Book your passage
You can steer your own boat through Standedge Tunnel, under your own power, as long as one of our tunnel chaperones is aboard. Find out everything you need to know before you visit. 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 Tunnel 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 10.30am on the day of passage
Once through the tunnel, boats are welcome to moor above lock 42E for a maximum of 24 hours. 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 information on boat dimensions
No petrol engine or fibreglass boats can pass though the tunnel.
