Descriptions
Update 06/06/2025 08:13
Spring 2025 has been the warmest, sunniest and one of the driest on record. Recent showery, and occasionally heavy, rainfall has made little impact to either reservoir holding levels or canal inflows, and rain has been largely absorbed into the ground. As such, navigation on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal will remain suspended.
The Standedge Tunnel Trip boat and the Marsden Shuttle operated by Huddersfield Canal Society will continue to operate in the summit pound for as long as a navigable water level can be maintained. Next Steps We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide fortnightly updates, or sooner if conditions change. We understand that this continues to be disappointing news, and our priority is to reopen the canal to full navigation as soon as possible. We thank you for your support in reducing water use across our network. Where possible this includes sharing locks, closing paddles and reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page. Next Update On or before Friday 20 June 2025.
Update 23/05/2025 10:21
Despite the team's best efforts to preserve water and maximise all the water feeds into the canal, the prolonged dry spell means water supply to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is unsustainable at current levels. With no discernible rain forecast, and thus little prospect of improvement in the medium term, we will be suspending navigation on the canal until further notice from Lock 1E to Lock 1W. This decision has been informed by the following: -
- Yorkshire Water is reducing water supplies to the canal; prioritising drinking water and river compensation feeds.
- The ongoing reconstruction of Lock 11W following last winter's storm damage
- The requirement to maintain a minimum level of water in the canal to protect fish and wildlife
The Standedge Tunnel Trip boat and the Marsden Shuttle operated by Huddersfield Canal Society will continue to operate in the summit pound for as long as a navigable water level can be maintained. Next Steps We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide fortnightly updates, or sooner if conditions change. We understand that this is very disappointing news, and our priority is to reopen the canal to full navigation as soon as possible. We thank you for your support in reducing water use across our network. Where possible this includes sharing locks, closing paddles and reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page. Next Update On or before Friday 6 June 2025.
Update 16/05/2025 16:33
The team have been closely monitoring the navigation. While there has been slight improvement as the pump begins to take effect, the navigation remains unsuitable for reopening at this stage. The section between Lock 42e and Lock 1e will therefore remain closed.
Update 09/05/2025 14:11
The team have been closely monitoring the navigation. While there has been slight improvement as the pump begins to take effect, the navigation remains unsuitable for reopening at this stage. The section between Lock 42e and Lock 1e will therefore remain closed.
Update 01/05/2025 17:42
The team has been closely monitoring the navigation. While there has been slight improvement as the pump begins to take effect, the navigation remains unsuitable for reopening at this stage. The section between Lock 42e and Lock 1e will therefore remain closed.
This notice was originally posted on an old system which has now been upgraded, the original description and latest update have been transferred here. To view any historical updates related to this notice, please click here.
Original 01/05/2025 17:42
Water levels are very low in the canal between locks 42e and 1e. This stretch is not currently navigable. We will update the notice when the water level recovers.
