2023 booking information
A limited number of passages have been released to allow customers to book ahead for the year. From the 27 March, we have availability on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and have released 1 passage each way on these days, From the 3 April this will increase to 2 passages each way.
Boats will set off from Marsden to Diggle between 8.30am and 10.30am, and will set off from Diggle to Marsden between 1pm and 2.30pm. At least 3 working days' notice is required. Once you have decided which passage you wish to book, log in (or register) to the online licensing portal then go to the Bookings section. If you don't have access to the internet don't worry, you can still call us on 0303 040 4040 or call your local waterway office and we will happily book your passage for you.
Marsden to Diggle
Boats are asked to moor just past lock 42E on the day before passage and not to proceed past the second railway bridge until after 5pm. This is to avoid collision with the Standedge Visitor Centre Passenger Vessel which will be operating past this point until 5pm.
After 5pm boats can moor at the tunnel entrance ready for their passage the following day. Passage preparations will start at 8am the next day.
The flight of locks from 32E to 42E is not currently assisted and as such it is important that care is taken when travelling up the flight to minimise water loss. Please ensure all paddles are closed after use.
If you have any difficulties on the flight, please phone 03030 404040 for assistance. Please do not try to run water down from above without Trust assistance. Running water from the summit pound may result in boats becoming stuck in the tunnel or tunnel transit being postponed.
Please note there are no pump-out facilities at the visitor centre, only a water point.
Diggle to Marsden
Boats are asked to be at the Diggle portal for 11.30am on the day of passage
Once through the tunnel, boats are welcome to moor above lock 42E for a maximum of 24 hours. Additional mooring space is available below lock 32E which is between Marsden and Slaithwaite villages – Please note, there are no facilities at these locations.
Boat Dimensions maximum length 70' (21.34m), maximum width 6' 10” (2.08m), maximum height above water 6' 2” (1.88m), maximum draught below water 3' 3” (0.99m). More detail on boat sizes is available in the navigation notes which can be viewed or downloaded on our website www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/standedge-tunnel
No petrol engine or fibreglass boats can pass though the tunnel.