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IWA Branch
Navigation Authority
Witham Fourth District Internal Drainage Board
47 Norfolk Street
BOSTON
PE21 6PP
Tel: 01205 310099
Fax: 01205 311282
Accessed from the River Witham via Anton’s Gowt Lock, this network, as its name implies, is a remote and complicated system of drainage channels, some of which are still navigable. Bridge heights vary, details are complicated and – except for the route into Boston – local knowledge is required for cruising them. IWA’s Lincolnshire Branch can provide this. There are two locks in use along these waterways, which run for about 40 miles, depending on the route.
Antons Gowt Lock
Length | Beam | Height | Draught |
72ft | 14ft | Variable | 3ft + |
21.94m | 4.2m |
| 0.91m |
Cowbridge Lock
Length | Beam | Height | Draught |
70f | 9ft | Variable | 3ft + |
21.33m | 2.74m |
| 0.91m |
Boaters’ Services
Boatyards
Boston Marina
Repairs, diesel, gas, cranage, chandlery
5 – 7 Witham Bank East, BOSTON, PE21 9JU
Tel: 01205 364420
Visitor Attractions
Boston Stump
St Botolph’s Church, Market Place, BOSTON
Tel: 01205 362992
Historical Information
Some of the drains are improved streams, but most are man-made cuts dug to drain the fens. In the past, these drains were used to transport agricultural produce.
IWA’s Lincolnshire Branch has proposed restoration of East Fen Lock, which would provide access to 12 miles of Hobhole and other formerly navigable drains, but there has been no recent progress on this scheme.
Further Information
For books, maps, guides, videos, DVDs and gift on this waterway click here
Websites
This is Lincolnshire
Local government links
