River Gwash

The River Gwash is a tributary of the River Welland. It flows through Leicestershire, Rutland and Lincolnshire in eastern England. The river begins near Knossington in Leicestershire and runs for about 39 kilometres before joining the Welland near Stamford. Several small streams join near Braunston-in-Rutland to form the main river. The Gwash passes the site of Brooke Priory and runs westward past Manton. The river plays an important role in the landscape around Rutland Water. It helps fill the reservoir by damming its valley at Empingham. A controlled flow is released to keep the river alive around Tolethorpe Hall, Ryhall and Stamford. The North Brook, a tributary, joins at Empingham and supports river life. Near Stamford, the Gwash marks the parish boundary between Stamford and Uffington. The river supports fish such as grayling and trout, with chub and dace living below Newstead Bridge. Attempts have been made to bring back water voles, while signal crayfish threaten native wildlife. The confluence with the Welland was restored in 2021 by the Welland Rivers Trust. The river’s name may come from an Old English word meaning ‘a washing or flood’. Local poet John Clare wrote about the Gwash in the 19th century.