The LOCK TO LOCK is an asynchronous time trial on the river Ouse that navigates the 31 miles / 49.9 km upstream and downstream between the Linton and Naburn locks. The route passes straight through the centre of York, through beautiful countryside and past the Archbishop's Palace.
The course can be accessed from any safe point on that route and must be completed at the same access point on the same day. Proof of completion is via Strokecoach, Coxbox data, Strava or similar. This time trial is open to any solely human powered waterborne vessel: paddle boards, single sculls, clinker-built coastal rowing boats, canoes, kayaks, doubles, pairs, quads and fours. The upper reaches of the route are poorly suited to 8's.
To compete in the July 2027 edition local crews can boat from their own locations. We recommend that visiting crews agree a safe and legitimate location for boating by negotiating a fee with a local rowing club (YCRC, UYBC, York St John or St Peter's) for access to the river (with potential benefits of trailer parking, facilities and maybe even hire of boats & blades if appropriate).
A £5 fee is payable per seat to LOCK TO LOCK in return for access to safety documents, a route guide and the registering of your results on the web. The accrued fees will be donated in full to one or more deserving local rowing clubs in the first week of August 2027.
A 2026 crew used this race as preparation for the "Rallye Canal du Midi" that takes place in August each year. There is also scope to use this event as part of the run up to Monster the Loch (Loch Ness), the Boston Marathon (Lincolnshire) or the Great River Race (Thames) that all take place in September each year.
We are looking for sponsors for this event. Sponsors will received publicity on this site, on social media and in press releases to local media & national rowing media. 2027 sponsorship fees will be donated in full alongside accrued seat fees. 2026 seat fees totalled over £100 and went to support the activities of Yorkshire Rowing: training coaches & race volunteers and supporting young athletes in the region.
Robin Norton and the LOCK TO LOCK project are not responsible for your safety (or that of the equipment you use) when you take part in this time trial although we will offer safety advice in good faith. NB: This is a not-for-profit event that is not affiliated to any sports’ governing body.
Any questions?