Boating along the River Nene

All forms of boating take place on the Nene - narrowboating, motor cruising, sailing, rowing and canoeing. The river is easy to access from the Grand Union Canal at Northampton and from the Middle Level System using the Nene-Ouse route via March and Whittlesey into Peterborough.

The rural route makes it a pleasure to cruise. The traditional guillotine lock-gates can sometimes be harder to operate than other types, so make sure your crew have eaten their Shredded Wheat. The Environment Agency, as the navigation authority for the river, is electrifying many of these and replacing others with canal-style mitred gates.

Peterborough dominates the route through Cambridgeshire. The Nene exercises an important drainage function and navigation should be planned in advance as special procedures apply. Water levels and bridge clearances may vary especially after heavy rainfall. As with any river, the Nene can be affected by flooding and you should check with the Environment Agency's Floodline service (0845 9881188) if you are planning to cruise in wet weather.

Three new water points have been installed on the Nene, at the moorings at Thrapston Nine Arches, Fotheringhay Bridge, and Wadenhoe where the King's Head Pub is a popular stop for boaters.

Just upstream of Irthlingborough Lock are smart new navigation facilities, which include showers, toilets, rubbish disposal, chemical disposal, water point, and pump-out facilities. The new facilities are next to Rushden and Diamonds football ground and the Dr Martens shoe factory. Boaters can now visit the factory shop during their stop-off and use the sports hall and restaurant at the site.

All locks on the Nene are self-operating except for the tidal lock Dog-in-a-Doublet which needs to have prior arrangement booking through the Kettering Office (01536 517721), using a special key, which can be obtained from the Environment Agency (Peterborough Licensing Department). Locks should be left with pointing doors closed and the vertical lift (guillotine) gate raised and locked.

A speed limit of 7mph (11.2 kph) applies throughout the Nene navigation. However, care must be taken at all times to protect the water environment and wildlife, and in the interests of safety.

Although boat traffic is gradually increasing on this attractive waterway, it is still quiet compared with the major regional navigation, the River Great Ouse, and the country's canals.

Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.