All passages must be booked in advance and it is recommended that you book early to avoid disappointment. Operation of the link is dictated by the tide and weather during daylight hours. From Easter to mid-October, check current operating times in the British Waterways user guide leaflet. From November to Easter, passage is by request only. The link will be manned during operating hours. British Waterways staff operate the staircase flight locks 1-2 and sea lock 9; all other locks 4 - 8 to be operated by customers. The link will only operate one way each day. You will be notified of the directions at the time of your booking. It is recommended that you arrive at your departure point four hours before high tide. (Enquiries: 01942 405700)
The Millennium Ribble Link will be closed to passage through the winter.
The First Boat ever to go down the Ribble Link
was owned by Cliff Fazakerley
the Ribble Link Trust Chairman.
The Ribble Link-Rufford Branch route is tidal Boats should carry as a minimum; anchor/chain/warp/VHF radio or mobile
phone/lifejackets/fire fighting equipment/coastal flares. Check your boat insurance covers tidal waters.
For help whilst navigating the River Ribble, please contact Preston Riverway Control on
VHF Channel 16 or telephone 01772 726871. A chargeable pilot service for the Ribble can be
obtained from 01772 632439.
Length 72ft (21.9m). Beam 14ft.3 (4.27m). Headroom 7ft 8in (2.3m). Draught 4ft (1.2m).
but a tight turn restricts passage to long narrowboats or short
broad-beam boats - long, broad-beam boats may not be able to pass. Owners of broad-beam
boats should contact the waterway office for more details.
Anything up to 10ft is the recommended maximum beam, due to restrictions at the
Sewer Pipe crossing. All lengths can be lowered if required, though this would be dependent on
inspection by the operational staff.
Extreme caution must be taken when Cruising down the River Ribble from the Dock and the Ribble Link , on your left side (port side) approx 3.5 miles down River, the Perch has broken off and the Stump lies in waiting for a unexpected Boat. stay away from your lefthand side (portside) and you should be alright.
When sailing to the Dock and the Ribble Link stay away from your righthand side (starboard)
have a safe journey.
Video footage is from Tarleton to top lock Ribble Link
The Manxman arriving at Preston Dock 3rd October 1982 Photos Dave Brewer
