Page updated 24 October 2005 

The River Nene

General

Using the Locks I99RNp6

The safety chains, fitted early in 2000, can be a hazard to narrow boats held into the side when the lock is emptying, as the lip of the bottom plate may catch where these chains emerge from the lock wall.

Navigation AuthorityI2kMLmap

Navigation between Peterborough and the Wash is now dealt with by the Kettering Office of the Environment Agency (Tel: 01536-517721).

Northampton

Grand Union - Northampton Arm

Billing Lock I99RNp23

Ken Yates Marina has slipway and hoist available.  Limit - 50ft length.

A6 Bridge (Irthingborough) I99RNp20

200yds below the bridge there are free DIY pump-out facilities at the moorings at the Rushden and Diamonds Football Club.

Lower Rinstead Lock I99RNp19

Willy Watt Marine, adjacent to the lock, has started doing pump outs.

Woodford I99RNp18

Woodford Riverside no longer sell fuel and only do pump outs if arranged in advance.

Oundle Marina I99RNp16

There is a slipway and hoist available.  Limit - 65ft length.

Stibbington P2kGU#40

The text refers to an "intriguing obelisk" that the guide's compiler's were unable to examine. In fact, there is no inscription on it. Local people tell that it was bought at an auction and erected "for fun" by the then owners of Stibbington Hall.

Peterborough

Ferry Meadows I99RNp11

The map does not make it clear that Lynch and Gunwade Lakes are not navigable to river users.  Gunwade Lake is reached through a padlocked, pontoon bridge, and is reserved for use by the Sailing Centre (the black square above the words "Gunwade Lake").  Lynch Lake is only joined by a 1m wide 10cm deep channel.  In some summer seasons Lynch Lake is used for canoe and pedlo hire.

Orton Lock I99RNp11

Orton Lock is known locally as Orton Staunch, reflecting its original "flash lock" form.

Peterborough Town Quay I99RNp10

The pump-out facility (marked with a symbol turned 90°) is of the free DIY type.

Stanground

Stanground Backwater

Dog in a Doublet

Guyhirn I99RNp9 I2kMLmap

At Guyhirn a 12 mtr length mooring has been constructed.  This requires an EA key to pass through the gate onto the bank.  For further information, contact the Wisbech Yacht Harbour Master (See below).  (The Guyhirn-Online site includes a photograph. Follow the "Tourism" links to find it.)

The Oliver Twist (Pub/Restaurant - Tel: 01945 450523 mailto:mickthornton@theolivertwist.freeserve.co.uk) is adjacent to the mooring.  The Oriental Garden (Chinese restaurant - Tel: 01945 450570) is half a mile away, across the river at Rings End.

Wisbech

Wisbech I99RNp8 I2kMLmap

The correct contact is :
The Yacht Harbour Master
Harbour Office
Dock Cottage
Crab Marsh
Wisbech
Cambs
PE13 3JJ
Tel: 01945 588059
Fax: 01945 580589
Mobile: 07951 378281
E-Mail: Torbeau@btinternet.com

For those proceeding beyond Wisbech may wish to download a Chart showing the Seaward Approaches to Wisbech, dated 15 March 2004, showing channel depths, buoy positions, and hazards to navigation, etc.  This is a PDF file (675kb) designed to be printed on a sheet of A3 paper. Some of the detail may become lost if scaled to A4.  It was provided by the Harbour Master and, at the time of upload (1 April 2004), was not available from the Fenland Council web site.

Sutton Bridge

Moorings I2kMLmap

Pontoons have been installed by Fenland District Council just north of the bridge.  (Length over all 30m, minimum depth at low water 2.7m.)  Their main purpose is as a waiting pontoon for the bridge so there is no shore access, but anyone who wishes to use it as a stopover will be charged at yacht harbour rates (£0.90 per metre per night, or £1.20 per metre for two nights at the weekend).

Nene Outfall - Not covered

Standground Backwater

River Nene

Kings Dyke