Boaters' Update 27 Aug 2026

From the continuing impact of drought and low water levels to major winter maintenance projects, this edition is packed with updates on the issues shaping this year's boating season and beyond.

You'll find the latest water resources information, including the extension of the temporary suspension of the 14-day movement requirement, an overview of current restrictions and closures, and examples of the repair and water-saving work helping to keep navigations open.

We also look ahead to the 2026/27 Winter Works Programme, featuring 108 projects across the network to improve reliability and resilience. Elsewhere, there's news of trial safety measures at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the latest progress towards reopening Anderton Boat Lift, an opportunity to help shape the future of boating through our new Citizens' Boater Panel, and practical advice from experienced boaters for those new to life afloat.

Whether you're planning your next cruise, keeping an eye on conditions in your area or simply wanting to stay informed about the work taking place across the network, there's plenty to explore in this update:

Water resources update: making the most of challenging conditions

We've all felt the impact of this year's dry weather and, with drought conditions ongoing across England and Wales, the waterways and the boaters on them are continuing to feel the effects of prolonged low water levels. We recognise these challenges and to help boaters during this period we've extended the suspension of the 14-day movement requirement until the end of September - so you can stay put rather than make unnecessary trips.

While we've had to introduce additional closures and restrictions to help conserve water across the network, there are still many waterways available for cruising. We ask everyone out on the water to continue boating thoughtfully and to use locks carefully to help make the water we have last as long as possible.

As you can see above, across our 2,000-mile canal network, there are currently 46 closures and 58 restrictions related to low water levels. Conditions can change quickly and waterways upstream of closures may also be affected, so it remains important to check your route before setting off.

Our teams continue to monitor water resources daily, balancing supply and demand with the aim of keeping navigation available for as long as possible. In some locations, short-notice closures may be necessary to allow water levels to recover before we can reopen navigation safely.

Bringing forward works

While reduced navigation is frustrating, periods of low water have provided opportunities to bring forward important maintenance work.

In the West Midlands, teams have been working hard over recent weeks to tackle a range of issues affecting navigation and water conservation. A temporary repair at Weston Lock on the Trent & Mersey Canal has significantly reduced water loss, helping improve water management along the canal.

Elsewhere, broken paddles at Lapworth Lock 2 on the North Stratford Canal were fixed within 24 hours, allowing navigation to reopen quickly. A damaged lock beam at Lock 14 on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal has also been repaired, while work at Bottom Barge Lock in Stourport Basin has enabled the lock to reopen after repairs to the bottom cill.

Further water-saving improvements have been carried out at Stockton Lock 5 on the Grand Union Canal, while inspections and repairs at Perry Barr Locks on the Tame Valley Canal have helped reduce water loss and maintain water levels.

Looking ahead

The coming weeks will see an extensive programme of works across the region. Planned repairs on the South Stratford Canal include gate and cill works at a number of locks along the 210-year-old waterway, helping to improve its efficiency during periods of water stress.

A new replacement gate will also be installed at Lock 7 on the Walsall Canal, while further repairs are planned for lock beams in Walsall and Hillmorton and a cill repair at Hatton Lock 34 on the Grand Union Canal.

Thank You

We know the ongoing restrictions and closures are hugely frustrating and we thank everyone for their patience, understanding and support as we work to conserve water, maintain navigation where possible and carry out essential repairs across the network.

By continuing to use water carefully and checking notices before travelling, you can play an important role in helping protect the waterways through this prolonged period of drought.

Suspension of 14-day movement requirement extended

As mentioned above, we're extending the suspension of the 14-day movement requirement until 30 September 2026 to help conserve water across the network. We'll keep things under review and let you know if the situation changes.

It's important to note that this only applies to the 14-day movement requirement. Time limits at visitor moorings, water points and other facilities still apply, helping to make sure they're available for everyone.

If you're on a waterway that remains open and navigable, you can still get out and enjoy a cruise. This temporary change simply means there's no need to make a journey unless you want or need to and it’s safe to do so.

To keep up to date with the latest restrictions and closures, sign up for email alerts through our notices and stoppages page. You can also find answers to common questions in our drought FAQs.

If you notice unusually low water levels, please let us know via our online contact form. And if drought-related restrictions are causing difficulties because of a disability, access need or other personal circumstances, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or calling 0303 040 4040. We'll do our best to help.

A big thank you to everyone who continues to adapt their plans, use water carefully and support each other as we work through this exceptionally dry period.

Citizens’ Boater Panel – have you applied?

Our waterways are at their best when the people who use them help shape their future. That's why we're inviting boaters to join a new Citizens' Boater Panel and play a key role in developing our upcoming licensing consultation. In this video, Alice Hamilton, boating transformation manager, explains how the panel will work, the difference it could make and how boaters from all backgrounds can get involved:

Go S.L.O.W: Your top tips for new boaters

A big thank you to everyone who responded to Boaters’ Update’s recent call for top tips for new boaters. Since then, much of our focus has been on the impact of the ongoing 'flash drought' and keeping boaters updated on water resources and navigation restrictions.

While dry conditions remain a challenge in many areas, we didn't want to miss the opportunity to share the fantastic advice you sent in. From practical lessons learned on first trips to wisdom gained from decades afloat, you've provided a wealth of knowledge, so we're delighted to finally bring you a selection of your top tips.

While the individual suggestions varied, several clear themes emerged time and again: take your time, prepare before setting off, learn from others, and be considerate to fellow boaters and the environment.

To bring these valuable insights together in a simple and memorable way, I have created the S.L.O.W. mnemonic. Not only is it easy to remember, but it also captures the spirit of boating on the cut.

The message from experienced boaters was remarkably consistent: boating isn't a race. By Slowing down, Learning before you leave, Observing and asking, and Watching out for others and for wildlife, new boaters can build confidence, stay safe, and get the most enjoyment from their time on the water. After all, the waterways are one of the few places where slowing down really is the key to success.

S.L.O.W. - The new boater's rule-of-thumb

S - Slow down

The best boaters are rarely the fastest. Keep your speed down, especially around locks, bridges and moored boats. Don't feel pressured by schedules or other boaters. Taking things slowly gives you more time to think, handle the unexpected and enjoy the journey.

L - Learn before you leave

A little preparation goes a long way. Check stoppages, river conditions, bridge heights and local notices before setting off. Learn how locks work, understand any special equipment you may need or encounter, and consider taking a helmsman course to build confidence and skills.

O - Observe and ask

Watch how experienced boaters handle locks, moorings and manoeuvres. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from fellow boaters (or us). The waterways community is full of helpful people and there's always something new to learn.

W - Watch out for others and wildlife

Boating is a shared experience. Pass moored boats on tickover, use locks safely, keep ropes tidy, and take care when stepping on and off the boat. Respect fellow boaters, volunteers, local communities and our wildlife and nature wherever you travel.

Update on Anderton Boat Lift

Work is continuing to get Anderton Boat Lift back into operation, with testing of a proposed engineering solution set to begin this autumn. Subject to successful testing, the current plan remains to reopen one caisson in May 2027, allowing boats to once again travel between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Since the lift was taken out of operation, extensive investigations have been carried out to understand the cause of the failure and identify the most suitable repair option. Engineers explored a number of solutions, including a completely new lifting mechanism, but the complexity and cost of installing such a system on a historic structure meant attention has now focused on an approach based on the existing cable system.

Replacement components will be installed before a programme of testing begins to confirm the proposed solution is safe, viable and capable of meeting modern safety standards. The tests will also help identify any further work needed before the lift can reopen.

Visitors to Anderton will start to see this work taking place on site over the coming months. We expect to have a clearer picture by December 2026 of any remaining work required to achieve the planned reopening date.

An open day is also being planned for this autumn, giving boaters, visitors and local communities the chance to hear more about progress, the engineering challenges involved and the long-term plans for this unique structure. Further details will be announced once the testing programme has been finalised.

Trial measures introduced to support safe navigation at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

We're trialling new measures to help improve safety and manage increasing levels of activity at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, one of the most popular destinations on the canal network.

A dedicated aqueduct safety team has been introduced and has a visible presence on site, particularly during busy periods. Working alongside existing measures such as CCTV and identification requirements for commercial operators, the team are helping to manage boat and canoe traffic, reduce congestion and support safe navigation around the basin and aqueduct approaches.

Standing 38 metres above the River Dee, the UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts thousands of visitors each year and is shared by a wide range of users, including private and hire boaters, trip boats, paddle craft, walkers and sightseers. As visitor numbers and activity continue to grow, we're reviewing how best to ensure the aqueduct remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.

The introduction of the aqueduct safety team follows a wider review of navigation and safety at the site, which included feedback from across the boating community. The National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) has welcomed the practical measures being introduced and the constructive engagement that has taken place to address concerns around increasing use of the aqueduct.

We'll monitor the effectiveness of the trial over the coming months, with the findings helping to inform longer-term management arrangements at the site. We'd like to thank local businesses, commercial operators, boaters, partner organisations and NABO for their continued support and cooperation as we work together to improve safety and visitor management at this unique and much-loved waterway destination.

Winter Works Programme 2026/27 published

Our 2026/27 Winter Works Programme is now available, with 108 maintenance projects planned across the network to help keep waterways safe, reliable and navigable for years to come. As you’ve read above this number may change as we bring forward works to capitalise on low-water restrictions.

The programme will be delivered during the traditional winter maintenance period, with works taking place between 2 November and 18 December 2026, and again from 4 January to 12 March 2027, when boating activity is generally lower and major repairs can be carried out with less disruption to you if you’re planning a cold-weather cruise.

This year's programme is heavily focused on improving the resilience of the network, with lock gate renewals and repairs making up a significant proportion of the work. Across the country, teams will be replacing lock gates, repairing chambers, upgrading paddles and cills, reducing leakage and carrying out essential works to bridges, culverts, canal beds and other structures.

It includes projects across every region of the network, ranging from lock gate renewals and leak reduction works to major bridge, culvert and infrastructure repairs. Investment is being targeted at some of the waterways' most important assets, helping to improve reliability, reduce water loss and support navigation resilience.

You will see significant investment on some of the network's busiest waterways, including the Grand Union, Trent & Mersey, Leeds & Liverpool and Shropshire Union canals. Major lock renewal programmes are planned at locations such as Bascote, Stoke Bruerne and Foxton, while extensive repairs will also take place across the Calder & Hebble Navigation and Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.

Several larger projects will have a wider impact on navigation, including works on the Marple Flight on the Peak Forest Canal, the Audlem Flight on the Shropshire Union Canal, and draining lock flights at Foxton and Stoke Bruerne. There are also a number of significant infrastructure projects linked to bridges, culverts and HS2 construction activities in the Midlands.

As always, we've worked to group projects wherever possible to minimise repeat disruption and make the best use of the winter stoppage period. If you're planning to cruise this winter, we'd encourage you to check the full Winter Works Programme and individual stoppage notices before setting off.

Other maintenance this weekend that may affect cruising

Alongside the low water restrictions shown on the map above, planned and unplanned works may affect cruising this weekend. As you’ll know only too well, keeping a 250-year-old canal network open and navigable means carrying out repairs and maintenance year-round, whether that's addressing ageing locks and bridges, responding to asset failures, or carrying out essential engineering work before problems become more significant.

While we're doing everything possible to minimise disruption, some works will inevitably require navigation restrictions or temporary closures. Before setting off, it's worth checking the latest stoppage notices for your route and surrounding waterways. You can view all current notices for this weekend on our interactive map and sign up for personalised alerts, helping you stay informed about any issues that may affect your cruising plans.

If you’ve got a question about a specific closure, or you spot something that doesn’t look quite right, just get in touch — we’re happy to help.