Katona to King's Cross

Route lengthabout 280 miles

Lock passages164

Moving time125–145 hours

Cruising-day equivalent21–24 six-hour days

Passage constraintsClosures and restrictions that may affect the schedule.Checked 29 October 2026 · reviewed nightly

HAZARD · UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Offenham and Marlcliff weir safety barriers are missing

Avon Navigation Trust still publishes its warning that safety barriers were stolen from both weirs. Treat the exposed structures as a serious hazard and follow current river and lock guidance before departure.

Open Avon Navigation Trust warning

CLOSED · REVIEW 30 OCT

River Severn closed from Haw Bridge to Gloucester Lock

Low river levels and continuing siltation have closed navigation between Haw Bridge, Gloucester Lock and Gloucester Dock. CRT’s published notice schedules dredging from 5 October, but CRT gives no reopening date; the 30 October date is a review only.

Open CRT closure notice

SHOALING · REVIEW 30 NOV

Upper Parting East Channel has a submerged sediment island

CRT warns of a submerged sediment island extending from the east/left bank towards midriver. Keep to the right/west side as directed: CRT’s survey indicated over 1.5m depth there at summer level, not a guarantee at today’s level. The Haw Bridge–Gloucester closure still takes precedence.

Open CRT navigation notice

RESTRICTED · REVIEW UPDATE PENDING

Sharpness leisure lockage remains restricted

CRT still publishes the restriction at the 29 October check, but its listed 27 October review has passed without a substantive update. Leisure craft may lock only by sharing a suitable commercial movement, subject to safety and availability. Obtain a fresh operational confirmation from Sharpness Pier Head before committing to the estuary passage; verification of any revised arrangements is pending.

Open CRT notice

PLANNED · 18 JAN–5 FEB 2027

High Orchard Bridge closes to all vessels in January–February 2027

CRT schedules closure from 08:00 on 18 January to 16:00 on 5 February 2027 for mast and cable removal. Safety requirements prohibit passage by vessels of any size, even with the bridge in its closed position.

Open CRT notice

RESTRICTED · 2 NOV–18 DEC

Sims Swing Bridge has a six-week navigation restriction

CRT has extended the repair period at Bridge 19 from 2 November to 18 December. Navigation is due to remain open throughout, but approach with caution and follow instructions on site.

Open CRT Sims Bridge notice

PLANNED · 1–11 MAR 2027

Purton safety-gate works close the canal in March 2027

CRT schedules closure from 08:00 on 1 March to 16:00 on 11 March 2027, between Purton Lower Bridge and 50m upstream of Purton Upper Bridge. Crane and diving operations prohibit vessel passage.

Open CRT navigation notice

OPERATIONAL RISK · REVIEW 30 NOV

Sharpness dock bridges may delay canal–estuary transit

CRT’s live advice warns that Sharpness Bridges 1 and 2 may be unable to open, requiring passages between the canal and dock to be postponed at short notice. Confirm the planned transit directly with Sharpness Pier Head; the notice is due for review on 30 November.

Open CRT bridge notice

PILOTAGE + TIDE PLAN

Sharpness–Bristol requires two separately planned tidal legs

Low-powered craft normally use the ebb from Sharpness to Portishead, wait through low water, then take the flood up the Bristol Avon. Gloucester Pilots disembark at Portishead and are not licensed for the River Avon, so confirm the separate Avon/Bristol arrangement and any insurer or harbour requirements. The dashed map line is never a navigational track.

Open Gloucester Pilots guidance

TIDAL LOCK LIMITS · WINTER HOURS IN FORCE

Bristol entrance lockage depends on tide height and winter staffing

Bristol Harbour’s current instructions say the Cumberland Basin outer entrance gates are unavailable when the tide is below 5.0m at the outer sill, so the first lock may be delayed. Winter staffing applies from 26 October: docking is 09:00–17:00, with 48 hours’ notice required for movements outside those hours. Keep the passage booked directly with the Marine Services team. A Plimsoll Bridge swing requires 48 hours’ notice, day or night.

Open Bristol Harbour notices

PLANNED · 18 NOV

Plimsoll Bridge suspends normal opening for maintenance on 18 November

Bristol Harbour notice 50/26 makes Plimsoll Bridge unavailable for normal opening operations on 18 November 2026 for essential maintenance. Contact the Harbour Office to discuss arrangements if passage is required that day; no opening is guaranteed. The notice expires at 00:01 on 19 November.

Open Bristol Harbour notice 50/26

RESTRICTED CHANNEL · UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Bristol Floating Harbour has bridge and tunnel restrictions

The north-east arch of St Philips Bridge at Passage Street remains closed. Farther east, the southern Temple Meads tunnel remains closed; use the northern tunnel with extreme caution and give priority to vessels travelling downstream. Follow all on-site signage and harbour-master directions. Notice 38/26 also prohibits passing under Pero’s Bridge towards Cascade Steps until further notice; use the alternative route via Narrow Quay and Waterfront. Notice 45/26 lists a 45m by 3m work pontoon at Finzels Reach from 5 October to 15 February 2027: keep a safe distance and do not berth alongside. These notices remain published at the 29 October 2026 check; confirm current arrangements with the harbour before passage.

Open Bristol Harbour notices

WINTER SWINGS · BOOK 1 HOUR AHEAD

Prince Street Bridge has booked winter swing times

Bristol Harbour notice 11/26 requires a swing for vessels exceeding 2.2m air draft. Winter swings are hourly from 09:30 to 16:30 GMT daily, requested at least one hour ahead via Sail Bristol, 0117 903 1484 or VHF 73. Priority applies from 3½ hours before to 1½ hours after high water; outside that period swings are discretionary. Confirm the passage directly with the harbour.

Open Bristol Harbour notice 11/26

RESTRICTED · WEEK OF 2 NOV

Pero’s Bridge heavy-lift operations may delay Bristol Harbour passage

Bristol Harbour notice 48/26 announces daylight heavy-lift and towage operations in the week beginning 2 November to remove Pero’s Bridge spans and carry them to Albion Dry Dock. Keep clear of the barge, tug and suspended loads, minimise wash and follow harbour staff directions; monitor VHF 73 as appropriate.

Open Bristol Harbour notice 48/26

SURVEY VESSEL · 3–5 NOV

Survey operations affect Bristol entrance and Netham Lock

Bristol Harbour notice 49/26 schedules SEASTRIKE surveying the tidal Avon downstream of the entrance and Cumberland Basin on 3 November, then Netham Lock and its surroundings on 4 November; 5 November is contingency. Keep a safe distance and watch for repeated slow survey runs. This is a caution, not a published closure.

Open Bristol Harbour notice 49/26

PLANNED CLOSURE · 9 NOV–SPRING 2027

Netham Lock closes for major works on 9 November

Bristol Harbour notice 47/26 gives 8 November as the last day for vessel movements before closure on 9 November, with reopening expected in spring 2027, not yet confirmed. Until closure, notice 44/26 requires one hour’s notice; staffing is now 09:30–15:45 from 26 October.

Open Bristol Harbour notices

OBSTRUCTION · REVIEW UPDATE PENDING

A sunken boat obstructs the Hanham–Keynsham reach

A vessel remains sunk in the centre of the river. CRT’s published advice remains ongoing: go around the marker buoys, not between them. At the 29 October check, the listed 27 October review had passed without a new update; confirm current conditions before passage.

Open CRT obstruction notice

EVENT · 14 NOV; RESERVE 28 NOV

Kelston–Weston rowing event restricts passage on 14 November

CRT lists rowing on 14 November, 08:30–16:30, with navigation remaining open subject to restrictions. Visitor moorings are suspended 07:00–18:00. If the event is cancelled, the reserve date is 28 November; follow organisers’ instructions.

Open CRT navigation notice

OPERATING INSTRUCTION · REVIEW 11 DEC

Weston Lock gates require correct arrow alignment

CRT reaffirmed on 1 September that the arrows on the gates at Weston Lock 6 must be aligned before use so the chamber fills efficiently and safely. The advice remains in effect and is due for review on 11 December.

Open CRT Weston Lock notice

PLANNED · 8 FEB–2 MAR 2027

Bath Bottom Lock 7 closes in February–March 2027

CRT schedules navigation closure from 08:00 on 8 February to 16:00 on 2 March 2027 for keystone and gate-anchor repairs.

Open CRT notice

CLOSED · REVIEW 10 NOV

Bath No. 1 Tunnel is closed after masonry damage

CRT’s 27 October update says Bath and North East Somerset Council is designing a temporary shield around the damaged tunnel masonry, intended to allow navigation before a permanent repair. The shield is not yet confirmed installed: navigation and the towpath remain closed until further notice. The next review is 10 November, not a reopening date.

Open CRT closure notice

MOORINGS SUSPENDED · 11–14 DEC

Bradford-on-Avon visitor moorings suspended for December market

CRT suspends the Bradford-on-Avon below-lock 48-hour visitor moorings from 10:00 on 11 December to noon on 14 December 2026 for the floating Christmas market near Bridge 172. The market runs from 18:00 on 11 December to 16:00 on 13 December. Navigation and the towpath remain open; pass carefully and follow organisers’ instructions.

Open CRT market notice

NARROW PINCH POINT

Seend Lock 19 has a known jamming risk

CRT warns that the chamber has an abnormal narrow pinch point. If there is any doubt, use the lock one vessel at a time. At the 29 October check the notice remains ongoing, but its listed 27 October review has passed without a fresh update.

Open CRT Seend notice

RESTRICTED · 08:00–16:00

Caen Hill Locks 29–44 have winter opening hours

CRT’s standing Kennet & Avon guidance sets winter hours from 1 October to 31 March at 08:00–16:00, with last entrance at 13:00. Locks 29 and 44 are locked overnight. The temporary low-water notice has been completed, but these normal winter operating limits remain in force.

Open CRT Kennet & Avon guidance

BLOCKED · REVIEW 30 OCT

A fallen tree blocks the Burbage Wharf–Cadley summit reach

CRT’s 23 October advice explicitly reports a tree blocking navigation between Burbage Wharf Bridge 104 and Cadley Lock 54. Contractors have been notified; no clearance time is published. The 30 October date is a review, not a reopening date.

Open CRT notice

RESTRICTED · REVIEW UPDATE PENDING

Crofton summit Locks 53–55 have restricted opening hours

CRT continues to publish the 10:00–14:00 daily low-water limit for the summit pound from Brimslade Lock 53 to Crofton Top Lock 55. The listed 22 October review has passed without a replacement update, so treat the restriction as in force pending fresh CRT advice.

Open CRT Crofton notice

CLOSED · 28 OCT 08:00–29 OCT 18:00

Higgs–Guyers reach closes for emergency embankment repairs

CRT closes navigation from 08:00 on 28 October until 18:00 on 29 October to repair Embankment 29. Water will be lowered below navigable depth to protect the worksite. CRT expects navigation to resume after this phase, with water levels still managed; confirm completion before moving and continue to observe the separate no-mooring advice upstream of Guyers Lock.

Open CRT emergency closure

LOW-WATER ADVICE · REVIEW UPDATE PENDING

Guyers Lock pound has fluctuating water levels

Embankment stabilisation and reconstruction upstream of Lock 84 cause fluctuating water levels and a grounding risk, so CRT advises against mooring in this pound. The related emergency closure between Higgs and Guyers Locks takes precedence on 28–29 October. At the 29 October check this advice remains ongoing, but the listed 27 October review has passed without an update.

Open CRT Guyers Lock notice

CLOSED · 5 OCT 11:45–20 NOV 18:00

Midgham and Heales Locks 92–93 close until 20 November 2026

Essential gate replacement closes Heales Lock 93 from 11:45 on 5 October until 18:00 on 20 November. CRT’s 5 October update also closes Midgham Lock 92 for worksite safety. An October through-passage is therefore impossible at the planned pace; arrange a proper pause and recheck before resuming.

Open CRT notice

BLOCKED · REVIEW UPDATE PENDING

Fallen trees close several Kennet & Avon locations

CRT’s 25 October advice reports trees blocking navigation at Froxfield road bridge, Wire Lock, Hamstead Lock and Frouds Bridge. High numbers of fallen trees mean delays in clearance; no reopening time is confirmed. At the 29 October check the listed 27 October review had passed without an update. This consolidates the separate Frouds Bridge tree warning; the map marker identifies only Frouds Bridge, not all affected sites.

Open CRT multiple-location closure

GAUGE CHANGE · UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Newbury flow gauge readings remain unreliable

CRT confirmed on 6 October that the Newbury flow gauge remains absent from its Strong Stream Warnings page because its readings have been inconsistent. Use the Woolhampton gauge as the primary guide until CRT reinstates Newbury; the notice is due for review on 10 November.

Open CRT gauge notice

RESTRICTED · 4 NOV–24 DEC

Wharf Street scaffolding narrows navigation at Newbury

CRT schedules a restriction from 08:00 on 4 November to 18:00 on 24 December for building refurbishment behind the British Heart Foundation premises. Fendered scaffolding will project about 948mm from the southern bank into the river. Navigation remains open; approach slowly and follow contractor signs and instructions. This is separate from the January–February 2027 Newbury closure.

Open CRT navigation restriction

PLANNED · 11 JAN 08:00–26 FEB 16:00

Newbury closure has moved to January–February 2027

CRT’s 28 October update reschedules the third-party closure between Town Bridge and the A339 flyover to 08:00 on 11 January until 16:00 on 26 February 2027. The council requested the revised programme to reduce the navigation impact and assist local businesses. No works are scheduled before Christmas 2026.

Open CRT notice

HAZARD · UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Caversham and Shiplake reaches have navigation obstructions

The Environment Agency lists the submerged boat above St Mary’s Island, Poplar Island fallen tree and buoyed Phillimore Island tree. On 23 October it added an obstruction on the approach to Shiplake Lock tail gates: all vessels should navigate with extreme caution.

Open Environment Agency update

RESTRICTED · 31 OCT

Thames race restricts Hambleden reach on 31 October

The EA lists Henley Long Distance Sculls on 31 October, 09:00–16:00, with navigation restricted to the central third of the river. Non-racing craft must pass on the Buckinghamshire/Fawley/right side of Temple Island (directions looking upstream). Follow race marshals. The separate 25 October event has finished.

Open Environment Agency race restrictions

CLOSURES · 2 NOV–18 DEC

Hambleden and Marsh Locks have winter closure periods

The Environment Agency’s 2026/27 programme closes Hambleden Lock from 2 to 20 November and again from 30 November to 17 December. Marsh Lock then closes from 23 November to 18 December, leaving only 21–22 November clear of these two closures before the route is blocked again. This gap concerns only these two lock stoppages, not a route-wide all-clear.

Open Environment Agency closure list

TIMED CLOSURES · 7 + 14 NOV; LATER DATE UNCONFIRMED

Teddington reach has timed race closures in November

The EA closes the river to unauthorised traffic between Trowlock Island and Hampton Court Bridge on 7 and 14 November, 10:00–12:00 and 13:30–15:30. For the later Royal Canoe Club closure between Trowlock Island and Kingston Bridge, 09:30–12:00, official dates conflict: the main list says 21 November but the detailed notice says Sunday 22 November 2026 and also contains stale 2025 text. Obtain EA confirmation before planning around either date.

Open Environment Agency race closures

TIMED CLOSURE · 28 NOV

Hampton Head closes Molesey reach on 28 November

The Environment Agency closes the river between Garrick’s Ait and Sunbury Lock on Saturday 28 November 2026, 09:00–11:30 and 13:00–15:30, except for authorised boats. Racing boats assemble downstream of Sunbury Lock 30 minutes before racing. Follow Waterways Officers and do not obstruct the event.

Open Environment Agency closure notice

PLANNED · 11 JAN–22 MAR

Temple and Cookham Locks close for winter works

The Environment Agency’s 2026/27 programme closes both Temple and Cookham Locks from 11 January to 22 March 2027 for lock gate re-sheeting. It also lists probable navigation restrictions at Boulters Lock from 11 January into March.

Open Environment Agency closure list

RESTRICTED · MAX BEAM 2.8M

Blakes Lock has a temporary beam restriction

The damaged balance beam has been removed and navigation is restricted until further notice to vessels no wider than 2.8m. Confirm Katona’s beam and check for a repair update before leaving Reading.

Open Environment Agency notice

RESTRICTED · UNTIL 27 NOV

Loddon Drive railway bridge has a restricted navigation arch

Pontoon and scaffold works restrict the bridge arch from 14 September to 27 November. No numeric clearance is published; approach slowly and follow signs and contractor instructions.

Open Environment Agency notice

RESTRICTED · MAX BEAM 4.8M

Boulters Lock tail gates have a 4.8m width limit

The Environment Agency reports that the pedestal-side gates do not fully open. Tail-gate width is restricted to no more than 4.8m (15ft 8in), until further notice. Enter and leave with caution.

Open Environment Agency navigation issues

RESTRICTED · UNTIL 30 OCT 17:00

Penton Hook footbridge removal restricts the navigation channel

The EA has extended the works to 17:00 on 30 October. Commercial barges operate between Egham Water Treatment Works and Bell Weir Lock; a navigation channel at least 15m wide remains on the Staines-upon-Thames/right side looking upstream. Follow the illuminated red marker buoys, safety boats and Waterways Officers, keep a safe speed and maintain a lookout. This is a channel restriction, not a whole-reach closure.

Open Environment Agency works notice

DROUGHT LIMITS · UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Lower Thames locks remain on drought operating limits

Penton Hook, Chertsey, Shepperton, Sunbury and Molesey allow one movement each way per 30 minutes during keeper duty. Overnight chains are applied 30 minutes before duty ends and removed 30 minutes after duty starts. Keeper hours are 09:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:00 in October; 09:15–13:00 and 14:00–16:00 from November to March. Teddington has the same limits, with additional passage one hour either side of published high water; its Launch Lock is closed until further notice but the Barge Lock remains operational. Hydraulic works at Boveney through 30 October and Sunbury through 20 November may cause minor disruption without closing navigation.

Open Environment Agency restrictions

CAUTION · UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Bell Weir reach has equipment and refurbishment works

The EA lists contractor equipment around Runnymede Pleasure Grounds for Bell Weir refurbishment, until further notice. Maintain a lookout for ad hoc restrictions or closures of the navigation channel, follow local directions and navigate with caution. This is not a continuously closed reach.

Open Environment Agency navigation issues

EVENT · 30 OCT 20:00

Lensbury fireworks may increase Teddington reach traffic

The Lensbury fireworks display is scheduled for 20:00 on 30 October, lasting about 15 minutes. Expect spectator traffic, use appropriate navigation lights and navigate cautiously before, during and after the display. This event is not a closure and does not relax the separate drought lock restrictions.

Open Environment Agency event notice

RESTRICTED · MID-OCT–EARLY NOV

Richmond Lock and Weir works restrict passage to one arch

PLA notice U34-26, verified on 29 October 2026, schedules scour-protection works from 28 September for about six weeks. From mid-October to early November, centre and Surrey arches 3 and 4 are scheduled closed, with high-water navigation through Middlesex arch 2 only. Richmond Lock remains operational. Follow closure signals and keeper directions, navigate with extreme caution and keep well clear of diving operations.

Open PLA Richmond arch-closure notice

LOW-WATER LIMITS · VERIFICATION PENDING

Richmond Lock may group vessels to conserve water

Previously published PLA notice U23-26 says low freshwater flows may require fewer lock cycles, especially around low water. Contact Richmond Lock early on VHF 80 or 020 8940 0634. The published notice expires on 30 October; this is not a guarantee that flow conditions or operating limits change then. Verification on 29 October was blocked by HTTP 403; confirm current operations directly with PLA.

Open PLA reduced-lock-operation notice

DRAW-OFF · 5 NOV–18 DEC

Richmond draw-off removes the maintained low-water level

PLA notice U35-26, verified on 29 October 2026, schedules draw-off from approximately 13:30 on 5 November to 10:00 on 18 December 2026. The river between Richmond and Teddington will not retain its normal maintained low-water level, and the riverbed is expected to be exposed at low water. Plan a confirmed tide window and suitable mooring; do not stop where Katona cannot safely take the ground. Watch for maintenance-related arch closures, minimise wash around grounding vessels and follow Richmond Lock and London VTS instructions.

Open PLA Richmond draw-off notice

BOOKING · AT LEAST 2 WORKING DAYS

Brentford Thames Lock requires advance online booking

CRT requires an online booking at least two working days ahead, not simply 48 hours. Confirmation calls/emails are handled 08:00–15:30 Monday–Friday; out-of-hours requests are processed the next working day. Thames Lock operates only with CRT staff or volunteers present and in a suitable tidal window, and cannot operate during planned Thames Barrier testing. Obtain confirmation and coordinate the Teddington departure with the lock team.

Open CRT Thames-lock booking guidance

RESTRICTED · 09:00–15:30

Hanwell flight has a daily low-water operating window

Norwood Top Lock 90 is unlocked at 09:00 and locked at 15:30. CRT advises starting at least two hours before closing and using the pound between Locks 91 and 92 if an overnight stop inside the flight is unavoidable. Review is due 30 October.

Open CRT Hanwell notice

OBSTRUCTION · REVIEW 31 OCT

A sunken boat remains near Ballot Box Bridge

CRT confirmed on 1 October that the boat remains sunk in the middle of the Paddington Arm about 100m west of Bridge 13. Passage is available on either side, but approach slowly and with caution; review is due 31 October.

Open CRT obstruction notice

OBSTRUCTIONS · REVIEW 31 OCT

Two sunken boats remain on the Paddington Arm at Alperton

CRT confirmed on 1 October that both sunken vessels remain between Bridges 11AA and 11B. Their visibility can vary with water level and weather and submerged debris may add risk; pass slowly, remain vigilant and keep clear of marked hazards. Review is due 31 October.

Open CRT obstruction notice

WORKS ADVICE · UNTIL 15 NOV

Cable works affect the Acton Lane–Ladbroke Grove towpath

CRT lists cable modifications along the towpath between Acton Lane Bridge 9 and Ladbroke Grove Bridge 4 until 17:00 on 15 November. Follow contractor signage and instructions. This is works advice, not a published navigation closure.

Open CRT works advice

RESTRICTED · 23–25 NOV

Fitzroy and railway bridge monitoring works restrict Regent’s Canal passage

CRT schedules a restriction from 08:00 on 23 November to 16:00 on 25 November between Fitzroy Bridge 16 and Railway Bridge 19. Contractors for HS2 will use a small pontoon to install monitoring equipment on three bridges. Navigation remains open with possible short delays; take extra care and follow instructions on site.

Open CRT navigation restriction

1B CLOSED · 1A OPEN · UNTIL 16 DEC

Camden Lock 1B is closed for repairs; use Lock 1A

CRT closes and dewaters Lock 1B from 09:00 on 28 October to 16:00 on 16 December 2026 for culvert, gate, lockside and fender repairs. Lock 1A remains open, but may have short temporary restrictions during the works. Safety fencing reduces operating space on the island; take extra care and follow site instructions. This supersedes the paddle-only delay advice for the works period. The former overnight water-saving closure remains lifted.

Open CRT notice

PLANNED · 4 JAN–12 FEB 2027

Hawley Lock 2 closes in January–February 2027

CRT schedules navigation closure from 08:00 on 4 January to 16:00 on 12 February 2027 to replace the top and bottom gates.

Open CRT notice

How to use this map

Tap a marker for details. Toggle marker types along the bottom of the map. Locks and facilities are mapped references, not guarantees: check the navigation authority's current guide before each section.

Route stages

Six hours underway is the usual target. Times include lock work, not overnight stops.

Bell towers near the route

Practice details come from Dove/belfry.world. Sunday service ringing is rarely published in their datasets: follow the Dove link and contact the tower before travelling.

CHECK BEFORE MOVING

Navigation notes & sources

Katona

The estuary leg is outside ordinary inland cruising. Confirm draught, air draught, engine cooling, fuel range, anchor and chain, VHF arrangements, lifejackets and insurance with the pilot.

October conditions

Shorter daylight, river flows, fallen leaves, drought restrictions and autumn maintenance can all alter the estimate. River authority warnings override this planner.

Facilities

Water, refuse and Elsan markers are nearby OpenStreetMap records, including some private/customer-only points. Treat unnamed markers as leads to verify, not promised services.

Sources

Dataset checked .