allowed down the locks and 12 boats allowed up the locks per day. Booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.

There is a minimum of 1 night and a maximum of 14 nights stay.

Please note we do not accept bookings on the day.

Before you commence your booking, please check that your craft is within the maximum dimensions which can be found here.

Please note that a return passage must be entered at time of booking. There is a minimum of 1 day and a maximum of 14 days after you have entered onto the Montgomery Canal.

Please arrive at the locks anytime between 9:00 hrs and 13:00 hrs.

There will be no passage outside of these opening times.