Extra information: From the 3rd August, we have noticed that it is becoming harder to maintain the water levels in this section, the feeds that the local team are putting on is not enough to maintain the water levels as well as we would have hoped. Bookings that are currently on for today will be honoured. We are still taking bookings, but these will be dependant on the water levels on a day to day basis as to whether they will be able to be carried out due to water availability at that point in time. The local team will communicate with boaters/skippers about their bookings and will keep them updated and are doing the best we can. We ask when booking days, there may have to be a bit of flexibilty and to be accepting that it may be the chosen day or a couple of days later, dependant on water levels and navigation capability that the canal gives us.
Oxclose Lock (Lock 3) – Assisted Passage Restrictions from 6th July 2026
Waterway: Ripon Canal
Period: 6th July 2026 ongoing
Reason: Low water levels
Due to low water levels and to assist with water management on the Ripon Canal, passage through Oxclose Lock (Lock 3) is restricted to essential journeys only.
Assisted Passage Arrangements
- Booking required: Minimum 48 hours' notice
- Passage times: Monday to Friday, 10:30am–12:30pm
- Booking telephone: 0303 040 4040
Essential Passage Criteria
Passage will normally only be provided for:
- Craft returning to their home moorings.
- Pre-booked journeys for maintenance purposes.
Boaters are encouraged to share locks wherever possible to help conserve water resources.
These restrictions will remain in place until water levels in the River Skell recover. Further updates will be issued as conditions change.