Taken For Granted

It is all too easy to take the waterways local to your home berth for granted. We are only too pleased to slip the ropes and head off on our next big adventure. It isn’t always, however, convenient to go on a long journey. When time is limited so are cruising options and it is here that your local waterway comes into its own.

For over two years now, we have been based on the Fossdyke Navigation and the adjoining River Witham. To visiting boaters, these waterways may appear boring with their long sections of straight water penned in by flood banks with the occasional bend to keep the mind busy. However visiting boaters may not notice some of the more interesting features of the navigation. Spending time on these navigations, for some, highlights their character and individuality.

Now I’m not going to pretend that the Fossdyke is the most interesting waterway on the inland system because, quite frankly, it isn’t. But what it lacks in interest in some areas it makes up in others. The waterways are quiet, easy to navigate and safe, for the majority of the year, from the risk of flooding. The surrounding Lincolnshire countryside gives stunning waterside displays right throughout the year and provides safe havens for the array of wildlife living by the water’s edge. Finding secluded spots isn’t difficult even in the height of summer. Of course there are busy and popular spots, mostly centred on the few built up areas along the navigation but it is quite easy to escape the hustle and bustle and find a nice relaxed mooring spot away from it all.

There are those who really don’t like mooring in the area, thinking that the ditch is boring. These folks tend to disappear as quickly as they appeared in the first instance. Folks are all different and it is fortunate for the rest of us as it keeps the waterway relatively free from boat traffic.

So do we take the Fossdyke for granted? I believe at times we do. It is easy to forget how fortunate you are at times. Below are a sample of a few places we often visit along the Fossdyke.

Torksey Lock

Fossdyke between Torksey & Saxilby

Saxilby Visitor Mooring

Brayford Pool, Lincoln