| River Idle | |
|---|---|
 River Idle near Gamston, looking north towards Retford | |
.png) | |
| Location | |
| Country | England |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Confluence of River Maun and River Meden |
| • elevation | 59 feet (18 m) |
| Mouth | |
• location | River Trent |
• elevation | 0 ft (0 m) |
| Length | 26 miles (42 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries | |
| • left | River Poulter, River Ryton |
The River Idle is a river in Nottinghamshire, England whose source is the confluence of the River Maun and River Meden near Markham Moor. The Idle flows north from its source through Retford and Bawtry before entering the River Trent at West Stockwith. Its main tributaries are the River Poulter and the River Ryton. The river is navigable to Bawtry, and there is a statutory right of navigation to Retford. Most of the land surrounding the river is a broad flood plain and the river is important for conservation, with Sites of Special Scientific Interest being designated along its course.