Descriptions
Update 18 August 2025, 10:18am
This notice for Atherstone Top Lock to Lock 6 has been superseded by the information contained within this notice: Grand Union Canal, Oxford Canal & Coventry Canal | Canal & River Trust.
Please read the full notice for the detail but note that these locks are open from 10am to 3pm and will be moving to a full closure, starting on Tuesday 26th August so passage must be completed by 3pm on Monday 25th August.
Update 4 August 2025, 3:28pm
This restriction remains in place to reduce water demand and allow water levels to recover. Our priority is to reopen the canal to full navigation as soon as possible.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates if conditions change. Despite the measures we're taking, there may be extreme local circumstances that require us to take immediate action to temporarily close some stretches to navigation.
We thank you for your support in reducing water use across our network, and reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page
Update 21 July 2025, 5:42pm
From Tuesday 29 July, the opening times for Atherstone will change to:
- 10am – 3pm
- Last entry at 2pm
We thank you for your support in reducing water use across our network, and reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page.
Original 24 June 2025, 2:50pm
Following the driest spring in a century, water levels in some of our reservoirs have dropped. To help conserve the remaining water, from Tuesday 8 July we will be reducing the opening times for Atherstone Lock 1 - 6 from 8am, to close at 4pm with last boat in at 3pm. This collective action is being introduced on Claydon, Foxton, Marston Doles, Hillmorton, and Watford Lock Flights.
The aim of this evening restriction is to reduce water demand and allow water levels to recover, which will mean that there will be more water available for daytime journeys. We hope this coordinated action will allow for your continued enjoyment of our waterways throughout the summer and that providing this advance warning will allow you to make suitable plans. Thank you for your understanding.
An update will be provided by Friday 1 August or sooner if the situation changes.
