Will the waterway you plan to cruise this winter be shut or open?

Boaters are being encouraged to check if the waterway they want to cruise over winter is open as the Canal & River Trust publishes its winter maintenance schedule.

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Every winter, the Canal & River Trust carries out essential maintenance work to its 200-year-old waterways.

It has just published its maintenance list for the season, to ensure boaters have plenty of time to plan their cruises during the colder months.

Some of the work may require the closure of waterways or towpaths.

As this involves boaters and other towpath users, the trust says it has consulted with these two groups.

It adds that the final list, which lists 229 towpath and navigation closures and navigation restrictions, takes into account two rounds of feedback.

The head of boating at the Canal & River Trust, Mike Grimes, said: “The work we carry out every winter lies at the heart of our maintenance programme and ensures that the waterways are kept as shipshape as possible.”

“We know that closures can affect boaters’ plans and so we’ve listened and incorporated boaters’ comments into our final list,” he continued.

“If you are a boater and you’re thinking of taking advantage of cruising over the traditionally quieter – and often stunning – winter season, do take a look at the programme to make sure your chosen route will be open,” advised Grimes.

Every year, the Canal & River Trust spends millions of pounds on essential work to repair the wear and tear on the waterways it runs.