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Managing the Safe Movement of Wide-Beam Boats, North Oxford Canal

Type: Navigation Restriction

Waterway(s): Oxford Canal

From: 16 February 2021, 9am

To: On-going

Region: West Midlands

Reason: Information

Subject to review on: 21 December 2029

Location

Closest waterwayOxford Canal
Starts atLock 7, Hillmorton Top Lock (Os)
Ends atBridge 93/94, Braunston Junction

Description

Original 1 May 2025, 10am

The North Oxford Canal, between Braunston Junction and Hillmorton Locks, is a narrow waterway and not designated for wide-beam craft. However, access for wide-beam boats travelling to or from Dunchurch Pools and Barby Moorings is permitted as a single continuous journey. This means no mooring is allowed on the towpath or offside between Braunston and Hillmorton Locks.

Boaters with wide-beam craft planning to travel on this section of the canal should notify the Canal & River Trust by emailing [email protected] at least one week in advance, where possible. Please include the following details in your email:

  • Boat index number and name
  • Planned date of movement and estimated time of passage
  • Direction of travel
  • Contact number for the person navigating the boat

If you are unable to provide a week's notice, please contact the West Midlands team as soon as possible so they can inform other waterway users of your planned movement.

Details of scheduled wide-beam movements on the North Oxford Canal will be published on the Trust's Notices and Stoppages webpage.

Maximum Craft Dimensions for This Section of Canal:

Length: 21.96m (72ft) Beam: 2.13m (7ft)* Draught: 1.09m (3ft 7in)

*The beam restriction is subject to the exemption outlined above for access to Dunchurch Pools and Barby Moorings.

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