Assisted passage through Oxclose Lock to be booked: Passage times - Monday to Friday, 10:30am–12:30pm

In this period of drought that we are experiencing, this is a very challenging time for the Canal and River Trust and skippers of crafts alike, we understand the frustrations that come with times like this.

We are continuing to monitor the water levels as this dictates whether bookings are possible or not to go ahead. Today (14th August) the water levels are exceedingly low and are decreasing with every day. So at this time, bookings are not possible to be taken and passage is not available. It is potentially the situation for the foreseeable 2-3 weeks ahead. The team will continue to closely monitor the water levels and we will update the notice should improvements to the water levels occur.

Due to continued low water levels within the River Skell and to assist with water management on the Ripon Canal, passage through Oxclose Lock (Lock 3) will be restricted to Craft returning to their home moorings from Mon 10th August. Assisted Passage Arrangements

• Booking required: Minimum 48 hours' notice
• Passage times: Monday to Friday, 10:30am–12:30pm
• Booking telephone: 0303 040 4040

Essential Passage Criteria Passage will normally only be provided for:

• Craft returning to their home moorings.

These restrictions will remain in place until water levels in the River Skell recover. Further updates will be issued as conditions change.

Extra information: From the 3rd August, we have noticed that it is becoming harder to maintain the water levels in this section, the feeds that the local team are putting on is not enough to maintain the water levels as well as we would have hoped. Bookings that are currently on for today will be honoured. We are still taking bookings, but these will be dependant on the water levels on a day to day basis as to whether they will be able to be carried out due to water availability at that point in time. The local team will communicate with boaters/skippers about their bookings and will keep them updated and are doing the best we can. We ask when booking days, there may have to be a bit of flexibilty and to be accepting that it may be the chosen day or a couple of days later, dependant on water levels and navigation capability that the canal gives us.

Oxclose Lock (Lock 3) – Assisted Passage Restrictions from 6th July 2026 Waterway: Ripon Canal Period: 6th July 2026 ongoing Reason: Low water levels Due to low water levels and to assist with water management on the Ripon Canal, passage through Oxclose Lock (Lock 3) is restricted to essential journeys only. Assisted Passage Arrangements

• Booking required: Minimum 48 hours' notice
• Passage times: Monday to Friday, 10:30am–12:30pm
• Booking telephone: 0303 040 4040 Essential Passage Criteria Passage will normally only be provided for:
• Craft returning to their home moorings.
• Pre-booked journeys for maintenance purposes. Boaters are encouraged to share locks wherever possible to help conserve water resources. These restrictions will remain in place until water levels in the River Skell recover. Further updates will be issued as conditions change.

Oxclose Lock (Lock 3) – Assisted Passage Restrictions from 6th July 2026 Waterway: Ripon Canal Period: 6th July 2026 ongoing Reason: Low water levels Due to low water levels and to assist with water management on the Ripon Canal, passage through Oxclose Lock (Lock 3) is restricted to essential journeys only. Assisted Passage Arrangements

• Booking required: Minimum 48 hours' notice
• Passage times: Monday to Friday, 10:30am–12:30pm
• Booking telephone: 0303 040 4040

Essential Passage Criteria Passage will normally only be provided for:

• Craft returning to their home moorings.
• Pre-booked journeys for maintenance purposes.

Boaters are encouraged to share locks wherever possible to help conserve water resources. These restrictions will remain in place until water levels in the River Skell recover. Further updates will be issued as conditions change.