As winter settles in the Canal & River Trust is reporting that more boaters than ever before are taking up moorings for the season with the number of winter mooring permits sold rising 169% year-on-year to 522 (2015: 194 permits).
The Trust picked a range of winter mooring sites across the country to offer boaters as wide a choice as possible, which took into account boaters’ feedback on last year’s winter mooring spots. This collaborative approach has meant that this year winter moorings have been taken up at 104 locations, a 46% increase (2015: 71 locations).
Winter moorings provide a service for boaters who may not want to cruise as the nights grow longer and the weather can be grim. The proceeds from winter mooring sales go back into the waterways to provide for their care, and this year £250,500 has been raised so far (2015: £101,000).
Mike Grimes, head of boating at Canal & River Trust, said: “While the canals in winter can be extremely beautiful the conditions can turn challenging and some boaters want the assurance of a particular mooring to keep their boat. We’ve spent a lot of time working on what we can offer boaters, and listening to what they want. I’m pleased the moorings have proved so popular. There are still some spots available so if the recent cold snap has cooled the prospects of cruising, do take a look at our website and see if you can find a winter mooring that appeals to you.”
Winter moorings are available until 31 March 2017, and a list of the sites and prices can be found at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/winter-moorings. Bookings for the winter moorings can be made through the Trust’s boat licensing site: https://licensing.canalrivertrust.org.uk/Account/Register.
If you have any questions about winter moorings please call customer services on 0303 040 4040 or email wintermoorings@canalrivertrust.org.uk.