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The Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

There are currently 18 bridges across the canal between Gloucester docks and Sharpness Marina.

The Gloucester & Sharpness Canal runs from the river Severn Navigation at Gloucester to the tidal Severn at Sharpness.  

It connected with the Stroudwater Navigation (under restoration) at Saul Junction. It is 16.5 miles (26.5 km) long and has two locks.

The maximum boat size that can navigate the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal is:

Length: 213' (65 metres) - Bends in the canal (the lock at Sharpness is over 240' long)

Beam: 30' 5" (9.3 metres) - Fretherne Swing Bridge

Height: 124' 8" (38.0 metres) - Electricity pylons at Sandfield and Park End

Draught: 11' 6" (3.5 metres) - dredged channel on bridge approaches.

The locks and swing bridges on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal are operated by lock and bridge keepers (restricted hours).

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