Stoppages Results

Rochdale Canal »

1. Opening Times: Rochdale 9

   01 Apr 2007 until further notice

   Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways

   No booking is required for these locks through Manchester (the 'Rochdale Nine'), but we recommend that passages are completed by 4pm.

   (Enquiries: 01782 785703)

2. Booking Details: Passage between locks 65 to 83 (in both directions)

   21 Sep 2009 until further notice

   Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways

   UPDATE (14 March 2012): Opening Times: Rochdale 18 – locks 65 to 83 (in both directions)

   From 12 March 2012 until 4 November 2012 further notice.

   Normal opening hours 2012:

   Following the opening of the New Islington Marina onto the Rochdale canal, the flight is now locked at lock 65 and lock 81. Booking details remain the same.
   Winding for narrow boats up to 70’ long is available at marina entrance.
   Please ensure passage is booked as arriving at lock 81 without a booking may result in passage not being possible.

   Passages are at 8.30 prompt, Monday to Sunday, excluding Wednesday. A maximum of 4 boats per day. We regret that any boats arriving late for bookings will be re-scheduled to the next available date. Locks at each end of the flight will be locked at 4pm. Passages must be booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance by contacting the Red Bull office on 01782 785703 during office hours.

   Passage is not available on Christmas day, Boxing day and New Years day.

   Recommended Moorings:

   You are not advised to moor overnight by locks 65 or 81 so please follow the advice below.

   If travelling from Lock 65 we recommend that you moor overnight at the Rose of Lancaster Pub, lock 63.
   Please be advised it is 1 hours cruising time to lock 65.
   If travelling from lock 81 we recommend that you moor on the visitor moorings in Piccadilly Basin, Manchester.

   If travelling from Castlefield Basin, please see notes for Rochdale 9
   

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   Stoppage history:
   

   UPDATE (18 March 2011): Lock 65 to 83 (in both directions) Passages are at 8.30am prompt Monday to Sunday and excluding Wednesday, a maximum of 4 boats per day. We regret that any boats arriving late for bookings will be re-scheduled to the next available date. Locks at each end of the flight will be locked at 4pm. Passages must be booked a minimum 24 hours in advance by contacting our office on 01782 785703 Monday - Friday 8.30 am - 16.00 pm (excluding bank holidays).

   CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR BOOKINGS The last date for booking passage through the Rochdale canal for travel between Wednesday 28th December 2011 and Tuesday 3rd January 2012 will be 12 noon on Friday 23rd December 2011 by phoning 01782 785703.

   Passage is not available on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

   For passage after 3rd January 2012 normal booking arrangements apply.

   Recommended Moorings: If travelling from Lock 65 we recommended that you moor overnight at the Rose of Lancaster Pub, Lock 63. Please be advised it is one hours cruising time to Lock 65. If travelling from Lock 83 we recommend that you moor on the visitor moorings in Piccadilly Basin, Manchester.

   If travelling from Castlefield Basin please see notes for 'Rochdale 9' ----------------------------------------------------

   UPDATE (18 October 2010): UPDATE (18 October 2010): Summit passage (Locks 36-37 in both directions)

   UPDATE (18 October 2010): CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR BOOKINGS

   The last date for booking passage through the Rochdale Canal for travel between Monday 27th December 2010 and Monday 3rd January 2011 will be 12 noon on Thursday 24th December 2009 by phoning 01782 785703.

   Passage is not available on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

   For passage after 3rd January normal booking arrangements apply.

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   (Please also see restriction notice) Lock 65 to 83 (in both directions) Passages are at 8.30am prompt Monday to Sunday and excluding Wednesday, a maximum of 4 boats per day. We regret that any boats arriving late for bookings will be re-scheduled to the next available date. Locks at each end of the flight will be locked at 4pm. Passages must be booked a minimum 24 hours in advance.

   Recommended Moorings: If travelling from Lock 65 we recommended that you moor overnight at the Rose of Lancaster Pub, Lock 63. Please be advised it is one hours cruising time to Lock 65. If travelling from Lock 83 we recommend that you moor on the visitor moorings in Piccadilly Basin, Manchester.

   If travelling from Castlefield Basin please see notes for 'Rochdale 9' ----------------------------------------------------

   UPDATE (18 December 2009): Summit passage (Locks 36-37 in both directions)

   Monday 21 September 2009 until further notice

   UPDATE (18 December 2009): CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR BOOKINGS

   The last date for booking passage through the Rochdale Canal for travel between Monday 28th December 2009 and Monday 4th January 2010 will be 12 noon on Thursday 24th December 2009 by phoning 01782 785703.

   Passage is not available on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

   For passage after 4th January normal booking arrangements apply.

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   (Please also see restriction notice) Lock 65 to 83 (in both directions) Passages are at 8.30am prompt Monday to Sunday and excluding Wednesday, a maximum of 4 boats per day. We regret that any boats arriving late for bookings will be re-scheduled to the next available date. Locks at each end of the flight will be locked at 4pm. Passages must be booked a minimum 24 hours in advance.

   Recommended Moorings: If travelling from Lock 65 we recommended that you moor overnight at the Rose of Lancaster Pub, Lock 63. Please be advised it is one hours cruising time to Lock 65. If travelling from Lock 83 we recommend that you moor on the visitor moorings in Piccadilly Basin, Manchester.

   If travelling from Castlefield Basin please see notes for 'Rochdale 9'

   (Enquiries: 01782 785703)

3. Opening Times: Summit passage (locks 36 - 37 in both directions)

   24 Mar 2010 until further notice

   Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways

   UPDATE (14 March 2012): Opening Times: Rochdale Summit (locks 36 – 37 in both directions)

   From 12 March 2012 until 4 November 2012.

   Normal opening hours 2012:

   Supervised passage must be booked at least 24 hours in advance by contacting 01782 785703 during office hours.

   Passage will commence at 8.30 am Monday to Sunday from lock 37 and shortly after from lock 36. A maximum of 4 boats per day in both directions, boats are requested to double up wherever possible in order to maximise water resources.

   We can allow additional passages at the discretion of the local lock keeper. This can only be established at short notice due to the rapid changes in water conditions.

   Customers who have arranged a later passage on the day with the lock keeper must travel before 3pm . We regret that any boats arriving later than 3pm for bookings will be rescheduled to the next available date. Exact timings of these passages can be agreed locally with the lock keeper.

   Recommended Moorings:

   Craft to moor below lock 36 and 37 for passages.
   Visitor moorings on the Littleborough flight on the Rochdale Canal are also at lock 46 or lock 48, but customers booked for the summit should moor the previous night below lock 37.

   THERE IS STRICTLY NO MOORING BETWEEN LOCKS 38 to 44.

   If customers wish to moor on the summit overnight this is possible when water levels allow as they can fluctuate significantly. Overnight mooring on the summit pound subject to the consent of the lock keeper. Contact 01782 785703.
   

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   Stoppage history:
   

   UPDATE (18 March 2011): Supervised passage must be booked at least 24 hours in advance by contacting: Customer Services between: 8.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) on 01782 785703.

   Passage will commence at 9am Monday to Sunday from lock 37 and shortly after from lock 36. A maximum of 6 boats per day in both directions, boats are requested to double up wherever possible in order to maximise water resources.

   We can allow additional passages subject to the discretion of the local lock keeper. This can only be established at short notice due to the rapid changes in water conditions.

   Customers who have arranged a later passage on the day with the Lock Keeper must travel before 3pm. We regret that any boats arriving after 3pm for bookings will be re-scheduled to the next available date. Exact timings of these passages can be agreed locally with the lock keeper.

   Recommended moorings Craft to moor below Lock 36 & 37 for passages. Visitor moorings on the Littleborough flight on the Rochdale Canal are also at lock 46 or Lock 48, but customers booked for the summit should moor the previous night below 37.

   There is strictly no mooring between locks 38 to 44.

   If customers wish to moor on the summit overnight this is possible when water levels allow; as they can fluctuate significantly. Overnight mooring on the summit pound subject to the consent of the Lock Keeper. Contact Customer Services on 01782 785703. ----------------------------------------------------

   Supervised passage must be booked at least 24 hours in advance by contacting: Customer Services between: 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) on 01782 785703.

   Passage will commence at 9am Monday to Sunday from lock 37 and shortly after from lock 36. A maximum of 4 boats per day in both directions, boats are requested to double up wherever possible in order to maximise water resources.

   We can allow additional passages subject to the discretion of the local lock keeper. This can only be established at short notice due to the rapid changes in water conditions.

   Customers who have arranged a later passage on the day with the Lock Keeper must travel before 3pm. We regret that any boats arriving after 3pm for bookings will be re-scheduled to the next available date. Exact timings of these passages can be agreed locally with the lock keeper.

   Recommended moorings Craft to moor below Lock 36 & 37 for passages. Visitor moorings on the Littleborough flight on the Rochdale Canal are also at lock 46 or Lock 48, but customers booked for the summit should moor the previous night below 37.

   There is strictly no mooring between locks 38 to 44.

   If customers wish to moor on the summit overnight this is possible when water levels allow; as they can fluctuate significantly. Overnight mooring on the summit pound subject to the consent of the Lock Keeper. Contact Customer Services on 01782 785703.

   (Enquiries: 01782 785703)

4. Restriction: Narrow locks on the Rochdale Canal; Lock 5 (Edward Kilner) Lock 34, Lock 40 (Punchbowl) Lock 41 and Lock 47

   04 Aug 2010 until further notice

   Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways

   We are posting this notice to ensure that information about local lock width restrictions which have existed for some time is available to all our Waterscape customers. Movement over time in the lock walls listed above, has resulted in the width of each of the locks not being sufficient for two narrow boats being able to use the locks side by side without a significant risk of the boats getting hung up on the walls.

   Please treat these locks as a narrow canal and do not have two narrow boats side by side in the lock. This restriction is also signed locally.

   British Waterways apologise for any inconvenience caused.

   (Enquiries: 01782 785703)

5. Restriction: Lock 49

   01 Apr 2011 until further notice

   Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways

   Following repeated acts of vandalism to the lock gate gearing at Lock 49 it has been necessary to bring in a temporary restriction. The offside head paddle and towpath side tail paddle have been made inoperable. The remaining paddles are to be locked up. These will be unlocked from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm daily. We are working on a longer term solution and we will review this as the season develops.

   British Waterways apologise for any inconvenience caused.

   (Enquiries: 01782 785703)

6. Advice: Rochdale Canal

   26 Apr 2011 until further notice

   Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways

   UPDATE (10 May 2011): ROCHDALE CANAL WATER UPDATE

   With the recent showery weather the water supply in to the canal has recovered enough to allow us to increase the numbers of craft that can use Tuel Lock. Therefore, while this weather pattern exists we will increase the number of craft that we will take bookings for to a maximum of 8 per day. This will be 4 boats in either direction and requires boats to share locks. This arrangement will continue right through the week, including the weekend. Bookings must be made through our Red Bull office on 01782 785703 with minimum 48 hours notice.

   Passage at Tuel Lock will remain dependent upon water supplies continuing into the canal. If the drier weather returns it is likely that we will have to revisit this restriction.
   

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   Stoppage history:
   

   UPDATE (04 May 2011): Further to our update of 26th April 2011 the Environment Agency have now given us notice to stop using the river pumps at Luddenden Foot. These pumps are a critical part of our water supply to the lower reaches of the Rochdale Canal and loss of this abstraction will have a significant effect on our ability to continue navigation. Therefore with immediate effect we are introducing a booking system at Tuel Lane, limiting the operation to 1 use of the lock per day. Timing of the lock use will be flexible in the day but ultimately dependent on the availability of water and we will ask customers to share the lock. This may result in delays to passages at the site and for this we ask customers to cooperate with our lock keeper. Bookings will only be taken 48 hours in advance and should be made through our Red Bull office. It is possible that the pounds below Tuel Lane will become starved of water and in this event, the canal will close until that situation is resolved. We will not always be able to run water down the canal from above Tuel Lane to feed these pounds. Anyone choosing to pass down the east side of the Rochdale Canal should do so with the knowledge that water supplies are constrained and that Tuel Lane may not be navigable for some time.

   British Waterways apologise for any inconvenience caused. ----------------------------------------------------

   ROCHDALE CANAL WATER UPDATE

   So far in 2011, March was the driest 50 years and April will also be a record. As the current forecasts predict this trend to continue we want to make sure that we make the most of our limited water supplies. We can only do this with your help.

   The Rochdale Canal relies on water pumped from R. Calder for navigation below Edward Kilner lock (Lock 5, Brearley) and is done with the Environment Agency’s (EA) agreement.

   EA monitor the water levels in the river and have become very concerned that it is becoming too dry. They have given us advance warning that without significant rainfall, they are likely to stop us taking water from the river at some point after 3rd May. This means that we may need to restrict navigation.

   Last year we were able to manage a similar situation with only a moderate degree of interruption to navigation and we hope that we will be able to do the same this year. However, we are dependent on getting some rainfall to achieve this.

   What can you do? You can help to keep the canal running and we ask customers to:

   • Share locks — wait if needed. An extra boat in a broad lock saves the equivalent of around 1,000 baths of water. • If a lock is set for craft coming the other way, please wait as long as you can before you empty / fill the lock. • Ensure all paddles are CLOSED before you empty or leave locks — so far this year we have had 10 incidents of water wasted because of paddles not being closed properly. • If you see someone wasting water ASK THEM TO STOP, tell them how to save water. • Comply with restrictions placed—do not cut off the Padlocks (this is criminal damage and we reserve the right to prosecute anyone caught doing this). Please be patient. • When travelling down, where practical set (fill) the lock below you before emptying the one you are in as it will fill the pound. This stops water being wasted in by-washes • Plan your journey well in advance and allow more time. • Check Waterscape regularly where we will post updates.

   (Enquiries: 01782 785703)

7. Advice: Water restrictions and updated booking arrangements

   26 May 2011 until further notice

   Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways

   We have reviewed the restrictions that we have been operating with in light of the current weather and forecast, and believe that there is scope for some relaxation. From Friday 27th May we will allow the Lock Keeper discretion to permit more craft through the lock than have been booked, provided that the pound level does not fall more than 100mm below the normal operating level at the weir. We will honour the existing bookings as well as accommodate more boat traffic and booking is still required 7 days a week.

   (Enquiries: 01782 785703)

8. Advice: ISLINGTON MARINA

   07 Oct 2011 until further notice

   Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways

   Lock 65 to 81 (in both directions)

   Following the opening of the New Islington Marina onto the Rochdale canal, the flight is now locked at lock 65 and lock 81. Booking details remain the same.

   Winding for narrow boats up to 70’ long is available at marina entrance.

   Please ensure passage is booked as arriving at lock 81 without a booking may result in passage not being possible.

   Passages are at 8.30am prompt Monday to Sunday and excluding Wednesday, a maximum of 4 boats per day. We regret that any boats arriving late for bookings will be re-scheduled to the next available date. Locks at each end of the flight will be locked at 4pm. Passages must be booked a minimum 24 hours in advance by contacting our office on 01782 785703 Monday - Friday 8.30 am - 16.00 pm (excluding bank holidays).
   CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR BOOKINGS
   The last date for booking passage through the Rochdale canal for travel between Wednesday 28th December 2011 and Tuesday 3rd January 2012 will be 12 noon on Friday 23rd December 2011 by phoning 01782 785703.
   Passage is not available on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
   For passage after 3rd January 2012 normal booking arrangements apply.
   Recommended Moorings:
   If travelling from Lock 65 we recommended that you moor overnight at the Rose of Lancaster Pub, Lock 63. Please be advised it is one hours cruising time to Lock 65.
   If travelling from Lock 83 we recommend that you moor on the visitor moorings in Piccadilly Basin, Manchester.
   If travelling from Castlefield Basin please see notes for 'Rochdale 9'

   (Enquiries: 01782 785703)

9. Advice: Locks 1, 2 and 3, Tuel Lane Deep Locks

   12 Mar 2012 until further notice

   Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways

   UPDATE (23 May 2012): NAVIGATION IS NOW OPEN
   

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   Stoppage history:
   

   Opening Times: Locks 1, 2 and 3 Tuel Lane Deep Lock

   Season opening hours 2012: 12 March 2012 to 4 November 2012

   A British Waterways lock keeper is present on the following days:

   Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday - 8.30am to 5.00pm (No booking required)

   No lock keeper present on these days:

   Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays – 8.30am to 3.00pm (Please book)

   Locks 1, 2 and 3, Tuel Lane Deep Lock, Sowerby Bridge. Lock 3 (Tuel Lane) is operated by a British Waterways lock keeper. Follow the local signage and the lock keeper’s instructions. Do not enter the tunnel (below lock 3) whilst boats are in lock 3. Locks 1 and 3 will be padlocked outside of the normal entry hours specified above.

   A booking system is in operation for passage on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays by calling our Red Bull office on 01782 785703 during office hours giving 48 hours notice of your booking.

   (Enquiries: 01782 785703)

10. Stoppage: Between Lock 1 and Tuel Lock

    22 - 24 May 2012

    Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways

    Water is leaking from the canal into an adjacent property and urgent pointing work needs to be carried out. The canal will be closed between lock 1 and Tuel lock on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, normal passage will resume on Friday morning.

    Mooring is possible downstream below lock 1, in Sowerby Bridge, winding is possible at the junction with the Calder and Hebble. Upstream mooring is possible at Luddenden Foot, just below Station road, with winding possible below lock 5.

    British Waterways apologise for any inconvenience caused.

    (Enquiries: 01782 785703)