River Welland, Stamford, Lincolnshire

River Welland, Stamford, Lincolnshire

The stunning River Welland is a winding lowland river in the east of the county.

At 65 miles (105 km) long it drains part of the Midlands eastwards to The Wash. It rises in the Hothorpe Hills, at Sibbertoft in Northamptonshire, then flows generally northeast to Market Harborough, Stamford and Spalding, to reach The Wash near Fosdyke.

Wildlife in the river varies along its length, the faster headwaters being a habitat for trout and the slower lower reaches for perch. The estuary conditions and flat landscapes beyond Fosdyke favour wading birds and migratory species.

It is a major waterway across the South Holland Fenland and provides a wonderful guide to be enjoyed by car, bike or on foot.