 | IWA Peterborough Branch www.iwapeterborough.org.uk | |
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The river Great Ouse is connected to the river Nene by the waterway system known as the Middle Level. The two rivers are under the jurisdiction of the Environment Agency while the Middle Level is under the jurisdiction of the Middle Level Commissioners. For some time the Commissioners have designated and promoted a Link Route which is the fastest and most convenient route for those simply wishing to make a passage between the two rivers. The route starts at Stanground, Peterborough passes through Whittlesey and March and terminates at Salters Lode lock which is at the junction between Well Creek and the tidal river Ouse.
Navigators who have more time will wish to explore the farther reaches of the Middle Level. It is suggested that their journeys would be considerably assisted if they obtained a detailed cruising map not the least because there are on the system a number of low bridges which it might be necessary to avoid. The Commissioners each year publish a very useful set of navigation notes which it might also be useful to obtain. The telephone number of the Commissioners’ offices is 01354 653232.
While carrying out their exploration navigators might wish to journey on the second route which connects the rivers Nene and Great Ouse. That route involves making a passage along the Forty Foot drain through both Horseway and Welches Dam locks into the Old Bedford river. Having joined the river boats turn north and journey along the length of the river to and through the Old Bedford sluice into the tidal river Ouse. While not wishing to deter anyone who wishes to attempt part or all of this route it is right that the branch should draw attention to the fact that a number of problems are likely to be encountered. One problem is weed. To mitigate its impact it is suggested that passage should be attempted in the first half of the year before the weed has had an opportunity to grow too extensively. Any navigators contemplating a passage of the Old Bedford sluice would be well advised to read the article elsewhere on the branch web pages concerning the passage made by members of the branch in June 2002. This will give an insight into the problem of silt on the seaward side of the structure. A further factor is that the channel between Horseway and Welches Dam locks leaks water.
As a result of agreements made between the IWA, the Middle Level Commissioners and the Environment Agency’s predecessors the route was again made navigable some 12 years ago but subject to strict limitations on its availability for cruising. Because of the need to conserve water the level of water in the channel between Horseway and Welches Dam locks is only raised to a navigable depth on certain pre-determined dates in the year. The Environment Agency issues a notice each year which gives those who wish to navigate part or all of the route notice of the dates on which it will be in water and notice of the other steps which should be taken if a passage is to be attempted. With the permission of the Agency we reproduce the notice giving the appropriate details below for 2005.
The Environment Agency closed Welches Dam lock soon after Easter 2006 "until further notice" because of deterioration of the structure of the lock. The effect has been to close the Welches Dam/ Old Bedford route to through traffic.
All material on this site is copyright, © IWA Peterborough Branch unless otherwise stated. The Inland Waterways Association may not agree with opinions expressed on this web site, but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing here may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless otherwise stated.