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IWA Branch
Navigation Authority
Environment Agency, Anglian Region, Aqua House, Goldhay Way, Orton Goldhay, PETERBOROUGH, PE2 5ZR
Tel: 01733 371811
Fax: 01733 371840
The navigation runs from Bishopbridge to Ferriby Sluice and is not connected to the inland waterway network save via the tidal Humber.
The river covers 19 miles or 30.4km with 2 locks.
Below Harlam Hill Lock
Length | Beam | Height | Draught |
80ft | 19ft | 11ft | 3ft |
24.37m | 5.78m | 3.29m | 0.91m |
Above Harlam Hill Lock
Length | Beam | Height | Draught |
69ft | 16ft | 11ft | 3ft |
21.03m | 4.88m | 3.6m | 2.3m |
Boaters’ Services
Visitor Attractions
Brandy Wharf Cider Centre
Brandy Wharf, Waddingham, GAINSBOROUGH, DN21 4RU
Tel: 01652 678364
www.visitoruk.com/gainsborough/visitors/att_brandywharf.htm
Historical Information
This river has long been used as a navigation and drainage channel, with records of improvements as early as the thirteenth century. In 1635, a local landowner cut the straight drainage channel, which took the waters of numerous becks out to the River Humber. The river was important for cargo transport, linking rural areas with Yorkshire’s industrial towns. In the second half of the nineteenth century, a passenger packet ran from Brigg to South Ferriby, connecting with a steamer to Hull. Harlam Hill Lock was restored by the local IWA branch.
Following a campaign lasting almost 20 years by IWA’s Lincolnshire Branch, Harlem Hill Lock was restored in 1999; and dredging carried out in 2003-4. The extended navigation was formally opened in 2004, but would still benefit from some further dredging at the head of navigation. IWA’s Lincolnshire Branch has proposed that this isolated waterway be extended to connect it with Market Rasen via the river Rase, and with the river Witham at Bardney.
