Information for boaters - River Ancholme

The River Ancholme runs straight for 17 miles, from rural Lincolnshire to the Humber Estuary at Ferriby Bridge. It is mainly used for leisure and other activities like canoeing, rowing and angling. South Ferriby provides excellent access to the tidal Humber.

You can read the River Ancholme useful guide (PDF, 1.44 MB, 2 pages) to find out more.

Visit the Inland Waterways Association website to see the Fens Waterways map and about the Waterways Link project.

You can see the latest navigation notices on the River Ancholme Mapping tool.

When approaching a bridge, ensure there is enough space between your boat and the roof of the bridge to allow your boat to pass safely. Headroom will be indicated by a gauge board on the bridge.

This table shows the distance between standard water level and the highest point for each bridge on the River Ancholme. These distances are approximate because river levels fluctuate.

There are 2 locks on the River Ancholme:

South Ferriby Lock is the only lock on this river staffed by the Environment Agency. It’s over 150 years old and is protected as a Scheduled Monument.

It can hold boats up to 5.5 metres (18ft) in beam and 20.5 metres (68ft) in length.

South Ferriby lock is currently closed. You can find out more in our navigation notice South Ferriby Lock emergency closure notice (PDF, 172 KB, 1 page).

Lock keeper hours of duty at South Ferriby Lock

South Ferriby Lock requires at least 48 hours’ notice to arrange staffing from the Environment Agency.  Bookings are dependent on tidal conditions and can only be accommodated during suitable daylight locking windows.

To request a booking, call 07483 173 523 in the first instance or 07825 503 848 as a back-up.