Opening times, speed limits, vessel dimensions and safety advice
The Feeder Canal runs from the River Avon to the Floating Harbour. It is also a navigational link between the Floating Harbour and the City of Bath via Netham Lock.
Opening times
The lock gates at Netham Lock are open during the day, unless the water level in the river between Netham and Hanham is above, or below the level of the harbour
Outside of these times, you can navigate from Cumberland Basin to Hanham Lock (a distance of 11.2km) on the level.
Netham Lock is open:
- 7am to 10pm: April to end of September
- 10am to 4pm: October to end of March
You must arrive at least one hour before the Lock Keeper goes off duty , to make sure you can get through the lock
Before you arrive
When you're leaving either Hanham Lock or the Floating Harbour, call the Netham Lock Keeper on 0117 977 6590 so they can let you know about the tidal river and locking conditions.
Speed limit
The speed limit in the Feeder Canal and River Avon above Netham weir is 4 mph.
Vessel dimensions
The maximum dimensions of vessels which can use Feeder Canal and Netham Lock are:
- Length overall: 24.4 metres
- Beam: 5.4 metres
- Draught: 1.9 metres
- Height from waterline: 3.1 metres
Safety advice: River Avon, Netham Lock and Netham Weir and Totterdown Basin
Tidal heights
On tides of 9.6 metres and over, the lock gates at Netham Lock are closed to exclude the tidal water which flows over Netham Weir. For a period of about three and a half hours vessels have to lock through.
When the level of water in the river is raised (either by tidal or freshwater flow) there is an increased risk of vessels being carried over Netham Weir.
Because of this danger, be careful when you navigate the river in these conditions.
Air draft
Vessels of the maximum height (3.1 metres) will not be able to get under Netham Bridge with an adequate margin if the river level is more than 0.75 metres about harbour datum (the level of the crest of Netham Weir). This corresponds to a 9.45 metres tide at Cumberland Basin.
Your vessel
Your vessel will need a reliable engine and must be able to travel at 5 knots to make adequate headway against currents of about 2.5 knots.
It's essential that you have a suitable anchor and properly secured warp.
Strong currents
If you enter the Floating Harbour through Netham Lock, be aware that there might be strong currents. Navigate carefully in this area.
You may need stop at Totterdown Basin and check the water flow before moving through it.