Through the Middle Levels to Upwell

We are now off the main rivers and onto the narrow, shallow drainage channels of the Middle Levels.  Our average speed is down from about 3.5mph to 2.5 mph and everything is much quieter and more peaceful.

View over the Fens from Well Creek

Typical Middle Level waterway

We left Sadlers Lode at 9am and travelled across the Fens along Well Creek.The waterway is attractive There are no high flood banks to obscure the view of the extremely flat low-lying scenery. Our satnav shows an elevation of about 5 foot above sea level.  But the satnav sits about 4 foot above the water level and the water level is well above the level of the land beyond the immediate vicinity of the Creek.

Entering Outwell

Outwell Church

Moored at Upwell

There are 3 waterside villages, Nordelph and the twin villages of Outwell and Upwell, the latter together stretch for about 2 miles along both sides of the waterway.  We moored at 11:20 just outside Upwell Church where there is a well kept flowerbed alongside the delightful moorings.

This afternoon we  took a bus to the nearby town of Wisbech, the self-styled Capital of the Fens.  It was a medieval port which is now some miles from the Wash.  Some old buildings remain but it is more a working town than a tourist destination.

5.99 miles, 0 locks, 2 hours 20 minutes