Join us
Join us and together we can continue to campaign to protect and restore the waterways you love. Become a member for as little as £36 per year – or you can choose to give more.
Waterways > River Idle
River Idle
The River Idle is navigable from Bawtry Bridge in Bawtry to Stockwith, where it connects with the tidal River Trent.
Things to do nearby
Facts & Stats
10.9 mile
(17.5km)
The length of the River Idle that is navigable.
0 locks
From Bawtry Bridge to the River Trent
The river was navigable from Bawtry to the River Trent in the sixteenth century but it was only in 1720 that an Act was passed allowing improvement to East Retford. Work was not carried out and the river lost traffic to the improved Don and later the Chesterfield Canal.
Waterway notes
Maximum boat sizes
There are no locks to control length and beam of vessels visiting the river Idle, but boats in excess of 72′ (21 metres) will have difficulty in turning round for the reverse journey. Other limiting dimensions are:
- Height: 9′ (2.7 metres)
- Draught: 3′ (0.9 metres)
Navigation authority
Environment Agency
Useful info
Although there is no navigation authority for the River Idle, access to the river at West Stockwith is controlled by a tidal sluice gate operated by the Environment Agency, which requires 48 hours advance notice of intended passage, and a substantial fee is payable. The Agency also controls drainage and other aspects of the river.
Waterways in Progress Grant: Chesterfield Canal
£50,000 was awarded to Rewatering Renishaw Phase 1a project as part of IWA’s Waterways in Progress Grants.
Love your waterways
Together we can protect and restore our waterways; the UK’s 6,500 miles of canals and rivers need your help.