Boat Moorings on the Chelmer & Blackwater Canal

Whilst there are around 200 permanent moorings along the canal, boats can moor almost anywhere along the tow path side of the canal. Permanent mooring locations are at Paper Mill Lock, Sandford Mill Lock, Hoe Mill Lock and Heybridge Basin, plus the possibility at Springfield Basin, Chelmsford.

Residential Moorings. The Moorings manager wishes it to be known that they cannot offer residential moorings at present. Unfortunately, although they would welcome an increase in properly managed residential moorings on the waterway, they are restricted by Local Authorities. Maldon DC allow 6 residential licences (all permanently taken) and Chelmsford BC currently none.

Paper Mill Lock. Good, very pretty location, halfway along the canal, so both Chelmsford and Heybridge are within 1 days motoring. Headquarters / offices of the Navigation Company, providing reasonably secure moorings. Around 50 moorings in total, normally a few empty moorings. Facilities include toilets, showers and water with café now open 7 days per week. No electric hook ups. Pubs and general Store around 15mins walk. Further details contact Hugh Turner (the Moorings Manager) on 07910 558465.

Hoe Mill Lock. Good pretty location. A little closer to Heybridge than Chelmsford. Reasonably secure good moorings (tow path on other side of moorings). Around 30 moorings in total, often a shortage of available moorings. Facilities include toilet and water. No electric hook ups. Pubs and general Store around 15mins walk. Further details contact Hugh Turner (the Moorings Manager) on 07910 558465.

Heybridge Basin. Good pretty location, At the lower (river end) of the canal, furthest from Chelmsford. Residential Lock Keeper, providing reasonably secure moorings. Around 100 moorings in total, always a few empty moorings. Moorings for larger yachts, barges and motor boats / cruisers up to around 100feet long available. Good facilities, including laundry, toilets, showers, electric hook ups. Two pubs, café and gift shop canal side. Further details contact the lock keeper, or Hugh Turner (the Moorings Manager) on 07910 558465.

Sandford Mill Lock. Nice Location. Close to Chelmsford. Residential Lock Keeper, providing good secure moorings. Around 15 moorings in total, Normally a few empty moorings available. Facilities include water. No toilets or electric hook ups. Asda, B&Q, Pubs and other stores around 20mins walk. Further details contact the Hugh Turner (the Moorings Manager) on 07910 558465.

Springfield Basin, Chelmsford. Potentially good moorings, but currently no boats are permanently moored here, mainly because there is no security arrangements, although it is overlooked by recent housing developments. At the top end of the canal, furthest from Heybridge. Facilities include toilets. Very good canalside restaurant (Waterfront Place), canalside pub opens soon, Chelmsford shopping malls within 5 mins walk. Further details contact the Hugh Turner (the Moorings Manager) on 07910 558465.

Springfield Basin Marina. New private development opens soon, suitable for up to 12 boats. Lifting foot bridge between canal and marina. Expected to be secure moorings.

If you are interested in keeping a boat on the canal, contact Hugh Turner (the Moorings Manager) on 07910 558465, during week days. Mooring fees are £0.58p per foot per week (incl VAT), eg a 25ft boat will be around £60 per month. This includes license fees etc. Further details available on the notice board at Paper Mill Lock, or from the Navigation Company.

A boat and Engine maintenance service is available at Paper Mill lock, through the company.