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Boating the Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Find boating information for the Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Length19.3 miles
Locks74

There are strict beam constraints on this canal, which has pinch points at a number of sites and is only wide enough for boats up to 6' 10''. If you would like further information about this please contact 03030 404040.

Note: A handcuff key will be required as anti-vandal locks are fitted along this canal.

Maximum boat dimensions

Standedge Tunnel to Portland Basin

Length21.35m70ft
Width2.08m6ft 10"
Draught1.05m3ft 5"
Headroom1.88m6ft 2"

Aspley Basin to Standedge Tunnel (narrow)

Length21.95m72ft
Width2.08m6ft 10"
Draught0.75m2ft 5"
Headroom1.88m6ft 2"

Marsden Flight information 

All passages on the Marsden Flight must be pre-booked. Due to low water levels on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, we carefully manage water usage to ensure availability throughout the season. To help with this, bookings for the Marsden Flight should only be made if you also have a confirmed booking to pass through Standedge Tunnel. For all passages up and down the flight, please contact the Customer Service Team on 0303 040 4040 the day before travel, so the locks can be opened the following day.

Bookings for the Marsden Flight of Standedge Tunnel can be made via the 'My Boat Licensing'

For those needing assistance on this intermediate-level canal, a dedicated group of volunteers may be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you're boating single-handed, we highly recommend taking advantage of this support. If you book on one of these days, a team member will contact you in advance to confirm whether volunteer assistance is available. 

The Marsden Flight is open from approximately 9am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday, for boaters with a valid booking. We encourage all users to complete their passage by 2:30pm. 

Passage through Standedge Tunnel

To experience the thrill of taking your boat through Standedge Tunnel you need to book in advance.

For more information see our Standedge boating page.

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Last Edited: 2 March 2026

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