The Stamford to Deepings’ Canal
Stamford Canal was one of Britain’s earliest Post-Roman canals, opening in 1670. Towards Stamford, Stamford Wharf was the furthest point of navigation, and from here the canal follows the path of the River Welland, which was expanded to allow the flow of canal traffic in an act granted in 1571 by Queen Elizabeth II. Work on building the canal suffered several setbacks, including not being able to find contractors, until in 1664 David Wigmore took the work on. He built a planned cut from Hudd’s Mill in Stamford to Market Deeping and 12 locks along the route. At its height, the toll on the locks gathered revenue of between £500 and £600 a year (in 1695) transporting goods from The Wash to Stamford.
Once the Midlands Railways opened in 1846, expanding to Melton Mobray in 1848, the canal’s usage began to decline. By April 1693, all usage along the canal had stopped due to the trade from the railways and problems with lock leakage.
Since its closure, most of the canal route has naturally drained. The foundations of several locks are still visible along the route.
The West Deeping Canal Project
The West Deeping Heritage Group received funding to restore the footpaths around the Canal and further research its history. The footpaths and guided routes were formally opened in the winter of 2013 and help to uncover the local history of the canal and its link to the village. Part of this work includes this cache trail.
The Trail
Here the footpath has become clearer, joining a farmers track. Please be careful to follow the footpath signs, NOT the farmers track - If you do go over the small bridge, you are entering private land. This is the last point for a while where you will follow the route of the canal; it branches off and runs through the gardens of the nearby houses where it becomes visible again, past Cromwell House and then vanishes completely once more. Don't worry, we will find it again! Please note, the majority of this route is unsuitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and the ground is uneven. There are stinging nettles and low branches across the walk, and it is close to water for the majority of the route.
The Cache
Another small locl'n'lock here.