Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Sunday 6th July 2008

Dimensions

Blake's Lock, Reading

Length
122ft
36.6m
Beam
18ft
5.4m
Draught
0ft
0m
Headroom
0ft
0m

Reading to Newbury

Length
70ft
21m
Beam
14ft
4.2m
Draught
0ft
0m
Headroom
7.8ft
2.34m

Navigation should be possible for narrowboats of up to 72ft length, but please consult the waterway office first.

Narrowboats over 70ft long can only pass through Burghfield and Sulhamstead locks diagonally, and should not share with other boats. These locks are to be rebuilt to 72ft x 14ft when finances allow.


Newbury to Bath

Length
70ft
21m
Beam
12ft
3.6m
Draught
0ft
0m
Headroom
8ft
2.4m

Navigation should be possible for narrowboats of up to 72ft length, but please consult the waterway office first.

The chambers of most locks are at least 14ft wide and so can accommodate two narrowboats, though in some instances the gates will not open fully. A few locks in the Caen Hill Flight are slightly narrow - the lock-keeper will advise where this is a problem

Crofton Lock 61 is short and narrowboats over 70ft long may not be able to share with other boats.


British Waterways' waterway dimension data is currently being updated. The following information is for general guidance purposes. Queries should be directed to BW's customer service centre on 01923 201120 or email enquiries.hq@britishwaterways.co.uk

Find dimension data for all BW waterways