Where to Moor Your Canal Boat

Learn how and where to safely moor your canal boat. A guide to using mooring pins, finding visitor moorings, and overnight stops.

Narrowboat moored peacefully by the towpath

How to Tie Up

When you moor up, whether it’s just for a quick trip to the shops or to stop overnight, always moor against the towpath. In some places, you’ll find mooring rings or bollards to tie up to. Otherwise, you’ll have to use your mooring stakes (also called mooring pins).

When using stakes, drive them firmly into the ground, leaning away from the boat, and tie the ropes to the lowest part of the stake. Ensure your ropes don't stretch across the towpath where they could trip walkers or cyclists. Leave some slack in the ropes so your boat can move slightly as other boats pass by.

Where Can I Moor?

Safe Mooring Spots:

The Towpath: You can moor almost anywhere along the towpath, provided you aren't causing an obstruction.
Visitor Moorings: Look out for signs indicating visitor moorings. These often have time limits (e.g., 24 hours, 48 hours, or 14 days). Always respect these limits.
Pub Moorings: Many canalside pubs have their own moorings for patrons.

Do NOT Moor In These Areas:

Locks & Approaches: In locks, lock approaches, or lock flights.
Bridges & Tunnels: In or near bridges, tunnels, aqueducts, or other narrow sections.
Winding Holes: In winding holes (turning points) or near junctions.
Blind Spots: On sharp bends or blind spots where oncoming boats can't see you.
Water Points: At water points, except when filling up.
Private Property: Opposite another moored boat (if it makes the channel too narrow), or anywhere with "No Mooring" signs.

Mooring Etiquette

Canal boating is all about community and consideration. When passing moored boats, always slow down to a tick-over to avoid creating a wake that throws them against the bank. If you are mooring up yourself, run your engine only during permitted hours (usually 8am to 8pm) to charge your batteries, and be mindful of your neighbours when playing music or running generators.