Descriptions
Update 13 August 2025, 1pm
Due to low rainfall in the River Skell catchment, the Environment Agency has instructed Canal and River Trust to stop abstracting water from the river to feed the Ripon Canal.
As a result, Oxclose Lock is closed to navigation to reduce water use. We will provide an update on passage through Oxclose Lock once River Skell levels return to normal and the Environment Agency confirms abstraction may resume.
Update 31 July 2025, 1:44pm
Recent rainfall has begun to restore levels in the River Skell, which feeds the Ripon Canal. To ensure continued recovery and conserve water, the following restrictions remain in place until further notice: Canal Closure The Navigation between Rhodesfield Lock and Bellfurrows Lock will remain close to limit water loss and allow levels to stabilise. Oxclose Lock Availability Lockages Per Day: Maximum of two Assisted Passage: Days: Monday – Friday (not including bank holiday) Hours: 10:30 – 12:30 Advance Notice: Minimum 48 hours Booking: Call 0303 040 4040 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00) Please note: if water levels decline, this notice may be replaced by an immediate closure.
Update 31 July 2025, 12:33pm
Recent rainfall has begun to restore levels in the River Skell, which feeds the Ripon Canal.
To ensure continued recovery and conserve water, the following restrictions remain in place until further notice:
Canal Closure The Navigation between Rhodesfield Lock and Bellfurrows Lock will remain close to limit water loss and allow levels to stabilise.
Oxclose Lock Availability
Lockages Per Day: Maximum of two Assisted Passage: Days: Monday – Friday (not including bank holiday) Hours: 10:30 – 12:30 Advance Notice: Minimum 48 hours Booking: Call 0303 040 4040 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00)
Please note: if water levels decline, this notice may be replaced by an immediate closure.
Update 16 June 2025, 1:43pm
Due to lack of rainfall, we are now closing Oxclose Lock to reduce water usage.
We will provide an update on passage through Oxclose Lock when water levels in the River Skell return to normal.
Please refer to the following closure notice for the Ripon Canal:- Ripon Canal (Rhodesfield to Oxclose Locks) - CLOSED | Canal & River Trust
Original 23 May 2025, 4:03pm
To assist with water management of the canal, we are restricting passage to essential use only through Oxclose lock to reduce water usage.
48 hrs advance notice for essential passage through Oxclose will be required.
Passage times will be: Mon-Fri 10:30- 13:30
Please contact 0303 040 4040 to book passage.
Passage through Oxclose should be for craft returning to home moorings or pre booked journeys for maintenance.
Please share locks to save water resources We will provide an update when water levels in the River Skell return to normal.
