25/08/2026
Canal Unpowered Boat Navigation Update
*Please read if you are planning on paddling without us on the canal anytime soon…..*
Unpowered Boating Update - Mytchett Pound
Due to the exceptionally dry weather and prolonged lack of rainfall over recent months, water levels on the Mytchett Pound of the canal have fallen significantly. To help protect both visitors and the canal environment, a temporary suspension of all unpowered boating activities is now in place between Lock 28 (Deepcut) and Lock 29 (Ash Lock, Aldershot). This includes:
• Rowing boats
• Pedalos
• Kayaks
• Canoes – sit in and sit on top
• Stand up paddle boards
• All types of inflatable craft
As part of this suspension, all forms of boat hire from the Canal Centre (pedalos, rowing boats, kayaks, canoes) and trips on Rosebud are currently temporarily unavailable.
While we understand this may be disappointing for regular paddlers and boaters, this precautionary measure has been taken to ensure the safety of canal users and to safeguard the wildlife that depends on this stretch of water during these challenging conditions.
Low water levels can create a number of hazards, including:
• Reduced oxygen levels in the water when mud and sediment are disturbed, which can impact fish and other aquatic wildlife.
• Objects normally hidden beneath the surface becoming much closer to, or breaking through, the water.
• Water appearing deeper than it actually is, increasing the risk of injury.
• Warmer conditions encouraging the growth of algae, which can be harmful to both people and dogs.
Alternative Places to Paddle
The good news is that there are still opportunities to enjoy unpowered boating elsewhere on the canal. Water levels remain suitable for paddling on:
• The Hampshire Pound (Greywell to Ash Lock, Aldershot – approx. 15 miles)
• The Hermitage Pound (Locks 11 – 12 - approx. 3 miles)
• The Woking Pound (Locks 6 – 7 - approx. 5 miles)
How You Can Help
We kindly ask all visitors to:
• Stay on the towpath and avoid newly formed beaches and canal margins, which can be unexpectedly muddy and provide important habitat for wildlife.
• Keep dogs under close control, or on a lead where appropriate, to minimise disturbance to wildfowl and reduce the risk of dogs becoming trapped in mud.
• Keep both yourself and your dogs out of the water while these conditions persist.
We are continuing to monitor conditions closely and will review the situation as water levels recover.
Thank you for your understanding, patience and support during these unusual circumstances.
