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Navigation Information
The Warwickshire River Avon is navigable over 47 miles, with 17 locks along its course
The River Avon, has junctions with the Stratford Canal at the top of the navigation, and the River Severn at the bottom, and forms part of a navigable ‘ring’ that includes the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. We have available to order online The River Avon Visitor Guide, The Little ANT Book of River Poems, pump out waste tokens, fishing permits plus free to download maps and information leaflets. These items as well as more gifts and information are also available at the River Avon Welcome Centre.
The River Avon Navigation and Visitor Guide
Navigation Information
You can order:
- The River Avon Visitor Guide
- The Little ANT Book of River Poems
- Pump-out tokens
- Fishing permits
Free downloads (maps and info leaflets) are also available online or at the River Avon Welcome Centre.
Yes — this guide is highly recommended. It includes maps, drawings of locks, mooring details, and trip planning advice. All proceeds support the Trust's charitable work. Order the guide here.
There are public moorings along the river at most of the towns and lock sites. Boaters are welcome to use these moorings for up to a 48 hour stay. These are all listed in the ‘Navigation and Visitor Guide’ that you can purchase here. and in the Welcome Information Leaflet Unlike a canal, there is no towpath, and all the land along the river bank is privately owned. So please plan your trip to make the most of the public moorings.
The locks work the same as most canal and river locks. You will need a windlass, using the smaller tapered fitting (the ‘Northwich’ type lock key). If you are used to canal locks, then the Avon locks are much bigger. You must tie up using fore and aft lines, as due to the size and the water flow, it is not enough to use a centre line. On exit, please close all the paddles, but leave the gates you exit through open after use.
Avon Lock at Tewkesbury is staffed, and at weekends in the summer there may be volunteers at some of the locks to help you through, but assume most of the locks will be set up for you to operate manually yourselves.
General Information
| Dimension | Lower Avon | Upper Avon | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 70ft | (21.3m) | 70ft | (21.3m) |
| Beam | 13ft 6in | (4.1m) | 12ft 9in | (3.89m) |
| Draught | 4ft | (1.2m) | 3ft | (0.9m) |
| Headroom | 10ft | (3.0m) | 8ft | (2.4m) |
Yes — King John's Bridge is commonly used as a reference for headroom between Tewkesbury and Evesham. View diagram
Use the River Level Gauges installed at every lock. These show:
- Green – Safe to navigate
- Orange – Increased flow, use caution
- Red – Dangerous, moor up
Live conditions are also available via our River Watch Page
- There are 17 manually operated locks between Stratford and Tewkesbury.
- The Avon Lock in Tewkesbury is operated by a lock keeper during boating season and bookable off-season.
- Use both bow and stern lines at all times (centre lines are not acceptable).
- If you're new to locks, take your time — other boaters are usually happy to help.
Lock keeper hours and winter locking information are listed in the main content.
- Pass port to port (drive on the right)
- Give way to commercial or maintenance vessels
- Sound a long blast on blind bends if needed
- 4 mph upstream, 6 mph downstream (measured over the riverbed)
- Always slow down near bridges, locks, and moored craft
Excessive wash erodes riverbanks and disturbs other boats. If your boat is creating a large wash, reduce your speed.
- Little ANT Book of River Poems – A fun and inspiring collection to enjoy and support the Trust. Buy the book
- Pump-out tokens – Available at key locations and online. Buy tokens
- Welcome Leaflet – A free downloadable guide. Download here
- FREE River Avon Maps – Instant downloads in PDF or GPS format. Download maps
- Discounted Avon Ring Maps and DVDs – For navigation and gifting. Maps | DVDs
