The Definitive Guide to Narrowboat Mooring: Continuous Cruising vs. Home Mooring
Introduction
Mooring your narrowboat in the UK requires either declaring a permanent home mooring (Leisure or Residential) or committing to Continuous Cruising. Continuous Cruisers must travel on a progressive journey and cannot stay in one place for more than 14 days, a rule strictly enforced by the Canal and River Trust (CRT) to prevent 'bridge hopping.'
What Are the Basic Rules for Narrowboat Mooring on the UK Waterways?
The UK's connected network of canals and rivers stretches from Lancaster in the north to Bristol in the south west, with a foray into Wales on the Llangollen canal, terminating shortly after the breathtaking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Your waterways licence allows you to moor almost anywhere on the towpath side of the canal, provided there are no signs stating differently.
Towpath Side: Generally free for short-term mooring (usually a maximum of 14 days), though this limit may be shorter in high-traffic areas at busy times of the year.
Offside: Typically privately owned land; boats moored here are usually paying for the privilege.
This universal licence entitlement is what makes the continuous cruising lifestyle possible. If you are considering a full-time life afloat, understanding the two main narrowboat mooring classifications is essential.
Continuous Cruising: Understanding the Rules and Legal Risks
When you apply for your narrowboat licence, you have to declare a home mooring. If you don't, you will be designated a boater without a home mooring or a 'Continuous Cruiser' (CC) in canal terminology.
What is Required of a Continuous Cruiser?
A Continuous Cruiser must adhere strictly to the progressive journey rule. This means:
You must be travelling continuously throughout the year.
Your movement must be progressive; you are not allowed to cruise from point A to B, back to A, then to B, ad infinitum.
What is 'Bridge Hopping' and Why is it Illegal?
The practice of cruising backwards and forwards in a particular area to stay close to work is commonly known as 'bridge hopping' (named after the practice of mooring near bridges, the closest place to park cars).
In the past, this practice was largely ignored, but the Canal and River Trust (CRT) is now very keen to eliminate it. Continuous Cruising is intended as a genuine lifestyle of travel, not a cheap way to park indefinitely. A growing number of bridge hoppers are subject to legal action, which can result in the offending boat being removed from the waterways.
Choosing the right boat for a nomadic life is crucial. Learn about different specifications in our Sailaway narrowboat guide.
The Alternative: Home Mooring Options
If you cannot, or do not wish to, cruise continuously - especially if you still need to work for a living - you must secure a permanent berth.
Residential Mooring: Required if you plan to live on board full time and aren't able to cruise continuously. These moorings usually come with a fixed address and amenities.
Leisure Mooring: For boaters who plan to use their narrowboat just for recreational cruising.
Deciding on your mooring option is one of the most important steps in ensuring your waterways experience is pleasant.
Whether you choose to cruise continuously or moor permanently, our team can build a vessel tailored to your needs. Start exploring your options by reading our Bespoke narrowboat guide.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Life Afloat
Deciding how and where to moor is the single most important logistical issue for any narrowboat owner. Whether you embrace the freedom of Continuous Cruising or prefer the stability of a residential mooring, understanding the CRT's rules is non-negotiable for legal compliance and a pleasant life on the water.
Ready to design a narrowboat that perfectly fits your chosen lifestyle? Book a consultation with JD Narrowboats to discuss your requirements.