GovWire

Guidance: River Ancholme: bridge heights, locks and facilities

Environment Agency

August 29
15:09 2023

The River Ancholme runs straight for 17 miles, from rural Lincolnshire to the Humber Estuary at Ferriby Bridge.

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

Read the recreational byelaws for Anglian waterways.

River Ancholme bridge heights

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.

Location Headway (metres) Headway (feet)
Ferriby Belt 13.0 4265
Electric Cable 17.36 5695
Horkstow Bridge 4.76 1562
Saxby Bridge 3.98 1306
Railway Bridge 4.32 1417
Water Pipe 4.44 1457
Broughton Bridge 4.73 1552
Multi-Fuel Pipe 6.23 2044
Castlethorpe Bridge 4.68 1535
M189 Motorway Bridge 4.19 1375
Gas Pipe 6.55 2149
Glanford Bridge - on the Old River 3.43 1125
Town Bridge - On the Old River 2.49 817
A18 Cake Mills Bridge 3.42 1122
Electric Cable 12.53 4111
Cadney Road Railway Bridge - On the Old River 5.74 1883
Electric Cable 12.53 4111
Railway Bridge 4.59 1506
Cadney Bridge 4.32 1417
Hibaldstow Bridge 4.04 1325
Brandy Wharf 2.38 781
Snitterby Bridge 3.53 1158

River Ancholme locks

There are 2 locks on the River Ancholme: South Ferriby Lock at the confluence with the River Humber and Harlam Hill Lock upstream of Brandy Wharf.

South Ferriby Lock

South Ferriby Lock is the only lock on this river staffed by the Environment Agency. Its 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.

Harlam Hill Lock

Harlam Hill Lock isnt a staffed lock. The Environment Agency controls access through Harlam Hill Lock. You will need a navigation key to use this lock.

Registered boat users can buy navigation keys from the local river inspector or the Environment Agency. To buy a navigation key from the Environment Agency email boatreg@environment-agency.gov.uk or phone 0370 850 6506.

A windlass to fit 2.6 centermetres square is needed to operate the paddles at Harlam Hill Lock. Turning is restricted upstream to boats up to 14 metres/46 feet only.

Lock keeper hours of duty at South Ferriby Lock

Staff from the Environment Agency are available at the South Ferriby Lock during the following hours:

Normal working hours:

  • Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: 7:30am to 4pm
  • Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30am to 3pm

Lock keepers lunch break varies according to tide.

Due to the Coronavirus, South Ferriby lock keepers are only available for pre-arranged bookings - please contact the lock keepers and give 48 hours notice to use South Ferriby lock.

Check notices displayed at the lock to see if the lock is unavailable for any other reason.

South Ferriby lock keeper telephone number: 0165 263 5219 or 0370 850 6506.

Tidal passage

Registered boats and visitors to the River Ancholme can pass through South Ferriby Lock every day from approximately 3 hours before and after high water, until official sunset time.

To use the tidal passage during this time contact the lock keeper on 0165 263 5219 or 0370 850 6506 to arrange passage in advance.

Warning: The Humber Estuary is characterised by strong currents and shifting mud banks and shoals. Boats navigating the estuary should ensure they are well equipped and have a competent master in charge. We also recommend you contact Humber Estuary Services.

Public slipways

The only public slipway on the River Ancholme is at Brandy Wharf Leisure Park. Its suitable for small boats that can be trailer mounted and towed. The slipway is managed by Brandy Wharf Leisure Park.

Speed limit

A general speed limit of 11.2 kilometres per hour (7 miles per hour) applies throughout the Ancholme navigation. However, between Coal Dyke, Brigg and Bishopbridge a limit of 6.41 kilometres per hour (4 miles per hour) applies.

Take care at all times to respect other river users and to protect the water environment and wildlife.

Mooring

Read the Anglian waterways guide for information on mooring.

Published 31 March 2014
Last updated 29 August 2023 +show all updates
  1. Updated contact telephone numbers for the lock keeper and Environment Agency.

  2. Updated the booking process for the lock.

  3. First published.

Related Articles

Comments

  1. We don't have any comments for this article yet. Why not join in and start a discussion.

Write a Comment

Your name:
Your email:
Comments:

Post my comment

Recent Comments

Follow Us on Twitter

Share This


Enjoyed this? Why not share it with others if you've found it useful by using one of the tools below: