Boating on the Rochdale Canal

Following reflection on last summer and the significant water scarcity experienced on the Rochdale Canal, we will be introducing an operational window for the navigation Locks 1–13. This change is being implemented to provide greater certainty for boaters on when navigation will be available and to help us keep the canal open for as long as possible through the summer months. By managing lock operation within defined time periods, we can use water more efficiently and economically, reducing unnecessary losses and better protecting water levels during prolonged dry weather.

Our aim is to balance the needs of navigation with the realities of limited water resources, while continuing to support safe and reliable passage wherever possible. Further details on the operational window, including times and any updates, will be shared on our website and through our usual customer communications.

From Monday 30 March 2026 the following operational windows will be implemented:

Tuel Lane Passage – Mondays and Fridays, 8am - 4pm. This will be booked passage which can be done by using our online booking system on our website or by calling our customer service team on 0303 040 4040. Booking must be made as least 72 hours before travel.

From Monday 13 April 2026 - Hebden Bridge Locks 8 to 11 – passage available 10am - 6pm daily with last entry to all areas at 5pm. Outside of these times all these locks will be locked off.

What you can do to help?

Your cooperation during this time is essential and deeply appreciated. Here are some things you can do to help reduce strain on the system:

• Share locks where possible and make the best use of the water available.
• Make sure paddles are fully closed once you've passed through a lock.
• Aim for minimal contact when navigating through locks by ensuring gates are fully open as you pass through.
• Pushing gates open using a boat can damage the gate lining, increasing its leakage.
• If you spot a leak or any suspicious activities please call us on 0303 040 4040 or [email us](https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/contact-us/form](https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/contact-us/form).

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to manage the canal sustainably.

Volunteer assistance along the Manchester 9 and the Manchester 18, between Lock 65 at Failsworth and Lock 92 at Castlefield is available via prior arrangement, however it is not guaranteed.

Wide beam boats wanting to navigate past the Floating Towpath under the M62 between Lock 52 and Lock 53, Trub, are required to make a booking.  

Please contact our local team to discuss these matters further.

To help us manage water resources on the summit pound of the Rochdale canal, Lock 36 to Lock 37, bookings are required between April and October. Bookings must be made by 11 am the day before your intended passage. Advanced bookings are encouraged to optimise the efficient utilisation of water resources and due to limited availability at times. You can book via your online account by selecting "Rochdale Summit”.

Bridgewater Canal customers can now spend up to ten days cruising away from their home navigation free of charge. There are no restrictions about how far you can travel, but you will need to book your passage online and return to your home navigation authority within the ten days. You can revisit the other authority's water again after a 28-day period. 

You can see more information on booking a passage, here.