Braunston Lock Flight

Due to the limited water resources currently available within Daventry and Drayton Reservoirs, as illustrated by the hydrographic graph attached to the website version of this notice, and the uncertainty around winter refill following the exceptionally dry conditions experienced this year, there may be a need to introduce further restrictions or temporary closures on sections of the Grand Union Canal during the winter period. The current restrictions are expected to remain in place until the end of October and are considered sufficient at this time. However, any additional measures introduced beyond this point would be aimed at protecting the remaining reservoir storage and maximising opportunities for the reservoirs to refill over the winter months. This is important to safeguard the water resources needed to support navigation during the 2027 season. We will continue to monitor reservoir levels and water availability closely and review the situation as conditions develop. Should any further restrictions or closures become necessary, we will provide further updates to give boaters as much notice as possible. We appreciate the continued patience and understanding of everyone affected while we carefully manage the limited water resources available.

Recent rainfall and improving conditions have allowed us to extend the current opening hours. From Friday 25th September, the flight will be open daily between 10:00am and 3:30pm, with the last boat in at 2:00pm. While conditions have improved, water resources remain under pressure, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely. We will review the restrictions regularly and update this notice if further changes can be made.

Recent rainfall has not improved conditions enough to change the current restrictions. The current opening times therefore remain unchanged. The flight will be open daily between 10:00am and 2:00pm, with the last boat entering the flight at 12:30pm. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and update this notice if the restrictions can be changed.

Due to continuing dry weather and ongoing pressure on water resources, restrictions on passage through the flight will be increased from Tuesday 25 August 2026. The flight will be open daily between 10:00am and 2:00pm, with the last boat entering the flight at 12:30pm. These tighter restrictions are being introduced to help conserve sufficient water supplies, reduce the risk of a full navigation closure, and maintain passage for boaters for the remainder of the summer period. We are continuing to monitor conditions closely and review water availability on a regular basis. Should the situation improve or deteriorate, this notice will be updated accordingly. Our aim remains to reduce restrictions and return to normal navigation as soon as conditions allow.

Due to the ongoing dry weather and drought conditions affecting parts of England, the restrictions at Braunston remain in place. We are continuing to monitor conditions closely and reviewing a range of options to make the best use of the remaining water supply and preserve navigation for as long as possible. We will provide further updates as the situation develops.

Reservoir holdings feeding the Grand Union Canal are lower than normal for the time of year. This is a result of the prolonged dry weather, water loss through evaporation during the heat wave, and, in some instances, paddles being left open or leaks in the infrastructure. To make the most of the available water we are reducing the opening times at Braunston Lock Flight from Tuesday 28th July. The flight will be open from 10am to 4pm daily, with last boat into the flight at 2pm. We would encourage all boaters to help conserve water by limiting lock use to between 10am and 4pm each day until the restricted opening hours come into effect. The situation is being continually monitored and reviewed, and we hope these measures will be sufficient. We will continue to keep customers updated as the situation develops.