Marsden lock flight - Lock 42E to Lock 32E

Updates

25/03/2024 15:52

Huddersfield Narrow Canal Marsden Flight Information

Boaters wishing to pass through the Huddersfield Narrow Canal are restricted to 57ft in length (Narrowboats of no more than 60ft in length can pass through diagonally)

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal suffers with low water levels due to a number of causes;

The canal was constructed 'on the cheap' with limited places to store water.
Water resources are scarce due to the height of the canal.
Water resources were taken over by other agencies and not returned when the canal was restored.

All passages up and down the Marsden flight will need to be booked.

To ensure we have the sufficient water supplies to last through the season and to ensure smooth operation of the flight, we ask that a booking is only made for the Marsden flight if you have a Standedge Tunnel Booking.

If assistance is required on this 'intermediate level' canal we do have a fantastic group of volunteers who are available (by request) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we would recommend this if you are boating single handed. This can be done by emailing Enquiries.yorkshirenortheast@canalrivertrust.org.uk or phoning our customer service team on 03030404040. A member of the team will then contact you to arrange what assistance is required and what can be provided.

The flight will be open approx. 9am-3pm from Monday through to Friday where boaters with a booking will be able to use the flight. We would encourage that all users are off and have completed the flight by 2.30pm.

Customers wanting to pass through Standedge Tunnel should still book through the 'My Boat Licencing' section of the Canal & River Trust website. And those who wish to travel through 1E will need to make a booking using the same system."

26/04/2023 15:05

The Marsden lock flight between L42E and L32E is a challenging section of network and can be prone to water loss from the summit pound of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. In order to maintain the water levels as effectively as possible, we have had to manage the movements of boats through this section.

For all passages up and down the flight, please contact the team on the day before travel, so the team can open up the locks the following day. However, this passage will not be assisted. The lock flight will be opened and 9am and locked up at 3pm on the requested day. Please ensure all passage is done within this time.

If assisted passage is needed, this may be possible on Tuesday or Thursday only. Please use the booking online if this is required : https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/go-boating/planning-your-boat-route/booking-your-passage-online.

We have a number of volunteers who may be available to provide assisted passage up and down the Marsden flight to coincide with your requirements. Please do enquire about availability when making your arrangements for passage.

Should you require further information, or to book passage through Standedge Tunnel, please call our Customer Services team on 0303 040 4040.

Description

The Marsden lock flight between L42E and L32E is prone to user error and is a significant source of water loss from the summit pound of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

To prevent unintended water loss the lock flight will be kept locked up, being opened on Tuesday's and Thursday's for free passage to coincide with bookings for passage through Standedge Tunnel.

Passage on alternative week days up and down the Marsden flight may be possible with prior notice, and we request that you enquire about alternative passage arrangements at the time of booking your transit through the tunnel.