Canal Locks Reopen After Water Levels Return to Normal

Remember that ridiculously hot summer? While lots of people were enjoying the sunshine, the canals were feeling a bit parched. The unusually dry weather led to some pretty low water levels, which meant a few key spots had to close for a while. But there's brilliant news for anyone who loves the waterways, especially the historic Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The locks are back in business, the routes are navigable again, and there’s even a chance for a spontaneous autumn adventure. So, if you’ve been wondering what’s happening around Bingley and Silsden, things are looking up.

So, what exactly was the problem?

It all came down to water, or a lack of it. Canals aren't like rivers that have a constant flow; they're more like a very, very long and carefully managed series of ponds. The water level has to be just right for boats to get through, especially through the locks. Locks are like lifts for boats, carrying them up or down hills. If there aren't sufficient reserves, the system just can't work safely. This summer's heatwave caused serious low water levels, forcing the closure of some major spots, including the famous Bingley Five Rise and the Gargrave locks. It was a bit of a headache for boaters, putting a stop to many planned canal boat holidays and journeys along the waterway.

This closure affected all sorts of boats, from the traditional narrowboats you see everywhere to wide-beam boats. When a main artery like the Leeds & Liverpool Canal has blockages, it means journeys had to be cut short or rescheduled. The good news is, the wait is finally over.

The grand reopening of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

And now for the news everyone has been waiting for: the reopening is complete! The essential maintenance and the recent rain have worked their magic. The magnificent Gargrave locks and the incredible Bingley Five Rise on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal are officially open again. This is a big deal because it means that key routes are fully connected once more. Specifically, all west and eastbound routes from the popular base at Silsden are now fully navigable.

For anyone who hasn't seen it, the Bingley Five Rise is a proper marvel of engineering. It's what's known as a 'staircase lock,' one of the steepest in the country. It lifts boats a whopping 60 feet in five stages. Watching a boat make that climb, or 'rise', is quite something. The reopening of this iconic structure, along with its smaller sibling, the Bingley Three Rise, is fantastic news for the whole canal community. The whole area around Bingley is buzzing again with activity now that boats can pass through the famous five rise staircase.

Just a heads-up on the opening times

Now, while it's brilliant that everything is open, boaters do need to plan their journeys carefully. To help manage the water supply and make sure it lasts, some locks are operating under restricted hours. It’s a sensible step to make sure the reopening is sustainable for the rest of the season. So, if a trip is on the cards, just make a note of the opening times.

The following locks are open for passage from 8am to 2pm every day:

• Bank Newton
• Gargrave
• Bingley Five Rise
• Bingley Three Rise
• Kirkstall Forge
• Newlay

Planning around these restricted hours is pretty straightforward. It just means an earlier start to the day to make sure you get through the lock flights at Bank Newton or Kirkstall Forge without any hassle. It's a small change that ensures the Leeds & Liverpool Canal remains open for everyone to enjoy this autumn.

Time for a last-minute autumn adventure?

To celebrate the reopening, AngloWelsh has put together a cracking offer for anyone fancying a bit of an escape. They are offering a generous 30% discount on all their canal boat holidays setting off from their base in Silsden. This offer is running for the rest of October, making it the perfect excuse for a spontaneous trip.

An autumn canal trip is a unique kind of adventure. The waterways are quieter, the colours are stunning, and there’s nothing better than mooring up near a cosy pub after a day of cruising. The routes from Silsden are particularly beautiful, taking you through some proper Yorkshire countryside. With the Bingley Five Rise now fully navigable again, it's a great opportunity to experience one of the wonders of the waterways. Whether in a narrowboat or one of the modern wide-beam boats, it’s a chance to see the canal system at its best. So, if a final getaway before winter sets in sounds appealing, this discount from AngloWelsh for an October holiday could be just the ticket. Time to get that adventure planned!