Rochdale Locks 1 to 13

Following reflection on last summer and the significant water scarcity experienced on the Rochdale Canal, we will be introducing an operational window for the navigation Locks 1–13. This change is being implemented to provide greater certainty for boaters on when navigation will be available and to help us keep the canal open for as long as possible through the summer months. By managing lock operation within defined time periods, we can use water more efficiently and economically, reducing unnecessary losses and better protecting water levels during prolonged dry weather. Our aim is to balance the needs of navigation with the realities of limited water resources, while continuing to support safe and reliable passage wherever possible. Further details on the operational window, including times and any updates, will be shared on our website and through our usual customer communications.   Tuel Lane Lock is available for passage on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays.   The opening hours are: Mondays and Fridays 0800-1600 no prior booking required. Last entry at 1500 hrs Sundays 1000-1500 no prior booking required. Last entry at 1400 hrs.   No booking needed.   Hebden Bridge Locks 7 to 11 – passage available 10am to 6pm daily with last entry to all areas at 5pm. Outside of these times all these locks will be locked off.   What you can do to help? Your cooperation during this time is essential and deeply appreciated. Here are some things you can do to help reduce strain on the system:  

• Share locks where possible and make the best use of the water available.
• Make sure paddles are fully closed once you've passed through a lock.
• Aim for minimal contact when navigating through locks by ensuring gates are fully open as you pass through.
• Pushing gates open using a boat can damage the gate lining, increasing its leakage.
• If you spot a leak or any suspicious activities please call us on 0303 040 4040 or emailing via contact-us     Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to manage the canal sustainably.   Contact us | Canal & River Trust Read our FAQs to find the answers you need. You can also write to us, or get in touch via phone, email or live chat.

Extended Tuel Lane Passage Hours on Mondays

To provide greater flexibility for our customers, we are pleased to offer an extension to the Tuel Lane passage hours on Mondays.

With immediate effect, Monday passage hours will now align with those currently in place on Fridays. This change is intended to improve accessibility and offer more convenient planning options for those navigating the waterway.

Monday's and Friday's 8am to 4pm

This will be booked passage which can be done by using our online booking system on our website or by calling our customer service team on 03030 404040. Booking must be made as least 72 hours before travel.

From Monday 13th April Hebden Bridge Locks 8 to 11 – passage available 10am to 6pm daily with last entry to all areas at 5pm. Outside of these times all these locks will be locked off.

Operational Window on Rochdale Canal Locks 1–13 Following reflection on last summer and the significant water scarcity experienced on the Rochdale Canal, we will be introducing an operational window for the navigation Locks 1–13. This change is being implemented to provide greater certainty for boaters on when navigation will be available and to help us keep the canal open for as long as possible through the summer months. By managing lock operation within defined time periods, we can use water more efficiently and economically, reducing unnecessary losses and better protecting water levels during prolonged dry weather. Our aim is to balance the needs of navigation with the realities of limited water resources, while continuing to support safe and reliable passage wherever possible. Further details on the operational window, including times and any updates, will be shared on our website and through our usual customer communications.

From Monday 30th March the following operational windows will be implemented:

Tuel Lane Passage – Monday's - 8am to 10am and 2pm to 4pm – No booking needed            Friday's - 8am to 4pm – No booking needed

                             From Monday 13th April

Hebden Bridge Locks 8 to 11 – passage available 10am to 6pm daily with last entry to all areas at 5pm. Outside of these times all these locks will be locked off.                                  

What you can do to help? Your cooperation during this time is essential and deeply appreciated. Here are some things you can do to help reduce strain on the system:

• Share locks where possible and make the best use of the water available.
• Make sure paddles are fully closed once you've passed through a lock.
• Aim for minimal contact when navigating through locks by ensuring gates are fully open as you pass through.
• Pushing gates open using a boat can damage the gate lining, increasing its leakage.
• If you spot a leak or any suspicious activities please call us on 0303 040 4040 or emailing via contact-us

  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to manage the canal sustainably.