River Ancholme

The River Ancholme is a river in North Lincolnshire, England, and a tributary of the Humber estuary. It rises south of Bishopbridge (west of Market Rasen) and passes through the market town of Brigg before flowing north into the Humber at South Ferriby.

North of Bishopbridge, where the River Rase joins the Ancholme, the river runs in two intertwining channels. In the town of Brigg, the river splits into two, the 'Old River Ancholme', which maintains its natural course through the centre of the town, and the man-made 'New River Ancholme' which flows almost straight through some of the former industrial areas of the town. The two rivers create an 'island' in the centre of Brigg, known as 'Island Carr'.

Today the river is mostly used for recreation, with over 600 boats registered. Responsibility for navigation rests with the Environment Agency. The river is large enough to support small barges, and medium-large cabin cruisers. The river is also extremely popular with rowing, kayak and canoe clubs, with 2 nationally known clubs being based in Brigg. The Ancholme Rowing Club is the Rowing Club on the Ancholme, based in Brigg. The waterway is managed by the Environment Agency, which requires all vessels on the Ancholme to be registered and in possession of an up to date licence.

The Ancholme boasts a number of marinas, including one in Brigg and another at South Ferriby. Each year numerous events take place on the Ancholme, from kayak races to boat races in custom home-built boats. Throughout the year, the water remains calm and the towpath alongside the river remains busy with pedestrians.