At the time of its completion in 1827 it was the largest and deepest Ship canal in the world.
Part of the canal at Netheridge was re-aligned along a new excavated channel in 2006.
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| Sharpness Canal |
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The sea lock at Sharpness - entrance from the sea into the Sharpness Canal. At the time of its completion in 1827 it was the largest and deepest Ship canal in the world. Part of the canal at Netheridge was re-aligned along a new excavated channel in 2006. |
The Gloucester to Sharpness Canal by-passes the treacherous tidal stretch of the River Severn below Gloucester.
At a higher level than the River, the canal is entered by locking up from the Severn at Gloucester or via the sea lock at Sharpness. It is still a commercial waterway but it is now mainly used by pleasure boats. It can accomodate vesels upto 240 ft in length and 30 ft beam. Boats require a canal licence obtainable from British Waterways for cruising on the canal. Restrictions to navigation occur during the winter period. |  |
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A familiar site on the Sharpness canal and River Severn is the holiday boat the 'Oliver Cromwell' converted to resemble a paddle steamer. There are several other cruise and excursion boats working the canal. |
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Bridges This wide ship canal is some 14 nautical miles long and is punctuated by many swing and 1 bascule bridge. Many bridges are manned and controlled by traffic lights on the bank but there are plans to make some bridges user operated. Attractions The waterfront of Gloucester dock is now being re-developed as a residential and tourist area. Gloucester itself is an inland port of historic importance and has much to offer the tourist. The canal traverses remote and pleasant countryside and offers views of the Severn Estuary , the Cotswolds and the distant hills of Wales. A number of canal side pubs are easily accessible. Junction (Saul) bridge marks the crossing of the disused Stroudwater (Cotswold) canal that once linked the Severn and the Thames. There are plans to re open this link. The wildlife center at Slimbridge is only a short walk from the bridge at Patch. Several vantage points to view the Severn Bore are within walking distance from the Sharpness Canal. |
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| Access to the Sea |
Access to Sharpness Docks is only permitted for boats going to or coming from the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel.
Booking of the canal entry swing bridge(s) and the sea lock will be required.
 | Entering the outer tidal basin from the lock at Sharpness Docks Low powered craft will wait in this basin for the turn of the tide in the Severn estuary and take the ebb to Avonmouth or beyond. |
The sea lock at Sharpness is heavily tide dependant and is available for only a very restricted time period around high tide.
Skippers intending to go to sea should always seek authoritative local advice.
| Index | River Severn | Sharpness Canal | Severn Estuary | Bristol Channel | Tides | Skipper's Reference | Ports of Call | Canal Boats | Severn Links |
