# Open Canal Map UK — Navigation for UK boaters

> UK canal and river navigation map with user-contributed points of interest. (iPhone/iPad app by Tom Sapey.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/open-canal-map-uk/id1380322683 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tom Sapey](https://appshunter.io/developer/1547266625)
- Category: Travel, Navigation
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 10 App Store ratings · 46 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 89 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-06-08
- Data updated: 2026-06-11
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/open-canal-map-uk/id1380322683/reviews.md

## What is Open Canal Map UK?

UK canal and river map created using both public data and user contributions. Points of interest are overlaid on maps of the UK's navigable canals and rivers, and include entries for navigation (locks, bridges, junctions, turning points), boater services (water points, toilet pumpouts, etc.), and commercial services especially relevant to continuous or long-term cruising (e.g. laundry services)

The map is generated with help fellow boaters and we welcome your adding missing items to the map. 
Over 700 items have been added based on user submissions so far, including convenience stores, laundry services, as well as a list of high quality mooring spots, and some hidden gems like private marinas or mooring locations where public access is allowed to waste disposal other boater services.

New user contributions are added periodically, and the map will auto update automatically when new points of interest are added

Happy boating...

## Key features

- UK canal and river mapping
- Points of interest (locks, bridges, services)
- User contributions and updates
- Boater services (water, pumpouts)
- Commercial services for cruisers
- Automatic map updates

## Recent user reviews (10 of 46)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/open-canal-map-uk/id1380322683/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Maps ok - out of date info

*2025-09-28, version 2.1.39*

None of the latest CRT  stoppages are listed. Data that is there is out of date.

### 1/5 — never updates regular don't trust it

*2025-08-14, version 2.1.39*

ok but to many notices not updated regular enough to rely on  months out of date and not corrected ever over last three years

### 4/5 — Could easily be much better

*2025-07-05, version 2.1.39*

Great app. Like that you can see waterways when you zoom out. Even more helpful if CRT notices could be updated more frequently?

### 5/5 — Historical view year

*2024-08-20, version 2.1.39*

Fantastic app the historical view is really really interesting, it would be really useful to know what year the historical map view is from.

### 4/5 — Stratford canal tow path closure

*2024-07-28, version 2.1.39*

Tow path closure is at What3Words 
Pests.soils.smashes 
Not where the app has it 🥰

### 4/5 — Jules

*2024-07-14, version 2.1.39*

Great app and used frequently on our canal cruises but you really need to update the Droitwich canal and the Droitwich barge canal as they have been open since 2011 and it shows not navigable on here.

### 4/5 — Use it a lot

*2024-06-06, version 2.1.39*

Great on the canals, just wonder why mobile markers on the Thames

### 4/5 — Pretty good

*2023-11-05, version 2.1.39*

After being on the network for 3 years I do find this is my go to app. CRT notifications are up to date which is great for closures (particularly on rivers) . Having said that, I do use in conjunction with the Canalplan AC for journey planning on my pc. Ultimately, any help is much appreciated navigating the network and free help is the best kind :) so, thank you!

### 3/5 — Locks have disappeared from the Thames

*2023-07-23, version 2.1.39*

Useful app but the lock symbols have disappeared from the Thames map

### 5/5 — Great but needs updating

*2023-07-10, version 2.1.39*

Great app however I think new features could be added

## Frequently asked questions about Open Canal Map UK

### What does the Open Canal Map UK app do?

This app provides a detailed map of the UK's navigable canals and rivers. It highlights points of interest crucial for boaters, such as navigation aids like locks and bridges, essential services like water points and pumpouts, and commercial amenities relevant to long-term cruising.

### What kind of points of interest are included on the map?

The map includes a wide range of points of interest. These cover navigation features (locks, bridges, junctions), boater services (water points, toilet pumpouts), and commercial services (laundry, convenience stores). It also features user-submitted additions like high-quality mooring spots and private marinas.

### Is the Open Canal Map UK app free to use?

Yes, the app is completely free to use. It does not have any in-app purchases or advertisements, allowing all users to access its features without cost.

### How are new points of interest added to the map?

The map is a community-driven project. Fellow boaters can contribute by adding missing items directly to the map. These user submissions are reviewed and added periodically, ensuring the map remains current and comprehensive.

### How does the map update?

The map will auto-update automatically when new points of interest are added by the community. This ensures that users always have access to the most current information available for UK waterways.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 2.1.39 — 2022-05-09

Fix GPS issue. Map now loads before GPS location is requested.
Fix map going to user location when switching views
Added feature to keep screen awake while using application

### 2.1.36 — 2022-05-05

New interface design and performance improvements.New features include:

* New map styles including:
   * OS Open Zoom Stack
   * Satellite
   * Historical
* Search function
* Map key
* Measure tool
* What3Words lookup
* View in external maps
* Link to Open Canal Map web map
* Pub finder
* Supermarket finder
* Water point finder
* Mooring finder
* Wikipedia search
* Fix for IOS 15.5

### 0.8 — 2018-06-24

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Maps can now be saved for offline use - ideal for cruising in rural areas
Map now shows scale in top left, for easier planning of distances
Settings page now supports simplifying map behaviour, and is accessible from inside the app
Cleaned up some interface issues

### 0.7 — 2018-05-29

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-11.*
