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Routes
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From Northampton to Peterborough the River Nene slowly winds its way though some of the most tranquil scenery in the UK. It is a true hidden gem among Britain's waterways. Together with the Middle Levels, Great Ouse, Little Ouse, Cam and Wissey - the Eastern Rivers make up a network that many canal users never see.
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Short Break – 3 days
Visit Fotheringhay and see the remains of the castle where Mary Queen of Scots ended her days. Take a trip on the Nene Valley Railway at Wansford or visit Ferry Meadows country park. Peterborough city centre with its magnificent Cathedral and plentiful shops provides good moorings and an ideal turning point. |
Short Break – 3 days
Pass through delightful villages such as Wadenhoe, Thorpe Waterville and Islip . Around Thrapston, the river changes in both nature and name and becomes known locally as "The Nen" (no longer "The Neen"). Wellingborough would make an ideal turning point. |
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1 Week
From Peterborough your journey can continue into the Middle Level navigations, with miles of navigable drainage channels that serve the fenlands of Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. Many towns and villages along the way and lots of different lodes and creeks to explore – a map is recommended! |
1 Week
Beyond Wellingborough the river widens and the countryside bears testament to the area's industrial past. Scores of old gravel pits, the contents of which were transported by river have found new life as wildlife sancturies, sailing and fishing lakes, marinas and holiday parks like those at Cogenhoe and Billing. The area beyond Clifford Hill lock forms part of the flood defence for the city of Northampton. Shops and other attractions are within easy reach from the moorings just before the Town Lock |
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2 Weeks plus
Beyond the fens is the River Great Ouse. Lock through a short tidal section to the imposing Denver Sluice. The river can take you to Cambridge (via the River Cam) or you can continue upstream to Bedford. Along the way is the island city of Ely and the historic towns of Huntingdon, St Ives, Godmanchester and St Neots. |
2 weeks plus
At Northampton the navigable river ends and the canal begins. We do not licence our boats for the canals but visitor permits can be obtained. The Grand Union (Northampton Arm) will take you via its 17 locks to Gayton Junction and the Grand Union Main Line. From here it is possible to reach Bristol, London, Lancaster, York and hundreds of places in between. It just depends how long you can spend… |
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