Boating & sailing

Boating

Lincolnshire's peaceful waterways are perfect for boaters seeking a rural escape.  The Fossdyke Navigation, built by the Romans and thought to be Britain's oldest canal, flows for 11 miles from the River Trent, passing through Torksey Lock with its lockside tea rooms and interpretation centre, to the Brayford Pool at Lincoln.  Cruising on through the centre of Lincoln, boaters encounter the Glory Hole - a curious tunnel formed by an ancient, half timbered building which perches over the River Witham.

The Witham winds its way through 36 miles of tranquil countryside linking Lincoln with the historic town of Boston.  Moor up along the way and visit Fiskerton Fen Nature Reserve, Bardney Heritage Centre and the elegant village of Woodhall Spa, an Edwardian spa resort.

Adventurous boaters can take a detour to explore the Sleaford Navigation (Kyme Eau) now under restoration.  The intricate and mysterious network of Witham Navigable Drains near Boston offers the chance to journey even further into this secluded landscape.  

In the Fens, south of the county, the Rivers Welland and Glen offer memorable sunsets and wildlife of international importance.  In the north of the county, the peaceful River Ancholme runs straight as an arrow for 21 miles to the mighty Humber Estuary at Ferriby Bridge.

A new waterway, the Fens Waterways Link, is being planned which will connect Lincolnshire to the national inland waterway network bringing this beautiful county within reach of all boaters.  The first step has been taken with the opening up of 19 miles of navigation along the Black Sluice Navigation, previously closed for 40 years.  The newsletter of the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership has the latest updates.

Further information about navigation and boating facilities on Lincolnshire's waterways is available from these websites: www.waterscape.com and www.visitanglianwaterways.co.uk

Boat Trips

Sit back and enjoy Lincolnshire's rivers and canals on a waterways cruise.  The Brayford Belle departs from Brayford Pool for trips along the Fossdyke.  Cruise aboard the Boston Belle and Mystere for river trips from Boston along the Witham, and cruises out into the Wash.  The Three Shires takes private bookings for sailings on the delightful Grantham Canal, and Spalding Water Taxis offer short cruises along the River Welland and Coronation Channel through the centre of this Georgian market town. 

Or have a go yourself - pack a picnic and hire a self drive day boat from Lincoln Boat Trips.