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Boston
Flowing for 36 miles through quiet, flat Lincolnshire countryside, the River Witham has been navigated since Roman times and links historic Lincoln and Boston. With very few locks and only isolated settlements, this is a river for those who want to get away from it all.
Between Lincoln and Boston, there is barely a settlement worthy of the name. Even the spa town of Woodhall and sugar-beet village Bardney keep their distance from the river. The result is a remote, blissfully peaceful waterway -for people who like to take life slowly.
A historic navigation in its own right, the Witham connects to the Romans' Fossdyke Navigation at Lincoln. Adventurous boaters can explore the Sleaford Navigation (Kyme Eau), which is under restoration; the short delphs which lead off the main line of the river; and the mysterious, intricate network of the Witham Navigable Drains. Though mostly navigable, these drains were built to drain the large expanses of Fenland through which the Witham runs. Very experienced boaters occasionally hire a knowledgeable local 'pilot' and make the trip across the Wash - part of the North Sea - down to the waterways of Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
Walking
Lincoln to Bardney (9 miles / 14.4km):
The route begins in Lincoln on the banks of the River Witham. You can get some food and drinks in the nearby supermarket to keep you going along the way. You will be walking east away from Lincoln, past Willingham Fen and Washingborough before you come to Five Mile Bridge. There is a pub nearby in Fiskerton, a short walk from the river. There is also parking here if you would like to start the route from here. Continue along the towpath, walking by Short Ferry, near to which is a campsite and caravan park with a pub. When you get to Bardney Lock and have crossed over the footbridges, you will be walking along Viking Way. It is another two miles from here to Bardney. There are a couple of pubs here and also a sugar factory.
Anton's Gowt Lock to Boston (2 miles / 3.2km):
From Anton's Gowt Lock, the river turns and heads south. On your way, you will pass a football ground and there will be a football stadium on your left as you come into Boston. There are many pubs in Boston, supermarkets, tourist information centre and a museum.
Kirkstead Bridge to Chapel Hill (5.5 miles / 8.8km):
As you walk along the path by the river, you will come to the 'Tales of the Riverbank Visitor Centre', just past Thorpe Tilney Dales. Further along, there is another campsite and caravan park. As you come into Dogdyke, there are a couple of pubs if you are needing some refreshments before arriving at Chapel Hill. There is a campsite and caravan park here.
Cycling
Much of the towpath is grassy and rough, making it unsuitable for cyclists. However, you can enjoy cycling on the flat country lanes, including those along the riverbanks from Kirkstead (near Woodhall Spa) south to Dogdyke, and near Boston. (Just watch out for the wind).
The Spa Trail is a pleasant off-road cycle route on a former railway line.
Fishing
The main at an exceptionally high density. Other breeding species include oystercatchers, skylarks and reed buntings. Marsh harriers can frequently be seen hunting over the reserve.
