Essex Waterways
Try the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Walk
Things To Do
Whether you already have a boat or are looking to buy, you can get in touch with us about moorings on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation. The whole Navigation is suitable for inland boats up to 57 foot (17.40 metres) in length, 15 foot (4.6 metres) in width and a draft of 2 foot (0.6 metres), but bigger sea-faring and sailing boats can moor in Heybridge Basin (only). Long term moorings for pleasure boats can also be found at Paper Mill Lock, Sandford Mill, Springfield Basin, Hoe Mill Lock, Freshwater Crescent and Lockside Marina (Springfield). The cheapest moorings are at Lockside Marina (£13 per metre per month) We also have several residential moorings at Springfield Basin (Chelmsford) and Heybridge Basin. The residential moorings at Heybridge Basin are all fully occupied and with a waiting list. The lowest headroom on the Navigation (river levels dependent) is Paper Mill road bridge, with a headroom of 1.9 metres (6 foot 3 inches).
Our policy on the provision of moorings on the Navigation is available here.
The Basin attracts a mix of visiting boats and long term moorers. Shower, toilet facilities and electric hook-up are available. Elsan disposal facilities are situated adjacent to the facilities block, and there is also a portable pump-out facility – ask the lockkeeper for details. The sea lock is 55 metres long by 7.5 metres wide. There are three sets of gates which means there are three lengths of lock that are operable; they are the long lock at 55 metres, a medium size lock at 33 metres and a short lock at 17 metres. On most lockings, the middle sized lock is used. However, on really busy summer weekends the long lock may be used, but if only one or two boats are expected, then the short lock is used to conserve water in the Basin.
Heybridge Basin is a small village, established when the Navigation was built at the end of the 18th century. There are two pubs, tea rooms, a refreshment kiosk, car park (with charges), all within easy reach of the Sea Lock and moorings. The busy town of Maldon can be reached via the coastal path, or via a 30-minute walk along the Navigation upstream. There is free car parking for boat owners on the Quayside – but you need to register with the lockkeeper or the Paper Mill office. Charges for permanent moorings vary, the cheaper moorings being those on the towpath aide and most distant from the Sea Lock.
A small number of moorings are available at Freshwater Crescent, aimed primarily at Heybridge residents living close to the area. All the facilities available to boaters moored at Heybridge Basin are available. Mooring platforms are provided for each boat moored at this location. Mooring prices are slightly lower than at Heybridge Basin.
Hoe Mill Lock has Standard and Premium moorings. Toilet, sluice disposal facilities, water and electric hook-up are available. Premium moorings include access to electric hook-up and water. Standard moorings are closer to facilities, including toilets and sluice disposal.
There are three pubs all within a three minute drive or a 20 minute walk from the moorings. A local supermarket is within a ten minute drive.
Car parking is available and the moorings are behind the locked gate to Hoe Mill lock house – key and code provided to moorers.
Paper Mill Lock in Little Baddow is the bustling hub of the Navigation. Canoeists and paddleboarders gather here, and there’s a popular tearoom right on the water.
Toilet, recycling, rubbish and sluice disposal facilities, water and electric hook-up are available.
Paper Mill Lock has Standard and Premium mooring sites. Premium moorings include access to electric hookup and water. Standard moorings are closer to facilities, including toilets and sluice disposal.
There is a small local supermarket about 7 minutes drive, or 60 minutes walk, away. There are two 2 pubs within a 3 minute drive, and 20 minute walk.
Sandford Mill lock is a stone’s throw from two local fisheries and a 30 minute walk from Chelmsford City Centre.
Toilet, sluice disposal facilities, water and electric hookup are available.
Sandford Lock has Standard and Premium moorings. Premium moorings include access to electric hookup and water. Standard moorings are closer to facilities, including toilets and sluice disposal.
Main Supermarket – 7 minute drive, 20 minute walk Retail Park – 6 minute drive, 30 minute walk Chelmsford Town Centre – 8 minute drive, 45 minute walk Pub/Restaurant – 6 minute drive, 30 minute walk
Lockside Marina is close to the head of the Navigation, and is a secure marina basin accessed through a lift bridge. It is particularly suitable for river cruisers and smaller narrowboats.
Facilities – Water point. Sluice disposal and pump out close by at Springfield Basin.
Amenities – Adjoins open countryside but with shops, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants within 10 minute walk.
Charges for Lockside Marina
Special terms currently apply for Lockside Marina moorings at £13.00 per metre monthly up to 31st December 2026 then Basic rate charges. Minimum charge for 4.5 metre boat applies.
Springfield Basin is at the western end of the Navigation. These moorings have all the benefits of being located in a city centre as well as being a short walk from rural countryside.
Toilet, sluice disposal facilities, water and electric hook-up are available as well as shower facilities and pump-outs.
Springfield Basin has premium moorings in the Basin. Premium moorings include access to electric hook-up and water. There are currently four residential moorings. We plan to install more residential moorings in due course, so please get in touch if you want to express an interest.
All shops, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants are within a 10 minute walk. Car parking is available at the nearby Meadows multi-storey car park (charges apply).
Long term mooring rates apply to moorings of a minimum of three months. Boats are charged per metre in length, per month, depending on the level of facilities available:
(includes Heybridge Basin and trail boats)
These charges apply from 1st January 2025.
Price per night for the first seven nights:
Boats up to 7m (up to 22.9 feet) £23.00 per night Boats 7.1m to10m (23 to 32.8 feet) £27.50 per night Boats 10.1m to13m (32.9 to 42.6 feet) £32.00 per night Boats 13.1m to 15m (42.7 to 49.2 feet) £36.00 per night Boats 15.1m to 20m (49.3 to 65.6 feet) £41.00 per night
Price per night for subsequent nights up to one month:
Boats up to 7m (up to 22.9 feet) £11.50 Boats 7.1m to10m (23 to 32.8 feet) £13.75 Boats 10.1m to13m (32.9 to 42.6 feet) £16.00 Boats 13.1m to 15m (42.7 to 49.2 feet) £18.00 Boats 15.1m to 20m (49.3 to 65.6 feet) £20.50
Stays after one month will be charged at the long term mooring rates for up to two further months. A long term mooring agreement is required for stays over three months.
Minimum charge of £40 for vessels using locks and thus requiring training.
All bookings are subject to berth availability and terms and conditions consistent with those applied to long term moorings.
Craft that don’t require moorings or use of locks still need to buy a licence.
