Movement rules during the lock closures?

[Tony1]

 

Has anyone spoken to CRT directly to ask whether there will be any change in the movement rules for CCers during the period of lock closures between Stock Bruerne and north to Atherstone, Fradley etc?

I ask because I'm currently in MK, and I would really like to move towards Nantwich, after hearing after some recent personal news. 

I can't go any further than Stoke Bruerne until we get rain and the locks reopen, and so for at least 4 weeks, possibly 8 weeks, and maybe even several months, I will not be able to continue on my journey north.

I would normally expect CRT to insist that I move south rather than be stationary, but the locks between MK and Tring (and further south) will probably be at risk of closure before too long. And ideally I dont want to move south and then get trapped by those locks closing, and be even further away from my destination of Nantwich. 

I'm not a fan of staying in one place too long, as it kind of defeats the point of being on a boat and being mobile. But in this case I am reluctant to move any further south unless ordered to by CRT. And I dont want to waste water by scooting through ten or so locks down to Tring, just for the sake of movement.

So does anyone know if the rules for CCers are being temporarily relaxed, at least so avoid unnecessary use of locks?

The advice to find a mooring closer to facilities, get supplies, and ensure water tanks are full etc seems to imply the CCing rules will be amended to some extent, but there hasnt been an official message that I've noticed. 

Has anyone had confirmation from CRT on this issue?

 

Edited August 26 by Tony1

[PeterF]

From the latest Boaters update, which also came in the email to all boaters.

 

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/boating-news-and-views/the-boaters-update/boaters-update-14-aug-2025

Continuous cruising

If you are a ‘continuous cruiser’ and are in an area that is affected by closures or restrictions, please be assured, any period of reduced movement will not impact your licensing options in future. We will also pause 14-day reminders in these areas to accommodate these challenging conditions. Please moor considerately and share space as best as possible so that others can access facilities.

[Tony1]

25 minutes ago, PeterF said:

From the latest Boaters update, which also came in the email to all boaters.

 

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/boating-news-and-views/the-boaters-update/boaters-update-14-aug-2025

Continuous cruising

If you are a ‘continuous cruiser’ and are in an area that is affected by closures or restrictions, please be assured, any period of reduced movement will not impact your licensing options in future. We will also pause 14-day reminders in these areas to accommodate these challenging conditions. Please moor considerately and share space as best as possible so that others can access facilities.

 

Thank you, and I did see that text.

But as I explained in the OP, I am 8 or 9 miles from Stoke Bruerne, and my current location in MK does not seem to be formally included in the area that CRT might consider to be affected by the current closures.

Also, the locks to the south as far as Tring, are NOT currently affected by any closure notices, although they seem likely to be affected at some point.

But the area that I want to move into IS affected.

 

Edited August 26 by Tony1

[Mike Todd]

21 minutes ago, Tony1 said:

 

Thank you, and I did see that text.

But as I expected you would be aware, I am 8 or 9 miles from Stoke Bruerne, and my current location in MK does not seem to be formally included in the area that CRT might consider to be affected by the current closures.

Also, the locks to the south as far as Tring, are NOT currently affected by any closure notices, although they seem likely to be affected at some point.

But the area that I want to move into IS affected.

 

Why not ask your usual licensing contact directly?

[Tony1]

6 minutes ago, Mike Todd said:

Why not ask your usual licensing contact directly?

 

Thank you for your wise advice. I dont have a 'usual' contact as I travel about a bit, but it was my intention to call CRT tomorrow. But it occurred to me that amongst several thousand members, there might be a few who are in areas close to those affected by closures, and who might have made that phone call already.

Thus saving me spending 30 minutes on the phone to CRT, at a time when they are very likely getting lots of calls from boaters affected by closures.

And what with this being a forum to ask questions, and all.

But my cunning plan appears to have backfired, in that I seem to be spending more time answering unhelpful replies from members here than I might spend on the phone to CRT tomorrow. 

Still, one lives in hope. 

 

Edited August 26 by Tony1

[LadyG]

1 hour ago, Tony1 said:

 

Has anyone spoken to CRT directly to ask whether there will be any change in the movement rules for CCers during the period of lock closures between Stock Bruerne and north to Atherstone, Fradley etc?

I ask because I'm currently in MK, and I would really like to move towards Nantwich, after hearing after some recent personal news. 

I can't go any further than Stoke Bruerne until we get rain and the locks reopen, and so for at least 4 weeks, possibly 8 weeks, and maybe even several months, I will not be able to continue on my journey north.

I would normally expect CRT to insist that I move south rather than be stationary, but the locks between MK and Tring (and further south) will probably be at risk of closure before too long. And ideally I dont want to move south and then get trapped by those locks closing, and be even further away from my destination of Nantwich. 

I'm not a fan of staying in one place too long, as it kind of defeats the point of being on a boat and being mobile. But in this case I am reluctant to move any further south unless ordered to by CRT. And I dont want to waste water by scooting through ten or so locks down to Tring, just for the sake of movement.

So does anyone know if the rules for CCers are being temporarily relaxed, at least so avoid unnecessary use of locks?

The advice to find a mooring closer to facilities, get supplies, and ensure water tanks are full etc seems to imply the CCing rules will be amended to some extent, but there hasnt been an official message that I've noticed. 

Has anyone had confirmation from CRT on this issue?

 

Phone up your regional licencing officer and agree a solution. The call centre can ask him to contact you.

I look at the stoppages map to check on current situation. Its updated regularly.

Edited August 26 by LadyG

[Tony1]

6 minutes ago, LadyG said:

Phone up your regional licencing officer and agree a solution. The call centre will get him to contsct you.

 

Yes, I'm planning to do that. But in the meantime, I thought this might be a subject of interest for discussion amongst a few of our CCing members here, so if anyone has any useful info it might be worth posting.

 

Edited August 26 by Tony1

[dogless]

I guess what you're saying is if you HAVE to get stuck somewhere, MK suits you better than Stoke Breune for many reasons.

 

I have spoken to many boaters over the last couple of weeks on our race back to be near our 'home' mooring, clear of stoppages.

 

Most boaters without a home mooring  I've spoken to have taken your view, selected a location or pound offering all they need, and elected to remain there.

 

All boaters with a home mooring we met have taken the same view as us and headed to be near or at their mooring.

 

I think your choice to remain in MK  as being the 'least worst' choice for you is entirely reasonable in the circumstances, and in line with what many continuous cruisers have chosen.

 

Ultimately if you want confirmation you must ring CRT but personally I wouldn't bother, rather stand by my own judgement and do what photographers do ... let it develop 😊

 

There's little significant rain in forecasts ... I can see more lock closures over the next few weeks ... at a time of restrictions you have to do what's best for you.

 

Good luck.

 

Rog

 

 

[Tony1]

32 minutes ago, dogless said:

I guess what you're saying is if you HAVE to get stuck somewhere, MK suits you better than Stoke Breune for many reasons.

 

I have spoken to many boaters over the last couple of weeks on our race back to be near our 'home' mooring, clear of stoppages.

 

Most boaters without a home mooring  I've spoken to have taken your view, selected a location or pound offering all they need, and elected to remain there.

 

All boaters with a home mooring we met have taken the same view as us and headed to be near or at their mooring.

 

I think your choice to remain in MK  as being the 'least worst' choice for you is entirely reasonable in the circumstances, and in line with what many continuous cruisers have chosen.

 

Ultimately if you want confirmation you must ring CRT but personally I wouldn't bother, rather stand by my own judgement and do what photographers do ... let it develop 😊

 

There's little significant rain in forecasts ... I can see more lock closures over the next few weeks ... at a time of restrictions you have to do what's best for you.

 

Good luck.

 

Rog

 

 

 

Thanks Rog, and I agree with your take - I'm sure CRT will be ok with me remaining in the general area of MK until the locks reopen.

And I will give them a call to see if I can get some sensible and specific advice for this area.

But the truth is that specific locations and dates really do matter to these people, and to be fair I totally understand why that's the case - too many people take the mick. 

So if I do seem a bit over-cautious, its because I did get an 'overstay' email last year, and I do not want to get another one.

Last summer I was trying to stay in one area to get my eberspacher fixed, and the guy involved was really struggling with some personal issues, and kept letting me down. I moved a few miles on in an effort to gain more time, and a week later I moved back to my original spot where the local repair guy could reach the boat again.  

But that movement pattern was never going to work, as I should have known - and I got the dreaded 'move your arse' email.

In the end I had to just buy a new unit and he fitted it next day, simply because I couldnt stay in that area long enough for him to do a proper investigation and a repair.

I knew CRT were not going to accept the excuse of a broken Eberspacher in June as a reason to grant an overstay, so I didnt even bother calling them.

 

And the year before that, I'd asked for an extra 3 days stay at a mooring near Anderton, because the BSS guy who passed my boat wanted to come back and fit a new gas regulator to address an advisory issue he'd found.

But the CRT guy I spoke to said that a BSS follow-up issue was not a valid reason to grant an overstay, and I had to move on, and so I didnt get the regulator fitted promptly. 

Which I think lends some credence to the sceptics who think that BSS and safety matters enormously to CRT, until its suddenly less important than allowing 3 extra days on a 14 day mooring, in late October when it wasnt even busy.

Bottom line is that I dont want to get one another one of those emails because I've unknowingly moored in an unacceptable spot, and I might be only half a mile from an acceptable spot.

As a CCer in a place that is not directly affected but is next door to the closures, it feels like a rather grey area.

So I need to know exactly what they expect of me during this closure period - how far they need me to go, and when they need me to move. 

And I bet there are few others wondering what the situation is going to be in the next couple of months. 

 

Edited August 26 by Tony1

[dogless]

I guess you have to do what makes you feel comfortable.

 

As I said, good luck. I doubt you're the only one concerned about the next few months.

 

Rog

[Mike Todd]

12 hours ago, Tony1 said:

 

Thank you for your wise advice. I dont have a 'usual' contact as I travel about a bit, but it was my intention to call CRT tomorrow. But it occurred to me that amongst several thousand members, there might be a few who are in areas close to those affected by closures, and who might have made that phone call already.

Thus saving me spending 30 minutes on the phone to CRT, at a time when they are very likely getting lots of calls from boaters affected by closures.

And what with this being a forum to ask questions, and all.

But my cunning plan appears to have backfired, in that I seem to be spending more time answering unhelpful replies from members here than I might spend on the phone to CRT tomorrow. 

Still, one lives in hope. 

 

My apologies if my suggestion (which was just like LadyG's) seemed unhelpful - it was not intended so. Let me explain.

 

All overstay requests are individually considered (and, in my experience, reasonably carefully) and any agreement is personal to your specific circumstances. This is 'a good thing' as it means that complex needs can be met with compassion whilst still sorting out those trying to explore the outer regions of the rules. To try and set a single rule with no exceptions would almost inevitably result in anguish when hard cases fall outside what is allowed.

 

I agree that your particular proposal is difficult to assess as your intention was to travel through an area largely now close whilst also bordering on a long length of still open canal. In normal circumstances, I would have expected you to receive (unless you advance really special factors) the standard response to such requests brought about by planned winter closures. CCers are expected to be aware of the upcoming works and to plan accordingly. In some respects your situation is very similar as you cannot claim that you cannot move, just not in the direction of your plans. In 'normal' conditions you would probably be expected to cruise where you can according to the 14 day and range requirements, planning to return to where you are when an announcement is made about upcoming re-opening (I suspect it will be like the closures, with a reasonable amount of notice being given to allow boaters to make the best of what is available)

 

Having said that, CaRT have made it very clear that any action regarding movement when renewing a licence will recognise the impact of drought closures and I anticipate that there will be considerable, if perhaps not unlimited, leeway. There are more important things taking up CaRT's time and resources right now and I would be surprised if there were any enforcement actions resulting from overstaying until something like normality returns. But always remember that an overstay permission is not a right and you would be well advised to consider your action as if you were facing a winter closure and then react accordingly.

 

As I said at the outset, none of what other people experience or opine really matters as the agreements on overstay are specific to the individual. Do let us all know how you get on.

[magnetman]

2 hours ago, dogless said:

I guess you have to do what makes you feel comfortable.

 

As I said, good luck. I doubt you're the only one concerned about the next few months.

 

Rog

 

To be fair the CRT did give quite a lot of advance notice. 

 

I recall doing the Thames to Nantwich in 9 days. 

[Tony1]

5 minutes ago, Mike Todd said:

My apologies if my suggestion (which was just like LadyG's) seemed unhelpful - it was not intended so. Let me explain.

 

All overstay requests are individually considered (and, in my experience, reasonably carefully) and any agreement is personal to your specific circumstances. This is 'a good thing' as it means that complex needs can be met with compassion whilst still sorting out those trying to explore the outer regions of the rules. To try and set a single rule with no exceptions would almost inevitably result in anguish when hard cases fall outside what is allowed.

 

I agree that your particular proposal is difficult to assess as your intention was to travel through an area largely now close whilst also bordering on a long length of still open canal. In normal circumstances, I would have expected you to receive (unless you advance really special factors) the standard response to such requests brought about by planned winter closures. CCers are expected to be aware of the upcoming works and to plan accordingly. In some respects your situation is very similar as you cannot claim that you cannot move, just not in the direction of your plans. In 'normal' conditions you would probably be expected to cruise where you can according to the 14 day and range requirements, planning to return to where you are when an announcement is made about upcoming re-opening (I suspect it will be like the closures, with a reasonable amount of notice being given to allow boaters to make the best of what is available)

 

Having said that, CaRT have made it very clear that any action regarding movement when renewing a licence will recognise the impact of drought closures and I anticipate that there will be considerable, if perhaps not unlimited, leeway. There are more important things taking up CaRT's time and resources right now and I would be surprised if there were any enforcement actions resulting from overstaying until something like normality returns. But always remember that an overstay permission is not a right and you would be well advised to consider your action as if you were facing a winter closure and then react accordingly.

 

As I said at the outset, none of what other people experience or opine really matters as the agreements on overstay are specific to the individual. Do let us all know how you get on.

 

I must also apologise for jumping the gun with my rather snippy reply to your post. Text doesn't always convey tone or intent. 

The thought occurred to me after working hours, so I hoped I might get a useful answer last night from someone who had already spoken to CRT.

And it seemed a relevant discussion topic for at least some of the members here.

I called CRT this morning and as expected, the official position of the guy I spoke to is that since MK is not within the area affected by the closures, and since the route south via Leighton Buzzard and Tring etc is still fully open, the normal CC cruising patterns are expected. 

 

 

[haggis]

38 minutes ago, Tony1 said:

 

I must also apologise for jumping the gun with my rather snippy reply to your post. Text doesn't always convey tone or intent. 

The thought occurred to me after working hours, so I hoped I might get a useful answer last night from someone who had already spoken to CRT.

And it seemed a relevant discussion topic for at least some of the members here.

I called CRT this morning and as expected, the official position of the guy I spoke to is that since MK is not within the area affected by the closures, and since the route south via Leighton Buzzard and Tring etc is still fully open, the normal CC cruising patterns are expected. 

 

 

Oh, that's not so good for you Tony.  Hope we get lots of rain and you get back to Nantwich.

[IanD]

47 minutes ago, Tony1 said:

 

I must also apologise for jumping the gun with my rather snippy reply to your post. Text doesn't always convey tone or intent. 

The thought occurred to me after working hours, so I hoped I might get a useful answer last night from someone who had already spoken to CRT.

And it seemed a relevant discussion topic for at least some of the members here.

I called CRT this morning and as expected, the official position of the guy I spoke to is that since MK is not within the area affected by the closures, and since the route south via Leighton Buzzard and Tring etc is still fully open, the normal CC cruising patterns are expected. 

 

 

You have my sympathy, and that's unfortunate for you -- but understandable from CRTs point of view and the rules applying to CCers... 😞 

[Tony1]

4 minutes ago, haggis said:

Oh, that's not so good for you Tony.  Hope we get lots of rain and you get back to Nantwich.

 

Not to worry Mrs H, its a bit of a pain but thankfully not life or death. As long as I can make regular visits to the Northwest, I can manage things over the next few months. 

I don't normally make the minimum required movement pattern required by CRT (which is a move of about a mile, every two weeks), but that option is there on the rare occasions when I need it. So I'll be able to stay within reach of a train station during most of the closure period. 

From a personal viewpoint it just adds a degree of hassle. So although it is a shame for me that they wont let me stay in a smaller area for the next 6 weeks, I totally understand why they have to enforce those rules. 

 

Just now, IanD said:

 

You have my sympathy, and that's unfortunate for you -- but understandable from CRTs point of view and the rules applying to CCers... 😞 

 

Absolutely Ian, its a bit of a nuisance but I totally understand CRTs position, and I have no complaints - rules are rules, and without them there would be permanent boat camps next to all the places of interest and the facilities. 

 

[GUMPY]

5 minutes ago, Tony1 said:

So I'll be able to stay within reach of a train station during most of the closure period

Most of the canal from Wolverton to Watford is well served with railway stations so it really shouldn't matter where you are. 

If I had to chose somewhere on that stretch to be stuck it wouldn't be MK 🫣

[Tony1]

5 minutes ago, GUMPY said:

Most of the canal from Wolverton to Watford is well served with railway stations so it really shouldn't matter where you are. 

If I had to chose somewhere on that stretch to be stuck it wouldn't be MK 🫣

 

I understand that MK has been the butt of much criticism and many jokes down the years, but I have to say when I went through the place on my southward journey, I found it to be pretty pleasant. 

The whole town is criss-crossed by cycle paths, so you can reach most places without having to ride on a road. The people seemed very decent and laid back on the whole, and it has all of the big chain stores if you need DIY supplies (or anything else). They even have a good range of pubs close to the cut. 

Architecturally I suppose its a teeny bit of a wasteland, but I'm no architect so I don't give a stuff!  I found it one of the nicest places I've visited on the boat. 

 

[system 4-50]

2 minutes ago, Tony1 said:

 

I understand that MK has been the butt of much criticism and many jokes down the years, but I have to say when I went through the place on my southward journey, I found it to be pretty pleasant. 

The whole town is criss-crossed by cycle paths, so you can reach most places without having to ride on a road. The people seemed very decent and laid back on the whole, and it has all of the big chain stores if you need DIY supplies (or anything else). They even have a good range of pubs close to the cut. 

Architecturally I suppose its a teeny bit of a wasteland, but I'm no architect so I don't give a stuff!  I found it one of the nicest places I've visited on the boat. 

 

A memorable place for me.  Whilst I had a mooring there, some of the local yoof took exception to the location of my car and danced on its roof denting it in several places.  The town may be ok but I would not use the blackhorse moorings.

[IanD]

17 minutes ago, system 4-50 said:

A memorable place for me.  Whilst I had a mooring there, some of the local yoof took exception to the location of my car and danced on its roof denting it in several places.  The town may be ok but I would not use the blackhorse moorings.

When was this -- recently or many years ago?

 

Only asking because quite a few places on the canals have suffered from "don't go there, it's bandit country" posts which don't reflect what they're like today... 😉 

[system 4-50]

1 hour ago, IanD said:

When was this -- recently or many years ago?

A good question.  About 8? years ago.   It may be that the local yoof don't congregate in the neighbouring field anymore.

[David Mack]

3 hours ago, Tony1 said:

Absolutely Ian, its a bit of a nuisance but I totally understand CRTs position, and I have no complaints - rules are rules, and without them there would be permanent boat camps next to all the places of interest and the facilities. 

And we never see any of those!

[GUMPY]

I used to live on the edge of MK, whilst it was first  being built, near Stony Stratford. Admittedly it was a long time ago  during the late 1970s so I guess from your report it must have improved.

[magnetman]

We used to moor at Targets Turn quite regularly. Just past the black horse moorings under the bridge on the right. Early 00s. There were some bandits and low people but a good community of boaters around there. No complaints. Before New Bradwell. 

 

 

Is Garry with the working motor Ascot and converted butty Beverley still there? He was a good sort. 

[Mike Todd]

I think MK has more issues with dumpers than overstayers. That is, boats that move a shortish distance (enough to comply with CC rules) but no-one on board for 13.99 days. Nothing illegal about it but it can clog up certain sections and give an alternative feel to that section, compared with those occupied by 14 day CCers. (to use a lot of shorthand)