Information for boaters - rivers Welland and Glen

The River Glen is 18.5 kilometres long with a towpath for its entire length. It rises in the Lincolnshire Limestone Ridge, east of Grantham. It travels for 12 miles through the Fens where it meets the River Welland at Surfleet Seas End. It is navigable from Surfleet Seas End to Tongue End. After the sluice gates at Surfleet Reservoir the Glen becomes tidal before joining the Welland which flows into the Wash.

The River Welland is 105 kilometres. It flows eastwards through Crowland and Spalding and into the Wash at Fosdyke Bridge, crossing the area of Lincolnshire fenland known as ‘South Holland’. The upper reaches extend up in to Stamford, where the channel is small and only suitable for light craft and canoes.

Downstream to Peakirk, the channel widens and larger craft can navigate with care. From Peakirk downstream, the channel is suitable for small sail craft using the water close to Spalding.

Downstream of Spalding, the Welland becomes tidal in nature and is met by the River Glen at Surfleet, before merging into the Wash Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
 
The slipway at Crowland offers registered craft safe and easy access into the Welland.

You can see the latest navigation notices on our mapping tool.

If you want to organise an event on the River Welland, read the River Welland event guidance (PDF, 144 KB, 2 pages). You can apply for an event using the Anglian Waterways event form.

There is a general speed limit of 7 miles per hour (11.2 kilometres per hour) on the Rivers Welland and Glen.

To request a speed exemption, read the River Welland speed exemption guidance (PDF, 142 KB, 2 pages). You can apply for a speed exemption using the Anglian Waterways speed exemption form.

You can contact the river inspector on 07825 503848.