Waterways > Ipswich & Stowmarket Navigation
Ipswich & Stowmarket Navigation (River Gipping)
The Ipswich & Stowmarket Navigation ran from Stowupland Bridge in Stowmarket and followed the course of the River Gipping to Ipswich and the Orwell Estuary.
Map of the Ipswich & Stowmarket Navigation
Facts & Stats
17 miles
(27.4km)
15 locks
Abandonment and Restoration
After closure of the Ipswich & Stowmarket Navigation in 1934 there followed many years of neglect, which resulted in the navigation becoming impassable.
The River Gipping Trust was launched in 2007 by members of IWA’s Ipswich Branch, and the Trust took over the practical restoration work and leading the campaign for this waterway in October 2008. Much restoration work has been undertaken on four locks between Needham Market and Baylham, but there is still much more to do along the rest of he Naviation.
The Trust has recently built a new footbridge across the river near Baylham to restore the original towpath route alongside the river bank.
Waterway notes
Group
Waterway underfunding
Hundreds of miles of waterways – along with their unique heritage and habitats – are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future.
Sustainable Boating
We want boating on canals and rivers to be more sustainable and – even though the current overall contribution to UK carbon emissions is very small – we want to help reduce emissions on the waterways.
Waterways Heritage at Risk
Britain’s canals and rivers are a unique, living heritage. But that heritage is at risk – from urban development, lack of protection, loss of skills and knowledge and climate change.
You can help Save Waterways Heritage.
Waterway restoration
Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.
LOVE YOUR WATERWAYS
Britain's waterways are vital; together we can campaign for them now and for the future.
