Keep Calm and Carry On Cruising:

Navigating the Leeds Liverpool Canal with Confidence from Skipton

UPDATED: 16th July 2025

If you have been keeping up with the recent weather reports and canal news since Spring 2025, indeed about canal lock closures along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, you’re not alone. We have received a few concerned messages from guests unsure of how this affects their holiday plans.

The sad news ? Westbound travel from the bottom lock into Gargrave has been closed since May, and as of June 25th so is eastbound from Bingley Five Rise Locks.

The good news? There’s still plenty of canal open to explore within the 18 mile pound we are located within, ideal for 3-4 night cruises and try your hand at narrowboating.

New in 2025: Blue Otter Short Breaks for Spontaneous Cruisers

In response to the changing lock conditions and to offer more flexibility, starting from June 2025 we have introduced 3- and 4-night short break cruises from Skipton. These routes are lock-free canal holidays and ideal for:

• First-time boaters wanting to try something new

• Guests who can’t commit to a full week

• Those seeking a last-minute escape with a slower pace and scenic stops

• Bird-watching enthusiast looking to observe canal and migratory birds.

We continue to provide full boat handling training and support to help you get the most out of your break, no prior boating experience needed.

Stay Informed, Stay Relaxed

We are continuosly monitoring updates from the Canal & River Trust and will keep all our guests informed. Any changes to routes will be communicated ahead of your arrival, and we are always happy to help you plan an itinerary that makes the most of your time on the water.

So, in true British spirit, when faced with uncertainty, let’s remember to put the kettle on and weather the storm: Keep Calm and Carry On Cruising.

The canal is calling and there’s no better way to switch off and slow down. We only accept cruise bookings through our dedicated agent Hoseasons, as this ensures every booking is protected. As proud members of their elite Starboard collection since 2019 we are dedicated to providing the best canal holiday experience possible.

Canal Log Entries

🌞🚤 Perfect weather, beautiful waterways, and a “good ship” adventure!
Graeme & Maureen from Brisbane, Australia, recently spent a week aboard Blue Otter and shared these kind words in our guestbook. Despite a few surprise lock closures, they embraced the experience and soaked up the stunning surroundings of canal life in Yorkshire.

📖 “What a lovely part of the world you live in, so different from Australia.”