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Fowey

Avon

Barle

Camel

Exe

Lyn

Lyner

Mole

Tamar

Taw

Tavy

Teign

Torridge

Wild water racing in the south west

Canoe England

BCU British Canoe Union

British Canoe Union South West

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Kayaking in Cornwall

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Kayaking in Devon

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Canoeing and Kayaking have never been more popular no matter what your age from young to old it offers a wide range of activities to any one who wants to be involved, from the casual day-tripper to the dedicated explorer, there is a form of canoeing or kayaking suit you.

Canoeing takes many different forms from the Sit-on-Top which you can see on our estuaries and the sea to specialist boats like you will have seen on the Olympics. It has something to offer every one, from the adrenalin junkie ripping up the surf or careering down a white water river to a relaxing evening paddle watching the wildlife as the sun sets.

Here in Cornwall we have some of the best paddling in the UK with our rugged coastline, tranquil estuaries, surf beaches, slow meandering rivers and white water rivers.

Canoeing or kayaking what’s the difference? In canoeing the paddler traditionally kneels and uses a single-blade paddle, this originates from the Canadian fur trappers. In kayaking the paddler sits and uses a double-bladed paddle.

The Sit-on-Top is the most popular craft available at present it can be used to have that quite paddle to get close up to the wildlife and see things from a completely different perspective, to surfing our beaches, and coastal trips which could even include a bit of fishing. Thought about getting out where the fish are but never been able had the inclination to get a boat well the sit-on-top kayak changes all that environmentally friendly  no polluting engine quite and you can get to all though spots you have just dreamed about.

For your sheltered inland water why not try open canoeing the open canoe is a versatile craft and as well as the estuaries it can be used on moving white water and open water. Open canoeing, also known as Canadian canoeing, originated in North America as a method of transportation and hunting and is becoming increasingly popular as a recreational activity.

Open canoes can be paddled solo or as doubles, poled through shallower water or sailed when the winds allow. Perfect for exploring and multi-day expeditions, equipment is stored within the boat allowing the paddler to be self-sufficient and enjoy wilderness camping trips.

Boats come in three main classes, recreational and family, solo and touring. Most types of canoe are available in either plastic or royalex. For white-water, good outfitting and extra buoyancy are essential. More specialist boats allow paddlers with the right experience to tackle all grades of white water.

For the more adventurous why not try surf kayaking which allows you to combine your kayaking skills with the power of the ocean waves. Surfing can take place all year round with some of the best conditions once most of the holidaymakers have gone home.

As well as the recreational side of paddlespot there is also a huge range of competitive paddling taking place in Cornwall to mention a few.

• Slalom requires high levels of technical ability. Paddlers negotiate a section of white water on a river the aim is to be the fastest paddler to add some difficulty, each competitor has to negotiate a series of gates (2 poles hung over the water) these have to be negotiated in a pre defined order with out touching them. The course usually consist of 20 to 25 gates. The placement of the gates combined with the rapids determines the difficulty of the course.

• Marathon kayaking involves paddling long distances as part of a race. When done over longer time periods it would be classed as touring. Marathon paddling takes place on most types of water including lakes, canals, rivers and inshore waters. Races take place throughout the year and cater for differing abilities from the beginner to world class athletes.

• Canoe polo is a competitive sport, played within a defined field, between two teams with five players on each team. The object of the game is to score the most goals within a set time. Polo combines paddling and ball handling skills with tactical play. It is fast paced, and often described as a combination of kayaking, water polo and basketball. Polo starts at beginner level, and progresses through to international levels. Some clubs provide opportunities to 'come and play'.

• White water racing is carried out over kayaking is paddling a kayak on a moving body of water. This would typically be a river, but can also be on the sea where strong tidal movement is present. It can range from paddling a calm meandering river to demanding white-water rapids. River rapids are graded from one (barely moving water) to six (severe white-water) and it is imperative that paddlers only attempt the river classification suitable to their ability.

River boats are smaller than sea kayaks or open canoes so equipment for expeditions is often carried on a support raft. Boats are typically made of tough plastic that is slightly flexible and very durable. Knowledge and experience of water conditions and white-water rescue procedures are essential to participate safely.

There are sub-categories to white-water kayaking: river-running, creeking, and playboating.

River-running involves journeying down a section of river, water conditions range from the grade 1 through to a full grade 6 rapid.

Creeking is often seen as a sub-category of river-running and focuses on paddling very technical and difficult rapids on a river (grade 4-6).

Playboating, also known as rodeo or freestyle, is the art of performing technical, often gymnastic moves, in a kayak. Whilst most forms of kayaking require the paddler to travel from point A to B. With playboating the paddler performs a series of technical moves in one playspot. Moves include cartwheels, spinning, surfingand loops, amongst manyothers, and require the paddler to move the boat on all possible axes of rotation.

Who can do it?

Kayaking is a very accessible sport and people of all age groups and abilities regularly take to Scotland's waters. This is a sport with something for everyone, whether you are looking for a gentle river trip or the thrill of crossing open seas. Do bear in mind that as a water sport the ability to swim is desirable.

Where can I do it?

The safest way to take up kayaking is to either join a local affiliated club or attend a course at an approved outdoor centre. The Scottish Canoe Association provides information on clubs and courses throughout Scotland.

The British Canoe Union offers paddlesport performance awards that allow participants to progress their skills through set achievable targets. They provide the technical skills and knowledge that allows paddlers to go paddling.

With its craggy coastline and numerous inland waters Scotland has many great places to practise kayaking. The west coast and islands offer great locations for sea kayaking and there are many lochs and rivers across the country which are suitable for gentle journeys to white-knuckle rides over rapids. Surf kayaking is particularly good in the rough swell near Thurso.

When can I do it?

The sport can be enjoyed all year round but it is very important to note that during the colder months the weather and water temperature add a considerable element of risk. Local water sport centres will be able to advise on when and where it is safe to kayak.

The correct equipment, knowledge of the water and training on how to handle the boat is essential. You should never paddle alone or without a buoyancy aid.

What equipment do I need?

The essential equipment � the kayak, paddle, life jacket and helmet � can be hired at most centres. What you should bring along is warm and waterproof clothing. A spare set of clothes to change into would be wise since the chances are high that you will not be as dry after going kayaking as you were before you started!

How much does it cost?

Boat hire can start as low as £30 a day but organised courses can be more expensive. Sea kayaking trips lasting a couple days start from around £160.

Avon (below Bath) Avon (Salisbury) Axe (Devon) Axe (Somerset) Barle Biss Brue Congesbury Yeo Cary Chew Culm Dart Erme Exe Fal Fowey Frome (Bristol) Frome (Somerset) Gloucester & Sharpness Canal Hamoaze Huntspill Isle Kings Sedgemoor Drain Leaden Lyn Lynher Nadder Parrat Sowy St Germans Stour Tamar Tamar Estuary Tavy Taunton to Bridgwater Canal Tone Torridge Walkham Westport Canal Yeo

The River Information below could well be out of date a lot of the access information could have changed, the information is given for advice only we can accept no responsibility for it's accuracy.

Avon (Below Bath)

BATH TO AVONMOUTH
Map: OS Landranger 172

Normal flow grade 1 - 2

Please note all weirs and automatic sluices are dangerous with big boils in spate!.

The River Avon flows through the Georgian city of Bath on its way down the Avon Valley.

After leaving the city it passes through open farmland before the valley narrows after leaving Hanham and then has well wooded slopes on either side before entering the city of Bristol. In the final few kilometres it passes through the Avon Gorge before entering the Bristol Channel at Avonmouth.

The Port of Bristol Authority extends to the tail of Hanham Lock where British Waterways takes over and covers the river to the entrance of the Kennet and Avon Canal just below Pulteney Weir in Bath. You require a British Waterways Licence for all this section. B.C.U. Membership includes the Licence and it is advisable to have your B.C.U. card with you in case of enquiry.

Although busy the river has plenty to offer with a variety of species of birds, mammals, fish and flowers. Public houses are situated at convenient distances where you may wish to quench your thirst or replenish those lost calories.

PLEASE DO NOT SLOSH IN STILL IN YOUR WET GEAR.

If you wish to paddle through Bath it is advisable to either paddle down from further upstream or to get afloat at Locksbrook lock gates (GR 725 648).

You can paddle upstream to Pulteney Weir. If you wish to continue upstream portage is essential. It is on the R/H Island (up the boat rollers/slope/steps) DO NOT approach the horseshoe weir as this area has a strong holding effect created by converging currents below the weir.

To go downstream put in at Locksbrook below the lock gates. DO NOT approach the AUTOMATIC SLUICE GATES on your left as they are closed in by walls and are very DANGEROUS.

At NEWBRIDGE (1km. down stream) is another access point to the river from the A4 road bridge. Steps from the bridge lead to the towpath upstream of The Boathouse public house.

From NEWBRIDGE to SHALLOWS WEIR (Saltford) is approx. 4km.

Following a 1km straight on the river are situated the Rowing Club and Griffon Canoe Club buildings. The Waterside public house and Marina are on the left hand bank above the SHALLOWS WEIR. Portage is on the R/H side by the lock gates. The weir can be shot by experienced paddlers in several places when the conditions are good. Inspect from the R/H bank before any attempt to do so.

IF IN DOUBT DON'T.

150m below the weir on the L/H bank is an access area at Saltford (GR 687 673) where there is a small carpark. This is the most used section of the river.

Please be considerate to other users and local inhabitants.

From SHALLOWS WEIR to the Jolly Sailor public house and weir is approx. 1.5km, the lower part of this section is used by the Saltford Sailing Club.

PLEASE GIVE WAY TO SAIL.

The portage at the Jolly Sailor lock is on the L/H side of the lock gates. This weir is shootable when conditions are right. Inspect the weir from the lock gate island before any attempt is made.

IF IN DOUBT DON'T.

The Jolly Sailor public house is alongside the lock.

From the Jolly Sailor to SWINFORD WEIR is approx 1km. There is no access to the weir from any public roads. Portage is on the L/H side of the lock gates.

NO ATTEMPT MUST BE MADE TO SHOOT THIS WEIR.

SWINFORD WEIR to KEYNSHAM WEIR is approx. 3.5km.

DO NOT SHOOT KEYNSHAM WEIR.

Turn right into the lock gate cut before you get to the weir passing the Marina entrance on your right and the Lock Keeper public house and island on your left. Portage is by the lock gates. Access can be gained from the A.4175 road (GS 660 690)

From KEYNSHAM WEIR to HANHAM WEIR is approx. 3km.

The river takes two large loops around the chocolate factory and its grounds. As you approach the weir you will see the Chequers Inn on the right and the entrance to the lock on the left - portage is on the L/H side through the lock gates. The drop on this weir is usually very small and can be shot without too much difficulty. Inspect the weir first from the river.

IF IN ANY DOUBT DON'T.

Do not use the slipway or carpark frontage as a means of access as this is the private property of the Chequers Inn.

HANHAM LOCK to NETHAM WEIR and lock is approx 4.5km.

The river now enters a steep sided wooded valley. BE AWARE on extremely high tides this stretch of the river becomes tidal. One minor road runs alongside the river at Crews Hole on the R/H side. From this point onwards there is very little opportunity to leave the river before reaching Netham lock (GR 616 728)

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHOOT NETHAM WEIR. which is just beyond the arched concrete road bridge.

IT IS NOT ADVISABLE to use the river below Netham weir as it has a huge tidal range with very strong currents and at low tide leaves extensive mud banks making access if not totally impossible, extremely hazardous and horribly messy!. On the falling tide you could be stranded and unable to get out and needing emergency services. With the commercial traffic on this section the river now becomes a sea canoeing discipline.

The course of entry to the City of Bristol is to turn right above the road bridge and weir into NETHAM lock and enter the docks by the Feeder Canal. If the lock gates are closed you can portage on the R/H bank but BEWARE of heavy road traffic near the bridge over the lock. You can paddle all the way to Cumberland Basin at the sea going end of the Docks. For this section you will need a Bristol Docks Licence which can be obtained at the Harbour Masters Office at the Underfall Yard near The Cottage public house.

There is a slipway at the Marina with public access from Hanover Place off Cumberland Road (GR 578 723) and at the end of the docks a slipway and pontoons at the Underfall Yard with access to a carpark off Cumberland Road (GR 572 721). This is also the home of Bristol Canoe Club.

PLEASE NOTE after leaving the Feeder Canal the dock walls are high and there are few places you can get ashore until passing the S.S. Great Britain.

The River Avon and Bristol City Docks are very popular with many users especially in the summer months. You may encounter cruising boats, narrow boats, rowing boats and skiffs, sailing dinghies, ferries, windsurfers, anglers and ramblers and other canoeists. All these activities plus the Environment Agency and B.W.W. have representatives on the River Avon Users Consultative Committee which meets regularly to discuss problems and developments.

Distances on the river

3.5km Pulteney Weir to Locksbrook
4.5km Locksbrook to Shallows Weir (Saltford)
1.5km Shallows Weir to Jolly Sailor Weir
1.0km Jolly Sailor Weir to Swinford Weir
3.5km Swinford Weir to Keynsham Weir
3.0km Keynsham Weir to Hanham Weir
4.5km Hanham Weir to Netham Weir
5.5km Netham Weir to Cumberland Basin

B.C.U. Local Access Officer:
Alan Gallop
12 Broadcroft
Chew Magna
Bristol
BS18 8QG

Tel: 01275 333062

Salisbury Avon

The Avon has headstreams in the Vale of Pewsey through which the Kennet and Avon Canal passes. It flows south, with many twists and turns and lower down many channels and islands, through Salisbury Plain along the western edge of the New Forest through Ringwood to Christchurch Harbour.

Under an Act of 1664 the Avon and part of the Wylye were made navigable up to Salisbury with locks, partly by artificial cuts and partly by using the natural river channel. It carried traffic in the early 18th century but was not adequately maintained and fell into disuse being replaced by a project to construct a canal to Salisbury by a totally different route. Some of the artificial cuts are recognisable on maps and on the ground, but many have vanished. The Act has not been repealed but it is now impossible to trace the course of the navigation continuously.

There is valuable coarse and salmon fishing on the lower part of the Avon and trout fishing throughout. All is strictly preserved..

There is a local access agreement for canoeing in the immediate neighbourhood of Salisbury.

In many places the river down to Christchurch Harbour runs through private parkland. To canoe this river needs permission from numerous riparian owners, especially the principal estates. There are very few ingress and egress points and many landowners will not grant permission.

The last two miles of the river are tidal.

Above Salisbury there are numerous obstacles and little detailed information. A rowing boat was reported in the press to have been taken the whole way from Pewsey for a wager in 1920 and again in June 1947. The distance from Pewsey to Salisbury is about 30 miles and from Salisbury to Christchurch about 40 miles.

RIVER BOURNE
A tributary of the River Avon for which there are no access agreements nor any possibility of permission being granted, and is therefore not canoeable.

RIVER EBBLE
A tributary of the River Avon for which there are no access agreements nor any possibility of permission being granted, and is therefore not canoeable.

RIVER WYLYE
A tributary of the River Avon for which there is no access agreement nor any possibility of permission being granted, and is therefore not canoeable. However, there is one stretch only through private land where a disabled group, which uses the estate in question, has access.

For further information please contact the L.A.O. (with self addressed stamped envelope please)

PLEASE DO NOT PADDLE THESE RIVERS WITHOUT CONTACTING THE L.A.O.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Mrs Joy Purchase
Wyletta
1B Woodstock Road
Salisbury
Wilts
SP1 3TJ

Tel: 01722 328586

Axe (Devon)

The River Axe, Grade 1 in normal conditions, is a narrow river which winds through beautiful countryside. It is a major fishing river whose Clubs and Members pay a high level of subscription for fishing rights. It is therefore closed to canoeing during the fishing season March to October inclusive. It has a 5.5 mile stretch for which access has been agreed.

Canoeing is restricted mainly to Saturdays/Sundays, although exceptions may be possible by prior arrangement. There is no right of way or access over farmland through which the river flows, except in emergency.

The river at Axmouth village (GR 258 912), becomes an estuary, with adverse wind conditions, this can become very choppy. The estuary is an important wildlife habitat. At low water the estuary becomes muddy flats - keep off!!.

Beyond the 2 Axmouth Bridges the river flows into the sea. On the ebb tide the flow can be 6 - 8 knots, so caution is needed. The mouth of the estuary is a dangerous place due to the ever changing nature of the gravel bank just off the entrance. This is not a place for the novice canoeist.

At all times you are advised to go ashore on the right hand gravel bank and reconnoitre the entrance before attempting to run it.

Please contact the B.C.U. Local Access Officer to book your access and to check on the up-to-date river conditions as the river is subjected to severe flooding after prolonged rainy periods and is then HAZARDOUS.

1. Ingress is at Whitford Bridge which is one half mile from the village of Musbury, south of Axminster town (GR 263 953). Parking is not a problem but PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON THE BRIDGE.
2. Egress is 200m before the Axmouth Bridges on the left bank, a small low wall juts out into the estuary. There is a car lay-by on the opposite side of the road (GR 253 901).
3. The only other road access point for emergencies is under the Colyford Road Bridge on the right hand bank. (GR 259 926).
4. From Axmouth village church the road runs parallel to the estuary and therefore there are plenty of opportunities to disembark in emergencies.
5. There are no access points between the bridges and the sea unless you wish to pay a harbour fee for launching and parking.
6. PLEASE CONTACT THE B.C.U. LOCAL ACCESS OFFICER TO BOOK YOUR ACCESS and include a stamped self-addressed envelope with your postal enquiry.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Pete Lacey
4 Fairfield Park
Lyme Regis
Dorset
DT7 3DS

Tel: 01297 443630

Access agreements via many riparian owners exits via contacts made and set up by the access officer.

Please contact the Access Officer for further details:
Mike Merrett
Country Wide Weekends
Bridge Farm
Easton
Wells
Somerset
BA5 1EH

Tel/Fax: 01749-870646

River Barle

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The River Barle provides a pleasant paddle through beautiful and remote countryside where otters, deer, foxes and all types of waterside birds can often be seen. The river offers continuous grade 2 whitewater which is not usually technically difficult but which can be very fast flowing at high levels. Trees and other obstacles frequently present hazards and the isolation of the upper stretch means that groups need to be well prepared for any emergencies. Access is possible under the terms of the BCU agreement between Tarr Steps and the Anchor Inn, Exbridge, a distance of about 10 miles. The River Barle runs within the boundaries of the Exmoor National Park which is an area of outstanding natural beauty so please ensure that you keep to the Country Code. Roads are narrow and winding and steep in places, with sheep and cattle roaming free so drive carefully. Our canoeing activities are closely watched by the riparian owners and many local people who have in the past been so pleased with our behaviour that they offered us the one month extension to the canoeing season which we now enjoy. Please do not abuse this goodwill and put our access at risk.

All map references are taken from the Ordnance Survey Exmoor Tourist Map.

TARR STEPS (868322) marks the present upstream limit of the agreement, and the start of a popular 6 mile paddle to Dulverton Bridge. There is no parking at the river itself as this would block the turning circle and offend the farmer. Instead you can park about 200 yards up the road in the car park provided, where there are also public toilets. The following water level descriptions may give some guidance on what to expect:

If you can get under the stone clapper bridge at Tarr Steps the water is low, grade 1/2. If there is up to 6 inches between the water and the underside of the bridgeit is normal, grade 2/3. If the river is level with the bridge it is high, grade 3, and not suitable for novices, and if the water flows over the bridge it is in flood, grade 4, and only suitable for very experienced paddlers.

At normal flows most of this section is fairly straight-forward although at high flows the speed of the current can present problems to swimmers as break-outs are few and far between, and trees can be a danger. There may also be a cattle fence (barbed wire) just below Marsh Bridge (908289). There are two potentially tricky places on the lower part of this section, the first is Dulverton Weir, about ½ mile above Dulverton Bridge (916284) where the trees on the island can cause problems along with the weir itself. This weir has recently (March 1998) had some unusual repairs and it is now difficult to find a clean shoot at low water. The second is just above the egress point at Dulverton where the last of a series of drops has a nasty hole which usually tips novices in.

Two EMERGENCY ONLY exits can be used between Tarr Steps and Marsh Bridge:
1)Hawkridge Ridge, public footpath to road, right bank, (873304)
2)Hinan Farm, private property, right bank, (886293).
Egress is at a slipway immediately before the bridge, using the Exmoor National Park HQ land. There is ample car parking and a pub at this point.

DULVERTON BRIDGE (912278). From the Exmoor National Park Headquarters to Exebridge is a simple paddle of about 4 miles. The access point here is a slipway on the left bank immediately upstream of the bridge. Toilets are behind the National Park Offices; shops and pubs are in the town.

If rocks are showing below Dulverton Bridge it is low, Grade 1, and you have got a rock dodge ahead! If rocks are not visible and you have up to 2 yards clearance below Dulverton Bridge it is at normal level, Grade 2. If there is less than 2 yds clearance below the bridge the river is high, Grade 3, and care will be needed even for experienced paddlers.

This section is fairly straightforward at most levels with only a few natural rapids, one large weir and one or two smaller weirs to tackle. The larger weir, which is about 1mile downstream of Dulverton contains some dangerous salmon catching apparatus and low slung wires and must be portaged on the left.

There is one EMERGENCY ONLY exit at Brushford Bridge on the left bank (926258). The main B3223 road follows the river from Dulverton to Brushford Bridge on the right.

About ½ mile above Exbridge the Barle joins the River Exe and almost immediately you will come across a new, gauging weir which often has a great play wave. You can then carry on the short distance to EXBRIDGE (930245) where the landlord of the pub will usually allow canoeists to park on his property if he is asked first. The egress point is immediately below the bridge on the left bank where the pub garden meets the river. It is possible to carry on down the River Exe all the way to Exmouth and the sea.

Biss

Map: O.S. S.T 85/95

A tributary of the Wiltshire Avon rising just west of Salisbury Plain between Warminster and Westbury. It has been paddled quite regularly from Trowbridge by Frome Canoe Club for some years without incident.

Normal access point in Trowbridge (GR 862 577), Clarendon Avenue off West Ashton Road.
Distance 4 1/2 miles.

Summary of Obstructions

• 0.25 miles downstream: small sloping weir.
• 0.5 miles downstream: small vee weir. Good playspot.
   
• 100 metres downstream: Town weir immediately above town bridge. Small single drop. Centre shoot through central arch of bridge. From here on the river becomes overgrown. Overhanging trees can be a problem for novices.
   
• 1.5 miles downstream: Laydydown Mill. Dogleg weir. Looks horrendous. A stopped weir on a 90 degree bend. Easier than it looks. Shoot right under low bridge. Ask permission from owner to shoot through Mill. (Bob Alexander: Tel: 01225 766211).
   
• 2.5 miles downstream: Confluence with River Avon.
   
• 4 miles downstream: Bradford on Avon weir. 6ft single drop. Has been shot at most water levels without problems, in kayaks and open Canadians. Best shot left of centre through small vee in low/moderate levels, or far right in spate.
   
• 4.5 miles downstream: Egress left hand bank under railway bridge, Bradford on Avon (GR 824 607).

Maximum group size 10

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Michael Hill
12 Ash Drive
North Bradley
Trowbridge
Wilts
BA14 0SQ

PLEASE SEND A STAMPED SELF ADDRESSED ENVELOPE WITH YOUR ENQUIRY.

River Brue

Downstream of West Lydford.
Map: OS Landranger 182

The Brue has been canoed as high as church bridge, Bruton (access by the blind house). It is perhaps more reasonable to paddle from Castle Cary, but even from here there needs to be good water levels. From Castle Cary where there is reasonably easy access the river flows by Ansford. There are seven other sites of access to the River Brue commonly used at the Glastonbury end, and a couple more used on a less frequent basis much further downstream. I have added notes to the various access points but the detail will vary with the season.

Mid March to Mid June is the fishing close season. Below Westhay bridge there is hardly ever any fishing at the farmer's choice. I would ask that you take home all your rubbish. Please try to avoid anglers, and definitely do not canoe the river during a fishing competition, or at least the part of the river where the competition is being held.

The river above Lydford is best paddled from Castle Cary to Lovington after a day of good rain, it is narrow with some grade 2 drops and 3 weirs. BEWARE. There are often trees to be portaged. The first weir is easily taken on river right, the second is over 2 metres vertical into a pool with a slot river right, the third is small with a wave for novices to practice.

At lydford there are two weirs. Both shootable at low to medium levels. The second looks big but is just a slide. I have seen these at high water flows they are both dangerous - high is when there is no gap under Lydford Bridge. From Lydford to Tootle Bridge is a narrow and deep passage with a few simple rapids. Between Tootle Bridge and Wallyers Bridge are two weirs. The first is shootable at medium levels but will have no water at low levels, the right hand shoot being uncanoeable. At high levels this weir can be dangerous and should be portaged. The second weir is O.K., but a scrape at low levels.

About 1km below Wallyers Bridge is a weir I have not found a way through and the portage, or at least the put-in down stream, is awkward. Then there are several miles of shallow water past Kannard Moor to Cow Bridge. Several hundred metres below Cow Bridge is a weir (Clyce Hole) that must be inspected from the bank as logs can make the plunge pool dangerous. BEWARE the stopper below the anti-scour ledge.

From here the river has only a few feet to drop to the sea. Final egress can be made near the A38 but check for new buildings and old vegetation!. This last stretch is over 15km.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
David Lambert
4 Higher Actis
Glastonbury
BA6 8DR

Tel: 01458 831646

Congresbury Yeo

Access can be obtained from the Congresbury Youth Club carpark (OS GR 439 639) which is off the A.370 on the opposite side of the river to the Ship and Castle Public House.

The river can be paddled from .5km upstream to the weir (there is no access above or on the weir) or for c.8km downstream to the tidal sluice. There is one portage around a sluice on the way downstream. Footpaths follow some sections of the river but there are no other convenient access points. Weed can restrict paddling in the summer.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Jim Hayward
Laurel Farm House
Summer Lane
Banwell
BS24 6LP

Tel: 01934 820518

River Cary

The RIVER CARY has been canoed from SOMERTON (CARY BRIDGE 496290) to GREYLAKE. It is narrow (6-8 feet in parts) and there are several wooden weirs, with a narrow sluice at HENLEY CORNER (436327). This should be inspected before shooting. Access at SOMERTON, HENLEY CORNER and CRADLE BRIDGE (43733) over farmland.

River Chew

Map: O.S.Landranger 172.

A small river, almost a stream, flowing out of Chew Valley Lake, O.S. (GR 569 616) a reservoir for Bristol and surrounds for about 15 kilometres joining with the Bristol Avon at Keynsham.

There are no rapids of any note except perhaps the spillway from the Lake at Chew Valley, but this looks to be somewhat dangerous and no doubt is illegal! The excitement consists of waves of various sizes and types. The whole thing is beset by overhanging and fallen trees through which you have to fight your way and it could be dangerous when a real flow exists. It does need considerable rain to make this trip worthwhile.

Grade 1 to 3. No agreement exists.

Starting from

1. 7k. Publow Bridge , near the church, OS (GR 623 643)
2. 9k. Weir with broken sluices - main shoot - centre Concrete water measuring device - small trees either side. Below is a possible hazard.
3. 10.5k. Bridge at Compton Dando - river narrows and increases flow.
4. 12.5k. Chewton Place - unshootable sluice with a leat to the right leading to a 3 or 4 drops weir with fish pass centre. Flows through private gardens about 3 metres from house window. Can be done though. Footpath to left through field for portage if required approx 100m long.
5. 13.5k. Just outside Keynsham, converted Mill house on left - weirs, straight drop to right downmill Leat to left - further weirs under overhead brick structures - it is wise to duck holding your paddle against the side of the canoe - very narrow but quite exciting!. Small weir follows in 50m - strong towback left - take right.
6. 14.5k. Weir angled to right at Leisure Centre park in Keynsham. Egress here. Use car park right (pay) OS (GR 656 684). Or free in car park after the
7. 15k. confluence with the Avon OS (GR 657 691)

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Quentin Nicholls
23 Seventh Avenue
Filton
Bristol
BS7 0QD

Tel: 0117 9792515

River Culm

The River Culm is not strictly speaking a flat water river, nor does it have undisputed access throughout the year. Despite this it is included in this guide because it presents very few serious challenges to most flat water paddlers and because it has been canoed fairly frequently in the summer months without known confrontation. However, the well publicised improvement in water quality and fish stocks may lead to canoeing becoming very unpopular in the summer months. The game fishing season on the river is February 14th to September 30th.

The river rises on Widicombe Moor and flows south west to eventually join the River Exe at Stoke Canon. Over its whole length the river flows quite fast, but it needs a good volume of water since shallow rapids of gravel or larger stones often occur. At many points, the river divides and braids and it is often difficult to determine which is the major channel. Overhanging bushes and fallen trees are more common and as the river tends to meander there are huge bends with steep often vertical banks. The river has been extensively managed to provide water and water power and there are many weirs varying in height between 0.5 metres and 2 metres.

ACCESS AND EGRESS:
The river has been canoed from upstream of CULMSTOCK, one possible starting point being the bridge at WHITEHALL (GR ST119138), but the best starting point is at CULLOMPTON where two branches of the river rejoin. Easy access can be gained by a concrete ramp at the extrance to a small industrial estate opposite the old Cullompton Railway Station, near junction 28 of the M5 Motorway, (GR ST026078). If there is enough water under the long motorway bridge there will be enough water for the whole journey. Below the motorway bridge the two streams rejoin and about one mile further on is a small gauging weir. Further downstream where the railway and the M5 cross beware of a system of metal gates on the downstream side, located to catch some of the rubbish and debris which the river carries.

At HELE there is a paper mill which uses the river for power. Straight ahead the river vanishes into the building whilst to the left a 2 metre sloping weir drops under the building which is raised on concrete columns over the river. This weir is best taken at the far end, angled slightly left so that you can pull away from the columns if they threaten. There is plenty of height and no chance of hitting the ceiling with a paddle. Below the road bridge, the river divides at a sort of sluice gate with the main flow pouring over an exciting bouncy 0.5 metre drop. Immediately downstream an exit on the right hand bank to the mill car park is possible. Further downstream is a low footbridge which might require a portage. Some huge meanders follow and deep water heralds the approach of another weir. The 2 metre sloping weir presents no real problems, however once on the lower level, around a slight bend the whole river flows quickly into a huge black hole under the SILVERTON paper mill. The whole atmosphere is satanic and threatening although if approached the mill workers allege that it is perfectly possible to pass directly under the mill. However, a portage around the mill, through the grounds would appear to be by far the best policy. Parking is possible around here and it would make a good spot to finish.

The river now skirts around KILLERTON PARK and high up in the bank-side trees is strong evidence to the height that the water reaches with the material made at the nearby paper mill. The river now begins to braid again with fallen trees and heavy growths of weeds choking progress. At STOKE CANON it is possible to exit just after the bridge carrying the A396 Tiverton to Exeter road. The river continues over a boulder weir skirting the Stoke Canon Mill and works before eventually emerging through more trees to join the River Exe about one mile upstream of Four Pines Weir and Cowley Steps. The Exe is the subject of a rigidly enforced access agreement so please do not continue onto this river without first gaining permission from the local access officer.

A more comprehensive guide was published in Canoeist magazine, February 1989

River Dart

Current Obstructions

KILBURY WEIR (the one below the Little Chef)
There are loops of exposed iron-work to the right of the salmon steps. The whole salmon steps area should be avoided in all flows.

STAVERTON WEIR
In low water there are small exposed wooden spikes - right-hand side shoot at the top of the weir. OK in medium to high flows. We were hoping to get these obstructions removed or repaired before the start of the season. Still working on it.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Dart rises high on Dartmoor as two rivers, the East and West Dart, until their confluence at Dartmeet. Most of the river above Holne Bridge is natural, with numerous rapids and some rock gardens. Below Holne man made weirs become more of an influence on the river, but good canoeing can still be found at high water. The Dart is prone to very rapid rises and falls in level as rain runs off the thin soils and impermeable granite of Dartmoor. In heavy rain or after prolonged rain the river can rise several feet in an hour and the section above Buckfast can be very dangerous in these conditions.
Access and egress points are limited and those listed below are the only points where canoeists can join or leave the river other than in emergencies.

 DARTMEET (SX 672732). Upstream of here there is no canoeing due to the importance of both the East and West Dart as salmon breeding grounds. The section from Dartmeet downstream to Newbridge is about 6 miles in length and is totally committed. At anything above low flows it is a genuine grade 4/5 stretch of river and for this reason canoeing is severely restricted. In the event of an accident it is very difficult to get help. In recent years many people have been paddling here without permission and there is now a real danger that we may lose the access agreement. Dartmoor National Park Wardens will ask for your permit to canoe, and riparian owners will prosecute those who do not possess the required permit.
SEASON 1ST JAN TO END FEB ONLY.
 

 NEWBRIDGE (SX712708). Between Newbridge and Holne Bridge the Dart makes a large loop which gives this section its common name. Although the loop is only just over three miles long it is by far the most popular section of this river, being a good grade 3 at normal winter levels. Numerous natural drops together with some remoteness ensure that this section is not suitable for whitewater novices. Access at Newbridge is from the car park on the left bank above the bridge. A road follows the river's left bank for about 1 mile as far as the confluence with the R. Webburn, after which emergency portages should be on the right bank. On leaving Newbridge the canoeist will have a fairly gentle introduction to the river for the first half mile or so, although there is a tree on the right hand bank just beyond a split in the channel (715713) which can cause problems. After this and a few small rapids the first of the more interesting drops appears. 'The Washing Machine' as it is known is best shot on the right of the small island, but as near to the island as possible; go too far right and you will be in the middle of a nasty stopper.
A few rapids further and the river bends sharply to the right indicating the arrival of 'Lovers Leap'. This 100 metre long rapid contains some large boulders which often tip in the unwary at low flows, although they are mostly covered at high water. A line which follows the main flow, starting to the right of centre and then moving to the centre is usually the safest, but do watch out for the sheer rock face at the end of the rapid. All the water piles into this face with predictable consequences for any canoeist unfortunate enough to get in the way.
About 1/2 mile later, after another sharp right turn you will come to a small, shallow rapid which is closely followed by 'Triple Drop', a series of three increasingly large natural drops within 50 metres of each other. The line through these depends very much on the water level, but all three drops have good waves and stoppers for the more experienced to play in, with the last drop providing the greatest fun. The river then straightens and flattens for a while before 'The Spin Dryer', another natural rapid which does not in itself provide too many problems. The eddies below it, and especially the one on the right, provide the sting in the tail though, with many competent canoeists falling foul of the highly unpredictable currents here. If you do manage to stay upright the wave at the bottom of the rapid is usually worth playing on.
From here it is fairly simple paddling through the last rapid to Holne Bridge (SX731706). The egress point for the end of the Loop is no longer at this point. The next weir which is only 200 metres below Holne Bridge must be taken with extreme caution at medium and high flows as the stopper and towback are fierce. Under these conditions it is best shot on the extreme left or it can be portaged on either side. The egress point is approx. 1 mile beyond the weir on river right, just above WATERWORKS BRIDGE.
 

WATERWORKS BRIDGE. From here to Buckfast is a pleasant 3 mile grade 2 paddle, although the speed of flow when the level is high can cause real difficulties, as can the weir which can have a severe stopper. From here to the weir at Buckfast Abbey is about 3 miles, during which you will encounter a few mild rapids. BUCKFAST ABBEY WEIR is a monster! There are fish steps on the left which are interesting at low to medium flows and evil at high water. The main face can be shot almost anywhere at average level or at the extreme right when high, but do be aware of the fierce stopper across the bottom. The weir can be inspected and portaged on the left. Below here is an interesting gorge section with unusual currents and many standing waves. As you go under an old road bridge look for egress point ahead; it is immediately before the modern road bridge where the River Ashburn joins on the left. If you walk through the Little Chef car park please make sure you ask permission to park there first and buy a cup of coffee! Otherwise follow the stream until you have gone through a bridge; the field on the left immediately after the bridge is where cars can be parked.
 

BUCKFAST (SX745667). The Dart from here to Totnes is less exciting than the upper reaches but still provides ample interest for many canoeists. The moving water and the weirs ensure it is a grade 2 paddle, but again it needs treating with respect when high as the water flows very fast and there are numerous trees lining the banks. Having joined the Dart via the R. Ashburn as described above, Salmon Pool Weir 1/2 mile downstream is best shot on the left, or left of centre. After about 4 1/2 miles is STAVERTON BRIDGE where access/egress is permitted on the left immediately below the bridge; please do not block the entrance to Staverton Builders. A short distance from here is Staverton Weir which is shootable with caution- watch out for the rocks at the bottom and portage to left of shoot if necessary. After 3 1/2 miles of slow moving water you will arrive at Totnes Weir, shootable along the wall or down the steps, or portage right of the wall down the weir. Please be aware of possible conflict here with fishermen and consider portaging if any are present. In Totnes beware of steamers and mud flats at low tides.
 

TOTNES (SX808597). A tidal, meandering stretch of 9 1/2 miles from here to Dartmouth appears harmless but beware of strong winds, strong currents and other river traffic. Some points of interest here include;

• at 3 miles Sharpham House, National Trust property on right,
• at 4 1/2 miles Bow Creek (inlet which leads to a couple of pubs),
• at 5 miles a creek leading to Stoke Gabriel, parking and shops, (this stretch can be very rough in high winds, follow channel on left)
• at 7 miles Dittisham, pub and limited car parking. Strong currents.
• at 9 miles Royal Naval College, beware boats manouvering.
• at 9 1/2 miles Higher and Kingswear ferries, KEEP CLEAR! Landing slip on left after second ferry. Park in station car park and walk.
• at 9/10 miles Dartmouth Town on right bank. Land on quay or Inner Harbour

River Erme

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Erme rises on Dartmoor, and is very small until a mile above Harford Bridge. From here on the river is pool-drop in nature, with the drops mostly narrow and twisting chutes through rock ledges. The grade is typically technical 3 - 4 (opinions vary on this, at most levels it may be better to consider this a 4+ when assessing whether to paddle), but the river rises very quickly with heavy rain and can be grade 4-5, with a couple of drops becoming inadvisable if not impossible. Below Ivybridge the river is pretty much flat with weirs, and more importantly, salmon spawning gravels, so the access agreement applies only to the Harford Bridge to Ivybridge section. The get out is at South Hams Leisure Centre in Ivybridge where there is a pay and display car park.

Put in at HARFORD BRIDGE (SX 637596) Park in the lay-by on the river left side of the bridge (one car only please). Go through the metal gate and put in downstream of the bridge on the river left bank. The first few rapids are straightforward but fun, and there is then quite a long flat section. After this the river enters a progressively steeper valley, with the drops becoming more complex and exciting. About half way down this valley the river narrows to about 2m over a vertical drop, landing in a sheer sided mini-gorge. In low water this is great fun. In high water it isn't; if the drop is small and the pool folded and bubbling furiously, then walk it.

After this the rapids are excellent, grade 3-4 with safe pools in between, until Bell weir; a two-tier weir on the right which is very shallow in low/medium water, or a very narrow sloping chute on the left. Beware fish steps which cause widely varying water conditions at different levels. In the last 12 months there have been a number of vertical pins in the 'fish ladder'. There is a concrete wall within the chute about 2.5m from the first fall. It is not obvious from inspection! As a result, paddlers with short boats (2.5m or less) may experience a serious test of their footrest depending on level. Paddler of longer boats should NOT attempt this drop, as a vertical pin is highly likely.

If you don't want to paddle the gorge into the town, which is very technical and in places rather committing, you should get out here and walk up to the road. Under the viaduct (you can't miss it) the river becomes very narrow, and in high water this section is very continuous. It is worth inspecting the whole section first. There are several blind rapids with difficult drops into undercut cauldrons, and there are big stoppers in high water. Beware of fallen trees; you can't always find a break-out. The last drop is a couple of small weirs, followed by a huge sloping drop right under the bridge. In high water the stopper is enormous with high walls each side making rescue difficult.

Get out on the river left bank into the Leisure Centre car park. Next to the small footbridge is a good place. Under no circumstances continue beyond the Leisure Centre as you could harm both salmon spawning gravels and our agreement. If you are confronted during your trip please be polite and ask for the name and address of the enquirer, then pass these details on to the LAO or RAO.

Distance: 4.2kms (2.6mls) Vertical drop: 140 metres.

River Exe

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The River Exe is Devon's main river, draining a very large part of the county. It rises on Exmoor and flows south for over 50 miles to the sea at Exmouth. The river now includes numerous weirs, all of which are shootable with care and skill in normal water conditions, but which get bigger and potentially more dangerous nearer to Exeter. Many of these weirs have holding stoppers which can be very strong in high water conditions so portages are often advisable. Most of the river between weirs is only grade two, but at high flows it can easily be classified as a grade three river, with the added problems of numerous trees and other potentially dangerous obstacles. It should not be attempted in flood. Unusually for a major fishing river there is no footpath following the river bank. Instead, it runs through private fields so access and egress can only occur at the points described below, many of which are on the main Exeter-Tiverton-Minehead road.

Above EXBRIDGE (930245) canoeing is possible but not very popular. Local enquiries should be made to request access. Launching is possible at BRIDGETOWN (923332) but permission to pass downstream must be sought from the local gamekeeper, phone Winsford 300. At CHILLY BRIDGE (924317) the farmer is happy to allow launching as long as he is asked at Lower Stockham Farm, or the property nearest the access point The landlord of the Anchor Inn, EXBRIDGE (930245), is very friendly and permission is usually given for access/egress via the car park.

OAKFORD BRIDGE (919219) TO BOLHAM WEIR. Numerous access possibilities exist where the river runs next to the road, but no there are no formal agreements. The river in this section is mostly flat but moving, with no real obstacles. There is a reasonably straightforward weir at 943160, about ½ mile before Bolham Weir.

BOLHAM WEIR (948153) is the most popular starting point for the popular 'Bolham to Bickleigh' run which involves six weirs and numerous modest rapids. Access is either from the layby immediately by the weir or from a layby 100 metres up the A396 road in which case you will have a scramble down a muddy bank. The weir is a nasty, steep concrete faced drop of about 1½ metres which is a scrape at low flows but which has a severe stopper at high flows; either portage on the right or shoot on the very extreme right. This weir is popular with 'stopper bashers' as the water is usually only knee deep in the stopper, making rescues fairly easy. After about ¼ mile the river turns sharply left and goes under an arched bridge where it is not uncommon to find trees blocking some or all of the arches. This must be considered by group leaders, especially in high flows when the current could easily sweep an unsuspecting paddler into the obstruction. The river then levels out for about ½ mile as you pass the start of the Exe Descent race and approach SALMON PONDS WEIR (949139). This is NOT an access point. At low water the weir is best shot down the fish steps on the left, but beware the 'hole' 20 metres below the steps which can catch beginners out. At high water the main weir face is safest, but watch out for obstructions at the top of the weir where foundations from a removed footbridge remain.

The river continues under the new North Devon Link Road bridge and on for about 1¼ miles to RIVERSIDE WALK, TIVERTON (954126) where access/egress is possible. Parking is available in the nearby paying carpark or on the road, launch from riverside walkway above or below TIVERTON TOWN WEIR. This has a series of standing waves against the left hand wall at all but the lowest levels, as well as a couple of playing stoppers. It can be shot almost anywhere at most flows and is easy to inspect from the water or the bank. After a further ¼ mile is the small WALDRON'S WEIR (953120), the last access point before Bickleigh with on road parking and slipway for launching. This weir also usually provides plenty of opportunity for playing with stoppers or standing waves at most flows.

For the next 3 miles the river meanders slowly through a scenic valley towards BROKEN WEIR (941078), near Bickleigh. This weir is well named, being in a poor state of repair and regularly changing. Inspection is recommended, but the best shoots are usually in the centre or to the far left. Particular care should be taken to avoid the trees on the island below the weir, one of which is especially dangerous. Within ¼ mile is BICKLEIGH WEIR (937075) which is marked by a stone bridge carrying the A396. At very low flows this is best shot on the extreme right, at other flows it can be shot almost anywhere although there can be a nasty stopper at times. There is good access and egress on the left just below the bridge. The landlord of the Fisherman's Cott generally allows parking in the car park as long as he is asked first, as does the owner of Bickleigh Mill.

Below Bickleigh the river becomes far more meandering and less steep with only the weirs as obstacles or excitement, depending on your view! After 4½ miles you will find THORVERTON WEIR (935019), a steep weir which deserves respect. It can be shot on the left using the fish steps when levels are low, but is safest on the right when high, although inspection is recommended. There is on road parking and access on the right bank below the bridge which is 100 metres below the weir. There is no access via adjacent fields. Below here the river continues its meandering course towards Exeter via STOKE WOODS (923962). Limited parking is available in a small layby which allows access where the river meanders next to the A396. This is a useful starting point for a trip over the big weirs, Four Pynes, Cowley Bridge Steps and Flowerpots. (No nearer access to Four Pines or Cowley).

FOUR PINES WEIR (918963) has a very long sloping wall which is extremely dangerous at high flows due to a holding stopper. At anything above medium level the weir should be inspected from the left, which is also the side it should be shot on. At low flows there is a fish run which provides a good shoot.

A mile further the infamous COWLEY WEIR follows a fork in the channel, stay left and you will see a single arched road bridge which is immediately below this difficult drop. Opinions differ about the best route in high water, some prefer to take the steps down the middle, others rely on a shoot on the right; in either case there are stoppers which make this weir suitable only for stronger paddlers. There is a portage passage on the left above the weir, use it if in doubt.

About two miles further on is FLOWERPOTS WEIR (914923). This is the local name for the two weirs, otherwise known as Head and Blackaller Weirs. Head Weir is small and fairly straightforward, but a mistake here could put you in trouble for the second weir which is dangerous at medium and high flows and should be shot with caution preferably after inspection. Under such circumstances the extreme left is the only route to consider due to a deceptive, but lethal stopper on the right. You are now in the heart of Exeter; go under the two modern road bridges and you will come to a new housing development on the right which is where you will find Exeter Canoe Club and the Exeter Maritime Museum. There is plenty of parking here, and a launching ramp for access/egress. Most moving water canoeists finish here, but it is possible to shoot TREWS WEIR (924917) and SALMONPOOL WEIR (930909) before coming to tidal water. These weirs have the particular advantage of being open to canoeists throughout the year, making circular tours from Exeter to Topsham and back possible via the river and canal in summer. Beware of the second weir's stopper in high flows, it holds! We have an informal agreement with the fishermen here that canoeists will not play in the weir pool if fishermen are present, but will pass quietly by. Please help us to maintain our very good relationship with the owners by following this instruction and by showing courtesy to the anglers who are generally most happy to have a water sharing agreement with us.

Access is possible at Countess Weir where the river flows under the A379, and at numerous points where roads run close to thebanks of the estuary. The Exe estuary is quite exposed and should not be attempted by novices during windy conditions.

Exe Estuary Tour

This trail is designed as a round trip, the length of which can be can varied up to a maximum of approximately 12 miles depending on where you transfer from the river to the canal. The outward trip is on the River Exe, the return is on the Exeter Ship Canal. There are two weirs, both of which are shootable at normal levels, and the estuary may be very exposed in windy conditions. Obviously groups should plan this trip with regard to the ability of their paddlers and the river and weather conditions. There are no seasonal limitations for this trip, access is possible all year round and it can make a lovely one day circular trip in the summer. Before 1282 the Exe was tidal as far upstream as the present day site of Head Weir and ships could dock at the natural shelf around the Quay - our starting point. Isabella de Fortibus changed all that, when she built a barrier somewhere in the subsequently named Countess Wear area, thus diverting trade to Topsham, which she owned. Various efforts to relieve the situation were unsuccessful and so in 1563 a canal was built.

The starting point is the Quay (GR 922919) in Exeter. Keen viewers of the Onedin Line will immediately recognise the area around the Prospect Inn and the former Maritime Museum as being the "Liverpool" of that series. Here there is plenty of parking space and easy access to the water at several points. There is also a canoeing shop on the river-side. For any non-canoeists in the party there are some interesting craft shops close by and the city centre and Cathedral are within easy walking distance.

TREW'S WEIR (GR925915) is about ¼ mile downstream. On the left just before the weir is the Port Royal Pub, on the right is a channel which allows overspill of flood water. The weir, built in the 1860's to provide sufficient depth of water for the extension of the Exeter Canal, is shootable at most water levels. Even when the river is very low, a diagonal fish run will usually provide sufficient depth. Below the weir on the left is a new housing development on the site of a mill, built in 1780 as a cotton mill, which until recently used water power to drive its turbines. It has now undergoing redevelopment as has the cream washed building below the weir, dated 1774 and known as The Old Match Factory. Continuing the journey, the nursery gardens of the City Parks Department are passed on the left, (GR927913) the source of the many plants which often help the city to win prizes in Britain or Europe in bloom competitions. Herons are often seen perched in the trees on this flat, scenic section, before SALMON POOL WEIR (GR 931909)looms ahead (about ¾ mile after Trew's). A shoot is possible at most levels of water, either down the face or using the diagonal fish run. When the river is high beware of the strong holding stopper and tow back, which runs for most of the length of the weir. The weir pool and river below is affected by the tide and is an important salmon fishery. Relations with the fishermen are generally very good; if you ask them, permission will be given to pass quietly downstream, but please do not play in the weir pool if fishermen are in the area. If necessary, a short portage can be arranged along the right hand bank.

Below this weir the river can get very shallow during low tides, and it may be possible to see shoals of mullet feeding. The river sweeps around the rear of some very desirable residences before reaching COUNTESS WEAR BRIDGE, (GR 940894) which is about 2¾ miles from the start. The bridge can provide some excitement as at certain states of the tide there are strong eddies and standing waves downstream. For those who want to return to the start point it is possible to portage along the old Exeter By-Pass by egressing just before the bridge and carrying to the canal, but an easier portage is available 200 yards downstream on the right, over a narrow neck of land by the sewage works entrance, (GR946892) where there is a steep slip way. The small channels on the left hand bank, on either side of the bridge, were the site of a ship-building yard up to the 18th century. Today, it may be difficult to imagine, but vessels of up to 600 tons were built and launched here. As the shallow river was unsuitable for conventional launchings a system evolved whereby ships were raised on floating casks, chained to kegs and towed out to deeper waters.

The river carries on to pass under the motorway bridge, (GR 956889) through the mooring and reed beds to reach TOPSHAM, (GR 9688). Topsham has all the facilities of a small town, including several very fine pubs. There are splendid panoramic views across the Haldon Hills and the estuary, particularly from the church steps beside the public slipway. Many of the buildings and walks in this vicinity are built from materials imported as ballast in ships trading into the river, and follow foreign styles of architecture. Here another portage to the canal is possible using the passenger ferry slipway on the right hand bank, (GR 962880).

Leaving Topsham the estuary now begins to widen and the deep water channel starts to meander. The most direct route may not be the quickest and it is advisable to stay in the deep water channel indicated by the buoys and marker poles. The mud exposed at low tide is very deep and dirty! Eventually the channel sweeps towards the right bank and the deep water entrance to the canal at TURF LOCK, (GR 963860) is visible. Disembark onto the "quay" at a convenient point and carry the short distance past the lock to the wide mooring basin of the canal. You are now about 6 miles from the centre of Exeter. Turf is an isolated spot and can only be reached on foot or by water. The Hotel is substantially as designed by James Green when he extended Trew's original Canal in 1823. Pause to look around, or for refreshment, the pub serves excellent food and Turf makes an ideal picnic spot; it may be possible to camp here if you enquire in the pub.

The return journey to Exeter is made entirely on the Exeter Ship Canal. The first 1¾ miles runs almost parallel to the estuary on the right, until it passes under a wooden bridge opposite Topsham. Here a footpath from the Swan's Nest Inn at Exminster crosses to reach the passenger ferry slipway. After a further ½ mile is the towering motorway bridge and shortly after that is the mooring berth of the 'SW2'. This vessel makes twice-weekly trips out into the sea, five miles off Exmouth, to dump sludge from the sewage works; thankfully EU legislation means that it will soon have to stop this. Beyond, the canal opens out to be almost lake-like. On the left are the remains of a wharf serving the lime kilns which are still just visible in the undergrowth. The canal narrows again until, about 1 mile after the motorway, we reach the crossing point of the Exeter By-Pass at Countess Weir, (GR940895). Here are two bridges, the old swing bridge and a newer lifting bridge opened in 1971.

At DOUBLE LOCKS (GR933901) is another Inn, dating from 1701. This is locally famed for its excellent real ales and food and it is especially pleasant on a summer's evening when jazz bands and other entertainment are often to be found. The bar staff are used to seeing customers in canoe clothing; formal dress is definitely not required! As with the Turf, the publican is often prepared to allow camping in the grounds, but it may be best to check first as there are often groups booked in during the summer. The canal now skirts the edge of the Marsh Barton Trading Estate and away in front is a fine view of the city and its cathedral. Just past the Welcome Inn (GR922917) it is possible to branch right to rejoin the river, providing the lock gate is open. Alternatively continue into the canal basin. Here are many moored boats and Exeter Canoe Club has a very impressive clubhouse on the left bank. There are several places where you can obtain refreshments.

Further details and other river information available from:

The BCU Regional Access Officer
Adam Box
Roydon
Alexandra Rd
Crediton
Devon
EX17 2DZ
01363 773793

River Fal

Map: OS Landranger 204

The River Fal is canoeable from Tregony Bridge (GR 922 448) to Ruan Lanihorne (Sett Bridge - GR 887 423) approx 4km with a B.C.U. local access agreement in place all year round.. The numerous creeks and the Truro and Tresillian rivers make good cruising areas, mostly through wooded country.

Below Turnaware Point (GR 837 382) the estuary broadens into Carrick Roads These are a 1.6km or more wide and extend for about 6k to Falmouth Harbour. The area can be very rough and is not for the inexperienced. It should be treated as open sea. Wind against tide can produce difficult conditions.

There is a vehicle ferry 1.6km north of Turnaware Point at King Harry Passage (B.2389).

From Falmouth and the Carrick Roads: Truro, Tresillian and Ruan Lanihorne can only be reached with the tide and care should be taken not to be stranded on the very soft mud exposed by the falling tide.

On the River Fal above the junction with the Truro River there is only sufficient water at Ruan Lanihorne at high tide. On the Truro River, Malpas can be reached at any state of the tide, Truro itself only at high tide.

TRESILLIAN RIVER
Map: OS Landranger 204

B.C.U. Local Access Officer: Mark Peters, Tel: 01726 72901

On the Tresillian River, Tresillian (A.39). can be reached from Truro and Malpas only at high tide. Distances from King Harry Ferry
1.6km. Turnaware Point
6km Ruan Lanihorne
3.6km Malpas
8km. Tresillian Bridge
6.4km. Truro

High water: Dover minus 3 3/4 hours.

HELFORD RIVER
Map: OS Landranger 204

B.C.U. Local Access Officer: Mark Peters, Tel: 01726 72901

A very beautiful inlet on the south east side of Falmouth Bay. There is good sailing on the wide part of the mouth, but the upper parts and creeks can only be done on the tide.

Access at Gweek (B.3293.) at the head of the inlet. Inn.

Side creeks:

South side:
Mawgan Creek 1.6km.
Frenchmens Pill 4km.

North side:
Constantine Creek 4km. canoeable on the tide for approx: 2.4km.
Porth Navas 4.8km. Porth Navas village about .8km further up.
Helford Village Inn 5.6km from Gweek on the south shore.

High Water: Dover minus 3 3/4 hours.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer:
Mark Peters, Cornwall Outdoors, Porthpean OEC, Castle Gotha, Porthpean, St Austell, PL26 6AZ
Tel/Fax: 01726 72901

River Fowey

Map: O.S. 200 and 201
High Water: Dover minus 5 hours 55 minutes

The river is small, grade 2/3 tidal from Lostwithiel to the sea with 2 estuary tributaries the Lerryn River and Penpoll Creek.

The season runs from 1st January to 31st March with a minimum water level of 3 ft from 1st January to the 15th February and 2.5.ft from 16th February to the 31st March.

Paddlers should be level 2 or level 3 standard. There are some small rapids and a number of rock built weirs from 0.5metres to 1.5 metres in height.

PERMISSION TO PADDLE MUST BE OBTAINED IN ADVANCE (a stamped self addressed envelope with your application please)

WRITTEN PERMISSION MUST BE CARRIED ON ALL PADDLES

Directions to Access Points:

HALFWAY HOUSE (GR 160 654) 5km east of the B.R. station. 2.5km west of Trago Mills. Park in the pub car park to the right of the Inn. The access point is on the right hand bank.

NEWBRIDGE (GR 129 651) 2 km east of the B.R. station. Turn sharp left off the A.30. by a white house, sign posted to Cardinham. From the east take the 2nd right after the Halfway House Inn. The bridge is some 300m from the road junction. The access point is by the bridge on the left hand bank, The car park is 100m away on the right. Please do not block the track gateway. Room for 4/5 cars. Please check the flow gauge on the right hand bank below the bridge. (see above).

BODMIN PARKWAY(GR 110 640) no ingress or egress at the moment. At the main road bridge the water flows from the left to the right with a small drop and weir under the bridge. The danger here is from trees on the right hand bank in high water levels. After the 3rd bridge for about 500/600m the river bends are very sharp with a danger of being swept under the trees.

RESPRYN BRIDGE (0990 635) National Trust land and can be very congested at weekends. There is no ingress or egress here at the moment. The river below the old stone bridge is shallow in mid stream. The next weir is 200/300m below a wooden bridge. To shoot the weir follow the left hand bank and shoot the weir in the centre. This weir is undercut and will hold canoeists side on even in low water levels!. To miss the weir follow the river flow down the right hand bank 500m on to the main weir on the river.

WATER INTAKE WEIR (9097625) The main danger on the river. As you approach the weir you will come to some sluice gates on the right. Keep to the left hand side. Land on the left hand side above the weir and get in downstream by a yellow post. This is B.R. land so look out for trains! Keep to the river bank. It is best to shoot the weir on the left hand side where you can use a rope. The stopper is very powerful at high water levels. 4km on to the end (see above) the main danger is from the trees over the river.

PLEASE CONTACT THE L.A.O. PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP TO CHECK THE RIVER LEVEL AND TO OBTAIN PERMISSION TO PADDLE.

Conditions of Permission for Access:

1. Access Dates: 1st January to 31st March
2. Access time: Hours of light
3. Canoeable stretch: Below Halfway House.
4. Min Height: 1st Jan to13th Feb: 3ft THE TOP RED LINE 14th Feb to 31st Mar 2.5ft: THE LOWER RED LINE. You must keep to this or it could end the access agreement!!!
5. Ingress and Egress points: Halfway House, Newbridge left hand bank and Lostwithiel.
6. The riparian owners have excluded their occupiers liability and you must accept that you have access at your own risk.
7. You must hold insurance cover and you must notify the L.A.O. of any damage caused by you.
8. You acknowledge that the river Fowey in its Non-tidal strectch is not a public navigation.
9. All groups must be led by a competent B.C.U. Level 3 Coach who must ensure that the party can cope with the conditions on the day of the trip. You must carry the lower part of the permission to paddle form with you on the water.
10. The number of canoes on the water in any one day must not exceed 12

Access to the Fowey Estuary

LOSTWITHIEL
For the main car park (GR 104 592 ) turn down Fore Street at the traffic lights. Take the second right at the garage, park in the lay-by. Access points are by the lay-by over the wall and down some steps, or use the slipway 100m down the road, by a low rail bridge. If you can get under the rail bridge you can go to the end of the park and use the lay-by on the right of the railway.

THE ESTUARY
Lostwithiel, St Winnow and Lerryn can be reached 1 hour and 1.5 hours before and after high water and Golant at all stages of the tide with a short carry at low water springs.

INGRESS/EGRESS POINTS

ST WINNOW (GR 116 570) A good stopping point but with no car parking, narrow road access.

LERRYN (GR 141 5720) Car parking, with pub, narrow road access. Mud flats at mid to low tide.

GOLANT (GR 128 545) Narrow road access, limited car parking and is congested in the summer and at weekends. Home of the Fowey River Canoe Club.

FOWEY (GR 125 516) Access to the town is very narrow. Just passable with a transit van and no trailer. It can be very congested in the summer season. The best car park to use is at Bodinnick (GR 126 522) on the B3269. about 1km east of the town with a slipway, shops, cafe and toilets. You must keep clear of the ferry slip at all times, this is upstream of the car park. You must also keep clear of the port area also upstream on the west bank and give way to ships in passage!. The main beach is at Readymoney (GR 118 511) with toilets, very narrow road access and the car park is back up the hill about 800m.

Campsites

Two west of Fowey on the A3082

• One at Par beach (GR 085 533) Youth Hostel.
• One at Penquite near Golant (GR 117 558).

O.S.Maps

200 Newquay/Bodmin
201 Plymouth/Launceston.

Tidal Constant. Dover 5 hours 55 minutes standard port Devonport 10 mins.

Admiralty Charts. 1267. 148. 31.

Weather.
Weathercall Tel: 01891 505 304.
Marine call: Tel: 01891 505 358.

Fowey Harbour Commissioners Tel: 01726 832 471.

Maritime Rescue Centre Brixham Tel: 01803 882 704.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Richard Hobba
30 Park View
Penhaligan Way
St. Austell
PL25 3AR

Frome (Bristol)

Map: O.S.Landranger 172.

From Winterbourne down to Snuff Mills Grade 1/4 (in flood)

Park at small layby in the end of "The Dingle" at Damsons Bridge OS (GR 658 795).

Ingress below the pipe spanning the river or limbo in low water. This river is small and shallow so a good level is required to successfully run it. Best after some consistent or heavy rain. Overhanging trees may be a problem and some skill may be necessary to negotiate them.

1k. The first rapid occurs just above Mill Road bridge but is straight forward through the centre arch of the bridge - watch out for the odd supermarket trolley, bicycle, etc. Barbed wire has been known to be stretched across the outer arches in the past. There are a number of fastish bibbly bobbly bits before reaching the

1.75k. first weir at the junction with Bradley Brook. There are now a lot of "Private" signs at this weir. It is possible to portage on the right bank just before the Bradley Brook and take the public footpath to the road left and back to the river below the disputed area. The owner of the right bank, who owns the weir, is not unsympathetic to canoeists but the owner of the left bank is not sympathetic. If the weir is shot keep on the true left about halfway from the end into a big pool the river then takes a right turn away against a steep bank facing you as you take the weir, In higher water conditions there can be a reasonable towback at the weir base and quite strong currents in the pool.

1.8k. The river then flows below the M4 road bridge

2k. Under the Avon ring road under where at decent levels there can be a nice little run of rapids. There follows a stretch of tree lined river slowing up somewhat and

2.5k. deepening until you reach a large weir at Millhouse. PERMISSION PRIOR TO SHOOTING THE WEIR IS REQUIRED. There is no access to the land for portage by the weir and the footpath on the right has been diverted so if you wish to portage this has to be effected before you reach the weir. To shoot the weir the best place is to the true right ( but it has been shot left of centre). The problem is that you cannot see what is happening below on the weir face - also there is precious little water depth and numerous boulders in the water just down from the weir itself so you can get pinned or stuck on the bottom if you take the drop square on especially in lower water. It is wise not to attempt egress in the Millhouse garden as there are big dogs!.

2.6k. Cleeve Road bridge. The hazards outlined for Millhouse weir applies to the majority of subsequent weirs except the one coming next at the bottom of Frenchay Hill right next to the metal working business.

3k. Frenchay Hill weir can, in higher water, have a very powerful towback at the base, bank support rescue lines might be a good idea here.If in doubt take the true left away from the building where the water is more shallow and it is easier to rescue. There is a tree on the weir but it is easy to miss 3.25k. Frenchay Road bridge (pedestrian bridge only) Start of Oldbury Court Estate. You now enter the park proper drifting under the bridge and through tree lined banks.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Quentin Nicholls
23 Seventh Avenue
Filton
Bristol
BS7 0QD

Tel: 0117 9792515

River Frome (Somerset)

PLEASE SEND A STAMPED SELF ADDRESSED ENVELOPE WITH YOUR ENQUIRY.

Map: O.S. S.T. 65/75

The River Frome is a major tributary of the Wiltshire Avon, rising some 10 miles south of Frome, running north to join the Avon just east of Bath. A heavily weired river which does help to retain good water levels longer than many other local rivers. A popular coarse fishing river also some trout fishing takes places especially below Farleigh Hungerford. The river has been paddled as far up as just east of Frome Town but the most popular section is described below.

A Summary of Obstructions on the River Frome between Shawford Bridge and Iford: Distance 5.5 miles.

The river has quite a fast flow especially in spate conditions and fallen trees can always be a hazard.

WOOLVERTON, SHAWFORD BRIDGE, is the main upstream access point, on the A36 Road, (GR 793535). Enter the field on the right below the bridge via a gate in the lane to Rode. Car-parking in lane only.

SCUTTS MILL WEIR. 0.5m. 6ft almost vertical drop. If you can paddle over the sill without grounding then it is safe to shoot in the centre; in lower conditions take the old mill leat straight on, the rocks half-way down are not a big problem, but watch a low bridge at the end of the leat. If you can shoot the weir in safety don't use the portage which is on the left of the main weir . Can be shot at most water levels but beware of towback in spate.

RODE MILL WEIR 1 mile. Small stepped drop can be shot at all levels, anywhere along its length. Do not use mill leat, it has no exit point. Portage on the left of the main weir between it and the sluice gate. Rode weir.

LANGHAM FARM WEIR 1.5 miles. This is the start of the Langham Farm slalom site (events held in May and October) and cannot be shot unless in flood so take the mill leat straight on, down to the arch on the left, paddle under the arch into the pool below, no need for inspection. This is a sharp left turn and needs care, Do not continue down the leat past the arch as the bridge at the bottom is too low. If the water level is high enough to shoot the main weir do not use the arch. Portage on the left side just above the arch onto the first island and down into the pool below the arch.

LANGHAM FARM SLALOM SITE, (GR 805550) is an emergency access point.

TELISFORD WEIR 2 miles, 4ft sloping drop that can be shot in the centre at most levels except very low water. Do not use mill leat, it has no exit point. Portage on the right of the main weir.

POMEROY FLOOME 2.5 miles can be shot at all levels straight down. There is a large standing wave in flood at the bottom but please do not play in the bottom pool as it contains very large anti-scour rocks just below the surface. Please check the pool for fishermen before going down, this is a popular fishing hole. Portage on the right hand bank

STOFORD MILL WEIR 3.5 miles can only be shot in high flood as the pool contains many gravel banks and large rocks, and the water is very shallow. Do not use the mill leat as this is a working mill. Portage down the weir face or on the right of the main weir.

FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD WEIR 4.5 miles, 5ft near vertical drop is the highest weir on the river and can be shot in the small V in the centre or left of centre in spate. Do not use the mill leat as this leads to a fish farm. Portage on the left by the little foot-bridge.Warning: Farleigh weir is becoming unstable, so inspect right before shooting

FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD BRIDGE (GR 804577), is another emergency access point. Use the left bank below bridge between bridge and first house.

IFORD BRIDGE, (GR 801589) is an access/egress point. Use the left side below the bridge by roadside railings. Car-parking in lane by bridge or in lane towards Freshford.

IFORD WEIR 5.25 miles: 4ft slope can be shot at all levels; just left of centre when low or centre to right at other levels. The mill leat is filled in. Portage on the left by old eel traps.

FRESHFORD MILL WEIR can be shot at all levels in the centre, but beware of steel spikes on start of weir sill, Do not use mill leat as this is a working mill. Portage on the right side of weir. This is the last weir before you join the R. AVON.

FRESHFORD MILL, (GR 786597) is an access/egress point. Use the right bank below bridge on road side. Car-parking by access area.

FRESHFORD INN BRIDGE (GR 791599) is another emergency access point.. L/H into field and out of gate into the road.

If you continue on the river you will join the River Avon which has the following access points.
AVONCLIFF AQUEDUCT, (GR 805600). L/H, looking UP stream under aqueduct, Car-parking, by canal in lane from Avoncliff Village & Westwood.
LIMPLEY STOKE BRIDGE, (GR 783613) L/H above bridge into field and out of gate onto Bradford road, Car-parking in lay-by on Bradford road east of canal bridge. Further details about the R. Avon can be found in the Bath Circuit Tour guide.

Proposed agreement between water users on the River Frome

Concerned Parties.

Avon and Tributaries Angling Association.
Mrs Cartwright-Hignett, Iford Manor. Riparian owner.
Mr Phillip Bryant, Stoford Farm. Tel: 01225 752253.
Mrs E. Quartley, Newlands, Shawford Bridge, Beckington. BA3 6SQ.
Farleigh Hungerford Swimming Club.
Michael Hill B.C.U. L.A.O.

Section of river concerned. River Frome, Somerset - Shawford Bridge to Iford.

1. ACCESS is as normal at Shawford Bridge on the A 36. O.S.S.T. (GR 794 535). Park as usual in the lane, with consideration. Use the new kissing gate.
2. EGRESS is immediately downstream left below Iford Bridge (GR 800 589)
3. The section below Farleigh Hungerford weir has new restrictions put on it, by the A.T.A.A.. This section should not be paddled during the closed coarse fishing season.
4. No more than 15 paddlers per day.
5. Permission for egress (GR 805 577) has been granted by Farmer Phillip Bryant of Stowford Farm during this time.
6. Please beware of swimmers.
7. Boats are to be carried diagonally across the field towards Farleigh Castle to the gate in the corner of the field opposite the cottage, subject to the further agreement of Phillip Bryant.
8. Rob Frye of the Farleigh Hungerford Swimming Club has given permission for canoeists to park cars in the field adjacent to the river, subject to payment of £1. per boat. However, this only applies if the field is dry enough to support vehicles.
9. At least 2 weeks written notice in advance must be given.
10. The rights and properties of local landowners are to be respected and protected.
11. Canoeists entering owners premises, do so solely at their own risk.
12. Canoeists must change in a manner that does not cause offence.
13. The Local Access Officer must be informed of any incident regarding landowners, fishermen or injury to canoeists.
14. The individuals or the group leader must have third party liability insurance for any accident that could take place. (B.C.U. Membership provides such cover).
15. The party leader must ensure that all canoeists are sufficiently experienced to cope with the conditions on the day of the trip.
16. From the first day of the fishing season, for one calendar month, there shall be no canoeing on the River Frome to allow undisturbed fishing.

This agreement is to run for two years in the first instance, after which it will be reviewed by all parties.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Michael Hill
12 Ash Drive
North Bradley
Trowbridge
Wilts
BA14 0SQ

PLEASE SEND A STAMPED SELF ADDRESSED ENVELOPE WITH YOUR ENQUIRY

Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

For further information please contact the L.A.O. (with self addressed stamped envelope please)

Stephen Phillips
1 Knights Way
Newent
Gloucestershire
GL18 1QJ

Tel: 01531 822614

Hamoaze

The Hamoaze is the estuary of the tidal Tamar, Tavy and St Germans (or Lynher) rivers. It passes Devonport Docks, and the tide can run very fast here, especially through the Narrows into Plymouth Sound. The presence of naval craft presents hazards to small craft. The Sound itself is a very large expanse of sea, only partially protected by the off-shore Plymouth Breakwater, and should be treated as open sea. Advice about the Hamoaze and Plymouth Sound can be sought from several Canoe Clubs in and around Plymouth.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Peter Crago

Huntspill River

A man made watercourse with a sluice at the seaward end constructed in the early 1940's to provide water for a nearby Royal Ordnance Factory. It is the venue for many national angling competitions but the NRA allow canoeing throughout the year between SLOWAY BRIDGE (302051) and the seaward end. Access at the BRIDGE on either bank (NRA property). A slipway has been built for the use of disabled canoeists and application MUST be made to the NRA at BRIDGEWATER Tel. 0278 427333. Negotiations are pending for access to the whole river up to GOLD CORNER and the CRIPPS RIVER. It is a useful sprint course.

River Isle

The river is canoeable from ILMINSTER. (Bridge at 346153) but the best part is downstream from SOUTHEY FARM Bridge (357208) to the function with the River PARRETT at the Pumping Station (417236). The FIVEHEAD River joins at 373224 and is worth exploring for about a mile. There is a disused weir and a lock chamber with sluice gates at the Pumping Station.

Access at SOUTHEY FARM and at MIDELNEY BRIDGE (408231).

Kings Sedgemoor Drain

KINGS SEDGEMOOR DRAIN is included in the proposed touring circuit illustrated. It has a sluice at the seaward end and is subject to some limitations suggested by the Nature Conservancy Council (Somerset Trust for Nature Conservation). Sprint and Marathon racing events have been held between GREYLAKE BRIDGE (398344) and PARCHEY BRIDGE (351377). Access and car parking is available at both points.

Leaden

The River Leadon, pronounced "Ledd'n", rises roughly seven miles north west of Great Malvern and flows mainly southwards until it reaches Dymock and then swings south eastto join the River Severn on the outskirts of Gloucester. The river runs approximately one third of its length in Herefordshire and two thirds in Gloucestershire.

The earliest written mention found to date appears in 972AD when King Edgar confirmed the possessions of the great abbey at Pershore.

The Leadon drains an area of 120 square miles and causes flash flooding most years at one point or another along its length.

Over recent years several flood prevention schemes have been undertaken to reduce this problem mainly by removing mill weirs, bank raising and cutting down overhanging trees.

There are many footpaths crossing the river even though it flows mainly through rural countryside away from roads.

At present the river has been canoed from Newtown, near Ledbury, to Gloucester.

The present position is that there are no official agreements for access to or use of the river. Several landowners have verbally agreed to your L.A.O. using their part of the river at present and voluntary agreements are being sought.

Due to the responsible use made by the few canoeists who have paddled, confidence has been built with landowners and their seems to be a high tolerance to people using the river with no reports of problems.

We wish to keep this goodwill on the landowners part and obtain official agreement from these and neighbouring landowners.

Please will anyone wishing to paddle the river please bear this in mind and behave in such a manner as not to jeopardise negotiations

By following the country code of practice, not leaving litter, closing gates, parking courteously, etc., we shall keep the goodwill of the landowners and safeguard our use for the future.

Due to the nature of the river, which is very narrow and shallow in places, it is necessary to contact the L.A.O. for conditions and access/egress points before paddling.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Steve Phillips
1 Knights Way
Newent
Glos

Tel: 01531 822614

River Lyn

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The River East Lyn is one of two channels which run from northern Exmoor into the Bristol Channel at Lynmouth. The river does not have a very high flow except during exceptional flood (as in the world famous disaster of 1952), but what it lacks in volume it more than makes up for in technical difficulty and gradient. The short (2½ mile) stretch of canoeable river from Watersmeet to the sea drops at a rate of over 60 metres per mile, whilst passing between or over some impressive boulders and natural drops. It is not a river for the faint-hearted with many opportunities for serious problems through pinning, stoppers and frequent tree obstacles. In many places inspection is to be recommended, but do please be aware of the extreme ecological sensitivity of this valley; too many canoeists trampling on the banks is likely to damage the good relationship between the local riparian owners and the access team so please be careful to stick to the very obvious footpath when ever possible. We have been asked to point out that the shallow gravel beds which may well co-incide with access/egress points, are possible spawning beds, so please try not to wade in the water at these points.

The river is an important game fishing water, and the valley is ecologically extremely sensitive. Canoeing is possible only in the closed fishing season, November to February, and then only in accordance with an agreement with the riparian owners. This permits canoeing on an extremely restricted scale (usually one descent per group per day with a maximum of three groups) by B.C.U. Members (also W.C.A., S.C.A. and C.A.N.I. Members) in possession of a letter of permission from the B.C.U. Local Access Officer.

It is very likely that you will be asked to produce your letter of authority by either Mr Christelow the river warden, or a National Trust official, or Mr Peder whose house overlooks the river at Myrtleberry Cleave. Please be courteous to these people who have been responsible for the establishment of this access agreement.

Access at Watersmeet (SS744486) is below the footbridges, having walked down a steep path from the parking area on the A39. About fifty yards downstream is a drop of about 4 feet where a cross-current pushes most of the water (and canoes!) into a rock face on the right. The river carries on fairly innocently under a large arched bridge and turns to the left where a small drop should not cause too many problems. 300 yards further is Mr Peder's house on the left (742490) [no access on his land, please], and 200 yards after that is a 3 feet drop best shot on the right followed by a fast, narrow stretch. Beware a nasty tree stump on the right at the bottom of this section.

A small gravelly 'beach' on the left below this section provides a good landing point to enable you to inspect the very technical section from here to the next bridge, but note the comments above about spawning beds. Pay special attention to the 4 foot vertical drop about 100 yds upstream of the bridge; at low flows this is best shot on the extreme left, but at high water a central or right route is probably less hazardous. Once at the bridge the river has no major natural obstacles for a few hundred yards (although at the time of writing there was a large tree almost completely blocking the river) but when you arrive at the next footbridge, (Blackpool Bridge) you are at the start of the very serious gorge section. Inspection is difficult but highly recommended.

The first drop here is a narrow slot which goes from right to left between rocks, closely followed by a 3 foot shoot. Within 50 yds the current goes to the left bank before a 7 foot vertical drop with a very shallow pool at its base. Several other lesser drops occupy the next 100 yds which is characterised by huge boulders, then the water flows in a narrow channel to the left before cascading over a 6 foot vertical drop into a severe stopper. This marks the end of the serious section, but the final stretch still has plenty of interest. The remaining mile to Lynmouth and the egress point at a riverside car park is a rock dodge at low water, but has continuous turbulent water and holding stoppers at higher flows with numerous route choices. Here you can afford to relax a little and enjoy the water. The car park is immediately before the road bridge (724495) but do have a look at the surf before getting changed; this beach has some of the best waves in the South West so it would be a pity not to take advantage of it!

River Lynher

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Lynher is a small river which is only just classifiable as a grade two water; at low water canoeing is difficult but at high flows the water speed combined with the problems of trees, undercut banks and other obstructions can cause real difficulties. There are many bends and small rapids and two weirs, none of which should create too many problems for experienced paddlers. Care must be taken to avoid barbed wire which is sometimes strung across the river to prevent livestock from wandering. The lower section contains a number of man made pools care must be taken to avoid the metal spikes retaining the pool walls which may be exposed by floods. As the riverbank is mainly lined with trees the river should be avoided during high floods due to problems of avoiding low branches, the lack of breakouts and possibility of trees brought down by floods.

KERNEY BRIDGE (319709) A low water restriction applies this is the upstream limit of the agreement. Park on the road side taking care not to obstruct any entrances, block passage of wide vehicles or damage wild flowers. Launch downstream on the left bank about 100m from the roadside stile/gate. On this section there is a small weir after which you will pass under a bridge and then pass Bicton Mill on right pass quietly and do not stop to play within site of Bicton Mill.

NewBridge, CALLINGTON (357680) Canoeing below Newbridge is only allowed between 1st February and 31st March subject to low water restriction. Ample car parking both 100m and 800m downstream of the bridge, and many launch sites, all courtesy of the National Trust (need to gain personal permission to use this area from Mr J. Laurence - National Trust warden). Please keep noise down no land access allowed except in emergency, e.g. no stopping for lunch or to repeat a section.

Please keep any vehicles left her to a minimum, park sensibly, as it is a very busy area with walkers.

WHEN LAUNCHING
PLEASE SPREAD YOURSELVES OUT ALONG THE RIVER, NO SEAL LAUNCHING, TAKE GREAT CARE NOT TO LEAVE ANY TRACE THAT YOU WERE THERE AND DO NOT DO ANYTHING TO SPOIL OTHER PEOPLES ENJOYMENT OF CADSONBURY

It is about 3kms to .......

CLAPPER BRIDGE (352653), which has a small car park just below the bridge with direct river access. Only 400m from here is... PILLATON WEIR (355649) which also has road access. The weir can be shot in the centre if there is enough water but a slow approach or low water can lead to the canoe becoming lodged bow down, with obvious dangers. From here it is about 5kms to......

NOTTER BRIDGE (384608) where egress is either on the right bank, after which you cross the paddock into the lane, or on the left bank into the pub car park. If you plan to use the latter please ring the Notter Bridge Inn (Saltash 842259) first to request permission. Below this point the land-owners are less co-operative so do not go further unless you plan to go as far as St Germans (364570), Forder (412581), Wearde Quay (427577), or any of the other tidal sites, all of which suffer from extensive mud flats at low tide.

Map Ordnance Survey Landranger 201

Nadder

Very limited access to this river.

Salisbury Canoe Club has a restricted access agreement for a short stretch by their Club house and downstream until it joins the Avon. There are islands in this stretch which must not be landed upon and certain specific routes must be followed on the water during the spawning season and great care taken not to disturb the gravel beds.

PLEASE DO NOT PADDLE THIS RIVER WITHOUT CONTACTING THE L.A.O.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Mrs Joy Purchase
Wyletta
1B Woodstock Road
Salisbury
Wilts
SP1 3TJ

Tel: 01722 328586

River Parrat

The main navigable river which, together with the ISLE, YEO and TONE carried barge traffic. The tidal section from the BRISTOL CHANNEL has many mud flats and from BURROWBRIDGE (358304) the channel is narrow and shallow at low tide with steep muddy banks. The tide rises up to 5.0 metres springs and 1.6 metres neaps. There is a bore at BRIDEWATER TOWN BRIDGE (301371) 1 hour and 40 minutes before high tide. This produces quite confused water conditions downstream of the bridge which, coupled with the very fast flow on the ebb, makes it a dangerous part of the river for canoeists.

From BURROWBRIDGE to OATH LOCK (382279) the ebb current involves a strenuous but not difficult paddle for beginners. Either at OATH LOCK or the sluice at 409277, it is easy to portage into the SOWY RIVER. Although the Parrett has been canoed downstream from PETHERTON BRIDGE (450168) it is rather narrow and with over hanging bushes and trees. The sluice at the WORKS at 446186 is impassable with a difficult bend under the bridge. The river is also partly blocked at GAWBRIDGE MILL (443197), but from here to THORNEY MILL (429227) is a pleasant paddle of about two miles. A public footpath on the left bank permits access to KINGSBURY EPISCOPI (4321). This stretch is sometimes affected by weed growth. Portage at THORNEY is on the right bank but cattle graze the field and permission must be bought from the farmer, whose address may be obtained from the LAO.

The pool below the mill chute sometimes has useful haystacks, boils and eddies suitable for 'improvers' courses. Due to Water Authority works some years ago, there are stone or concrete blocks just below just below the surface, especially at the downstream outflow, on which craft may bottom at below average water levels. From THORNEY to LANGPORT BRIDGE (415265) the river runs through an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB) parts of which are also Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is also prone to serious flooding after heavy rain when headroom under many bridges is non-existent! MUCHELNEY ABBEY (429249) is worth a visit.

ACCESS. Although there is no formal access agreement, canoeing and angling co-exist amicably; BUT there is NO canoeing on angling competition days (usually Sundays with some Junior events on a Saturday) between the Bridges at 424263 (HUISH Bridge) and 415272 (Railway viaduct). Check with the LAO for competition dates.

LAUNCHING/LANDING.
OATH LOCK 382278. Roadside parking only.
LANGPORT (COCKLEMOOR PARK) 419265. Riverside car park, shops, toilets, etc.
HUISH BRIDGE (or BLACKBRIDGE) 424263. Limited parking.
MUCHELNEY BRIDGE 425248. Small layby. Launch on left below bridge.
THORNEY MILL. Ask permission from owners. Normally given.
GAWBRIDGE MILL. Ask permission from owners. Normally given.
LANGPORT (Bow Bridge 415266). Limited parking

Please note that the Langport steps have now been moved next to the pumping station on the bend of the river above Bow Bridge and near the Great Wester

River Sowy

A flood relief channel for the River PARRETT. Access at GREYLAKE on KINGS SEDGEMOOR DRAIN and from the River PARRETT (see note on this river) making a short touring circuit.

Parking and roadside access at road bridge 392315 near OTHERY. The sluice here involves a portage across the road which can be busy. This is a popular angling spot.

St Germans River

The St Germans river enters the Tamar south of Saltash and can be accessed from Wearde Quay or Antony Passage (slipways). It is a broad estuarial river much reduced in width by mud banks at low tide, dividing into two arms about 5 miles from Wearde Quay, just short of St Germans, This is the confluence of the River Lynher which is tidal for about 3 miles from Notter Bridge, and the River Tiddy which can be followed on the tide past St. Germans Quay for 4 miles to Tideford, to which commercial craft formerly plied.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Peter Crago

Stour

Map OS Landranger 183: 194 and 195

The Stour rises not far from Mere and flows south and east to Christchurch Harbour. A quiet river, passing through pleasant country. Weeds and rushes are plentiful in summer but there is usually a fair current. Apt to be shallow below mills and weirs, but with long placid stretches above them. Private water all the way down.

It has been canoed from Gillingham, but these upper parts are narrow and twisting and a better starting point would be Sturminster Newton.

There are about four weirs, two ruined, in the 14 miles from Sturminster Newton past Bryanston School to Blandford Forum, and another two weirs in the 13 miles to Wimborne. Canford bridge and weir are followed by Canford School. There are two portages in the 8 miles from here to Ensbury Bridge (A.347), and another at Throop 3 miles beyond. The river is tidal for the last 2 miles from Iford Bridge to Christchurch Quay.

Canoeing takes place at Bryanston and Canford Schools through the property of which the river passes.

There are no access agreements on the river. Enquiries about the advisability of canoeing can be made to the L.A.O. (If writing please send a stamped addressed envelope)

BCU Local Access Officer
Simon Redman
50 Grosvenor Road
Stalbridge
Dorset
DT10 2PN

Tel: 01963 363413

River Tamar

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Tamar is a pleasant touring river being wide and fairly predictable for most of its length, with quiet pools and small rapids interspersed with weirs ranging from 2 - 4 feet in height. These 'V' shaped weirs are usually best shot in the middle but demand extreme caution in high water when serious stoppers are common. They can be portaged on the left bank but care must be taken to avoid the fishing stands which are built out into the river and which can be serious obstacles when the river is high. It should also be noted that the speed and quantity of flow during floods can make it impossible or at least very difficult to 'swim' a capsized canoe to the bank; paddlers should therefore be of at least two star standard (Inland).

Written permission is required from access officer and the Season is 16th October to 28th February.

The tidal River Tamar is a public navigation and therefore can be canoed all the year round. The top of the estuary above Cotehele is sheltered and meandering. The river water flows with the direction of tidal flow, there being only small eddies and break out places close in against the banks. Below Cotehele the rivers' banks open out and the river becomes more exposed to wind and can get very choppy. The main currents run in the tidal direction but against the inside banks of bends there is often an eddy with the current moving against the main flow direction. The insides of bends between Halton Quay and Cargreen are shallow at times. Below Cargreen there is no shelter at all until the Saltash Bridges.

The flow of water during the ebbing tide is fast and attempting to make progress against the current in canoes is not to be recommended. At high tide and on incoming tides upstream canoeing is possible, allowing an attractive 'there and back' trip from Calstock or Cotehele up to Wear Head.

Most slips and access points to the river are privately owned though most owners do not charge for access. Some require that you ask before crossing their property. All landowners and slip owners have been most helpful in compiling this guide, you are asked to park sensibly, follow the country code and the canoeists code.There are some legal requirements that all river traffic, including canoes, must keep at least 50 metres from the moored Royal Navy barges in the river above Saltash and the Ammunition Wharf and Pier above the Tamar Bridge on the St. Budeaux bank.

Launching is possible at all stages of the tide from the following access points, if not from a proper hard slipway then at worst by sliding down the steep mud banks to the water. Landing however below half tide is at the best messy and at Morwellham impossible due to the high, steep mud banks. Landing at low water at Saltash and St. Budeaux is easy, and clean.

Gunnislake (GR 435707)
The most upstream access is near Gunnislake, Cornish side. Access to the river is just below Lock Cottage where the Tamar Canal joins the river. Limited parking is available at the triangular space by the cottages 200 metres from the river. Permission for access is required from Mr. Beecham, Tavistock 832818, or Mr. Hill, Tavistock 832842. Launch or land at any stage of the tide. Shops and toilets in Gunnislake, 1 mile away. Gunnislake Weirhead is not shootable safely due to a concrete apron at low tide and low river levels, and a dangerous enclosed stopper during flood conditions. There is no land access to this weir. There are some smaller shootable weirs between Lock Cottage and Weirhead. These can be approached from downstream and provide some good white water canoeing though they are covered at high tide. You are asked to keep away if the pools enclosed by these weirs are being fished, as it is by permission of the South Tamar Fisheries that access is allowed to the river at Lock Cottage. The river down to Morwellham is sheltered and particularly beautiful, perhaps the most scenic in the West Country.

Morwellham (GR 446697)
After 2.5kms you reach Morwellham on the Devon bank. Contact Morwellham Recreational Centre, Tavistock 832766. This is private land and permission is necessary to launch or land though canoeists are welcome. Landing below half tide is very difficult due to deep steep mud banks. The Morwellham Open Air Museum is open all year round, (admission fees are payable), allow 4 to 5 hours for a visit. There is ample parking, toilets, shop, cafe and many features of local industrial archeological interest.

Calstock, (GR 436685)
After a further 3kms is Calstock on the Cornish bank. There is a public slipway here and a car park. Launching and landing is possible at all times, though muddy at low tide. Facilities include toilet, public house, shops, cafe, and a historic village setting. This is a more practical starting point than Gunnislake and with the tide behind you it is possible to paddle upstream from here. Cotehele Quay, (GR 423681) follows after another 1 km on the Cornish bank. This is a picturesque National Trust site with ample parking and a slip which can be used at any stage of tide. A small daily launch fee is payable to the Car Park Attendant. Toilets, cafe and Cotehele House and restaurant are found here. The river becomes more open and exposed below Cotehele.

Halton Quay (GR 413655)
After another 2.7kms, or 9.2 kms from Gunnislake Halton Quay is found on the Cornish bank. You may launch and land at any stage of the tide but it is very muddy below half tide. This is private land used by a company, Tamar Canoe Expedition, whose proprietor, Mr E.C.S. Coryton, should be contacted before you use the quay. Phone/Fax: 01579 351113. Weir Quay, (GR 433647) is another 2.5kms downstream on the Devon bank. Use the slip by the Sailing Club freely at any stage of the tide. It belongs to Weir Quay Boat Yard who offer facilities for boats and canoes including storage. There are no toilets or shops.

Cargreen (GR 436626)
Two kilometres further on the Cornish bank is Cargreen. Launch or land at any state of the tide freely by agreement of The Spaniards Inn, Saltash 842830, who only require notice from parties at busy times (summer weekends). Parking, pub food, licensed restaurant, toilets are available here. The Tavy estuary joins the Tamar just to the south and the river becomes more open and exposed below Cargreen. Saltash, (GR 433586) lies on the Cornish bank, 3.5kms below Cargreen and 17kms from Gunnislake. Launch and land easily at any stage of the tide at two places (i) above the bridges at the Council slipway, or (ii)on the old ferry slip just below the bridges or the beach at Waterside. Ample parking, toilets, pubs, etc can be found here. Alternatively, on the Devon bank at St.Budeaux, (GR 436585) is an all tide slipway with parking, toilets and pubs just downstream of the bridges. Beware of strong currents around the bridge piers at some of the tide flow. Below this point the river becomes wider, more exposed and very busy. It is possible, though, to continue into Plymouth Sound via the Hamoaze, but note the legal restrictions described above. The Sound should be treated as open sea canoeing and not river touring.

High Water at Plymouth : Dover minus 5½ hours
High water at Gunnislake: Approximately 1 hour after Plymouth.

Tamar Estuary

High water at Plymouth:
Dover minus 5 1/2 hours
High water at head of estuary: Approx: 1 hour after Plymouth.

Map: OS Landranger 201. One Inch Dartmoor Tourist Map.

The tidal Tamar extends from Wear Head, Gunnislake, past the mouth of the tidal river Tavy and Saltash to the mouth of the tidal river St Germans (or Lynher). From this confluence the Hamoaze (the estuary of these three tidal rivers) continues between Torpoint and Devonport followed by a narrow winding reach (the Narrows) past Devil's Point into Plymouth Sound.

Formerly vessels sailing up the Tamar reached Gunnislake by the Tamar Canal, which bypassed the weir at Wear Head but is now derelict. There is no ingress or egress at the weir itself.

The top of the estuary above Cotehele is sheltered and meandering. From Wear Head past Morwellham it passes through a narrow and very beautiful winding valley between wooded hillsides, opening out a little past Calstock. Above Cotehele the flow of the river water reverses with the direction of the tidal flow. This enables a very attractive "there and back" trip from Calstock or Cotehele up to Wear Head on the flood tide and back on the ebb.

Below Cotehele the main currents run with the direction of the tide but against the inside banks of bends there is often an eddy with the current moving contrary to the main flow direction. The insides of bends between Halton Quay and Cargreen are shallow at times.

Historically the whole of the estuary was used by barge and small coastal shipping, and is a public navigation. But not all slipways and access points are public. At the others the owners often do not charge for use.

Landing at some access points below half tide can be muddy or messy, but launching is always possible. Landing at Saltash and St Budeaux at low water is easy and clean.

There are legal requirements that river craft must keep away from moored naval barges above Saltash and the establishments on the St Budeaux bank above the Tamar bridges.

Access Points with distances from Wear Head.

0. Gunnislake. Cornwall. There is no convenient access near the main road. The only access point is on the Cornwall bank where the channel of the derelict Tamar Canal diverges from the river (GR 435 707) About half a mile below Wear Head. It is usable at all states of the tide, but is not on a road and parking is not feasible. About 200 yards back from the river there are some cottages, from which a track goes past Lock Cottage (on the derelict Canal) to the end of a lane leading in about half a mile to the main road.

2.5. Morwellham Devon. (GR 446 697). Here there is the Morwellham Open Air Museum with the former quays and dock loading facilities for minerals and other products that were brought from the mines in the hills round about for shipment by barge and coastal ships. There are restored village houses, workshops, a school and other features such as inclined planes. The area was abandoned when it went out oF use at the beginning of the 20th century. 4 or 5 hours are needed to see it adequately. There are ample parking facilities, cafe, shop and other facilities. It is privately owned and permission to launch or land is needed. Canoeists are welcome. Tel: Tavistock 832766. Admission fees are payable. Although a slipway has been partly cleared at the dock, which dries out at low tide, landing below half tide is not practicable.

5.5 Calstock Cornwall. (GR 436 685). An historic village in a beautiful setting. Public slipway and car park close to the railway viaduct. Shops, cafe and Inns. A much more practical ingress/egress point than Gunnislake, especially as canoeing to Morwellham and the head of the estuary is practicable from here.

6.5. Cotehele Quay. Cornwall. (GR 423 681). A picturesque National Trust site with cafe, restaurant and ample parking. Cotehele House and gardens up the hill. The slipway can be used at any state of the tide. A launching fee may be levied. The river becomes more open and exposed below Cotehele.

9.2. Halton Quay. Cornwall (GR 413 655). Parking but no facilities. Launch and land at any stage of the tide, but muddy below half tide. This is a private slipway and large groups may experience difficulties. Check with the L.A.O. for the latest details.

11.7. Weir Quay, Devon. (GR 433 647). The slip by the Sailing Club can be used at any state of the tide. The Weir Quay Boatyard offers facilities for boats and canoes including storage. A very long wide reach follows on which waves can easily build up.

13.5. Cargreen Cornwall. (GR 436 626). Land or launch at any state of the tide with agreement of the Crooked Spaniards Inn. Parking and pub food, restaurant, etc. Tel: Saltash 842830. The estuary of the River Tavy joins the Tamar about 3/4 mile to the south on the Devon side, where the estuary is very wide. On the Cornwall side the Landulph creek can be explored on the tide to Moditonham Quay and beyond.

17. Saltash, Cornwall. (GR 433 586). Launch or land easily at any state of the tide.

1. Above the bridges at the Council slipway or
2. At the old ferry slipway just below the bridges or the beach at Waterside

B.C.U. Local Access Offficer
Peter Crago

River Tavy

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is another of Dartmoor's less well known rivers, but one which can provide an epic paddle at high water. The Tavy does not have any formal agreement and it is not therefore possible to give access permission to paddle this river. However, you will be very unlikely to encounter opposition to canoeing above Harford Bridge during the game fishing close season, which is 15th October to 1st March, and it is understood that some people do paddle it in spate during the summer months and rarely meet any fishermen. The river should be considered as being in two distinct sections.

Hill Bridge (532803) to Harford Bridge (505767) or Tavistock: Grade 3-5. Above Tavistock, this more interesting section is highly challenging even for experienced paddlers due to a steep gradient, large rocks, trees, dead sheep and all the usual delights of upland rivers. It needs to be fairly high to be paddleable, (i.e. heavy rain within the last 24 hours), and when it is up it is a good grade three or more, depending on level. Inspection is essential in some places. There are real enthusiasts who have carried their boats upstream of Hill Bridge beyond the track at Nat Tor, (541823) and found very exciting water, but this is a long carry and it is important to check on the status of the firing range before setting off. At the lower end of this section it is possible to paddle down into Tavistock itself, but there is one enormous weir which is a definite compulsory portage between Harford Bridge and the town, and most of the rest of this section is flat or grade 2 only. Most paddlers therefore egress at the campsite at Harford Bridge, having first checked in with the owners. Vertical drop: 92 metres Distance: 5kms (3.1 miles).

Tavistock to the Tidal Estuary (Lopwell Dam, 475650): Grade 2-3 The section below Tavistock is effectively un-canoeable due to one landowner who makes it quite clear that he will sue canoeists. Despite this very real threat I know of a number of people who have paddled this stretch without challenge and they tell me that it is similar in difficulty to the loop on the Dart, although it may be more technical in places.

Taunton to Bridgwater Canal

This has been the venue for marathon racing in recent years and is much used by DW crews for training. It is owned by the British Waterways Board and over the past few years much work has been done to raise fixed bridges and renew swing bridges in order to raise it to cruiseway standard.

The canal stretches for about 14 miles, from FIREPOOL LOCK (ST231253) to BRIDGWATER DOCKS (ST297375). The town stretches of the canal are uninspiring, but there are 12 miles of interesting paddling with 4 portages between BATHPOOL 2526 and the BOAT and ANCHOR Canal side Inn at 313348 just short of the M5 motorway viaduct. There is much of interest to be seen, the unusual water tower of the Great Western Railway at FIREPOOL Lock, the engine house at CHALTON which pumped water from the River TONE into the canal, the village of NORTH NEWTON, where the Alfred Jewel was found in 1693 on the site of the Church. It is now part of the Crown Jewels. There is also a pleasant inn close to the canal at NORTH NEWTON and overall much to interest the naturalist.

ACCESS. FIREPOOL LOCK (230254) no long term parking.
BATHPOOL (253262) BWB CARPARK next to the Swingbridge. Camping, shop and toilets at St Quintons Hotel 200m away by the A38 bridge.
CREECH ST MICHAEL(273255) New Car Park. Use if portaging into River TONE. Picnic area.
MAUNSELL LOCK (308297) New Car Park and picnic area.
KINGS LOCK-NORTH NEWTON (306314) New Car Park.
CROSSWAYS BRIDGE (309353) Car park and picnic area.
YMCA.BRIDEWATER(295367) Slipway, permission required.

BCU/BWB licence applies, otherwise a £1 day ticket is required, available from
St Quintins Hotel
Bathpool
Taunton
TA2 8BG
01823 259171
 

Group and weekly rates for non BCU members can be obtained from:
B.W.B.
Craft Licensing Officer
Willow Grange
Church Road
Watford
WD1 3QA

River Tone

Update

The Tone rises in the Brendon Hills and flows for 33km before joining the River Parrett at Burrowbridge. The catchment also includes the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, Clatworthy Reservoir and Somerset levels.

Work to make improvements to floodbanks along the river is due to start in 2001 at a cost of around £3.6 million. The scheme involves inproving Stanmoor Bank and Baltmoor Wall near East Lyng.

Baltmoor Wall will be strengthened using a number of different techniques along its length The Works at Stanmoor will involve strengthening and raising the bank using either steel sheet piling or an earth bank. Baltmoor wall protects over 60 properties and Stanmoor Bank protects over 130 homes and farms from flooding, many of which are built along the bank itself and are some of the most vulnerable to flooding on the Somerset Levels.

Baltmoor Wall was originally built by the Abbots of Athelney between 1154 and 1375 to reclaim land at North Moor and Saltmoor for farming. This mediaeval causeway linked East Lyng to the Abbey of Athelney. Investigations carried out show that the bank overlays a thick layer of clay that may represent an earlier bank. Under the clay was a peat deposit over a burnt layer; this may represent either industrial activity or clearance of marsh vegetation for farming. Whilst the embankment dates back to mediaeval times the stone cladding was added between 1880 and 1883.

Access

The river has been canoed from WELLINGTON but it is a fly-fishing river down to TAUNTON. Negotiations are in hand for improved access but at present there is open access from FRENCH WEIR (ST221249) to FIREPOOL (ST231253), which covers about one mile through Taunton. From FIREPOOL to STANMOOR BRIDGE (ST357302) is about 12 miles, but there are some conflicts with an angling club on this section.

The Tone joins the River PARRETT at BURROWBRIDGE (358304), with a distinct tidal effect from here upstream to HOOK BRIDGE (337278). This sometimes gives beginners a strenuous upstream paddle.

At TAUNTON, FRENCH WEIR (220247) can be shot on the right. This is a former slalom site where novice events were held each year.

FIREPOOL WEIR (230253) MUST be inspected since it can only be shot in moderate conditions. At high water levels, the tow-back is immense, VERY dangerous and the portage is via the right bank. On the left it is possible to portage past FIREPOOL LOCK and into the TAUNTON - BRIDGEWATER Canal. The river runs through the outskirts of TAUNTON to BATHPOOL BRIDGE (250257), here is a shootable weir. There are also at intervals, fish control booms and the river is fairly narrow. Just past the old CHARD canal aquaduct the river forks around an island. Either route can be taken but if a portage into the TAUNTON- BRIDGEWATER Canal is envisaged (some 400 metres) it is best to go right and land at the road bridge at 274252.

The weir at HAM (287252) is not usually shot - it is semi-circular and can be usually portaged past the fish steps on the left or down the face. 300 metres downstream there is an old ford on which laden canoes may bottom. From here to NEW BRIDGE 316269 the banks are high and views restricted. On this stretch ramblers and bird watchers use the riverside paths.

At NEW BRIDGE there is a sluice at the ultimate tidal limit. If the gates are closed, portage right and take care crossing the road. The apparently open sluice on the left has iron stakes protruding from each side and there are concrete walls across the downstream end just under water forming a sort of box. This passage needs careful inspection from both sides of the bridge.

From NEWBRIDGE to BURROWBRIDGE there are high banks but the Pumping Station just short of the Railway bridge has interesting old machinery and the junction with the PARRETT is dominated by the BURROW MUMP with its old chapel, locally called King Alfred's chapel.

ACCESS.
There is no formal access agreement but fishing clubs are tolerant of canoeists.
GREENBANK TERRACE Slipway (225246).Public Car park, toilets.
TANGIER Scout Centre (223246). Very limited parking.
CREECH ST MICHAEL (274252), Use canal car park, which is signed.
HAM WEIR (287252) Launching and landing only. Roadside parking.
NEW BRIDGE (316269) Parking for up to six cars.

River Torridge

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The River Torridge rises in the north west corner of Devon and flows in a large loop before joining the River Taw at Appledore, then flowing into the Bristol Channel. It is mostly a grade 2 river with few hazards other than some of the weirs, but at high water the speed of flow can provide exciting and demanding conditions. The river is important for game fishing so the importance of adhering to the Access Agreement cannot be over stated. Please only use the access and egress points described below except in dire emergency.

SHEEPWASH BRIDGE (486058)

The river is canoeable from Sheepwash Bridge (486058) at high water levels only. A more commonly used start point is Hele Bridge (540063) where access is gained on the left bank through a gate on the upstream side; cars can be left in the lay-by 100 metres towards Meeth. Between here and New Bridge is about 4.5 miles of tame paddling, access at New Bridge is on the left bank downstream. A further 4 miles of gentle paddling brings you to Beaford Bridge (access: left bank upstream) and 7.5 miles later you will encounter Lady Palmer weir. This is usually best shot on the right, which is also the side to portage, but please do not land on the right bank below the weir which is a conservation area and should not be disturbed. There is no access here.

TOWN MILLS BRIDGE (500184)

A further 2 miles downstream is Town Mills Bridge (500184) and Taddiport Bridge (488188) follows shortly after that. Access to both is on the right bank, downstream. Taddiport Weir is only a quarter of a mile further on; this is best shot down either of the two fish runs left and right or, if levels are high, down the face in the centre. This weir can be portaged on the left. Rothern Bridge (480198) is 1 mile from here; access and parking are on the left bank and a pub (the Puffing Billy) is over a small bridge on the right bank. If you started at Hele Bridge you have now travelled 18.5 miles so why not stop for a rest? Within half a mile of Rothern Bridge is the notorious Beam Weir which really must be inspected before shooting. It lies below the second of the two railway bridges so you must get out on the left before the bridge, it sounds easy but is actually very difficult! In low water it may be possible to get out on the lip of the weir on the extreme right but this is not advised for beginners or at high flows as a sideways shoot may follow - very nasty. Portage on the left, but watch out for barbed wire in the eddy. At present shooting is not recommended due to some very crude anti-scour work (i.e. great big rocks embedded below the weir face) and due to the difficulty of rescuing those caught in the fish steps. Avoid the wired-off section which is a fish counter also rumoured to catch unwary otters. Beam aqueduct (disused) one mile on, is the next access point (left bank, upstream) where parking is available in the quarry, but beware abseilers and loose rocks.

WEARE GIFFARD WATER TREATMENT WORKS

Weare Giffard Water Treatment Works (access right bank, but difficult parking) is 1.5 miles downstream and is shortly followed by the tidal limit of the river. 3 ½ miles further is "Little America" where a large lay-by on the left bank on a bend makes a good start point for trips on the head of the estuary, and Bideford Bridge within a mile, channels the tide at certain levels allowing good slalom practice. At low tides most water is found on the Bideford side i.e. the left bank. Shortly after this is the Bank End slipway and car park which provides a convenient egress point from some 27.5 miles from Hele Bridge. If you go further beware of the water ski area at "Cleave Wrecks" under the left bank cliffs, where both ski boats and oarsmen habitually travel at great speed while looking backwards. Further on the hazards get bigger; catamarans, yachts, dingies and windsurfers will be found around Appledore, as well as a ferry and numerous moored boats. Parking is very difficult here in Summer due to tourists. Beyond this point the river has the characteristics of an open sea, with strong tidal currents and a long swim to the next land, Lundy Island. You should not attempt to paddle here unless you are experienced at reading tidal data and dealing with strong currents.

River Walkham

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The River Walkham is a tributary of the Tavy, and like the Tavy it is not, at present, covered by a formal access agreement. The popularity of this river has risen enormously following its inclusion in one of Terry Storey's guides and this has led to several confrontations between landowners and canoeists. Negotiations are under way with local land-owners and fishermen, though, so please be courteous if you are stopped while canoeing this river. It would also help me if you can get the name and address of the objector, or give them mine, and please let me know if you are confronted.

Adam Box, Regional Access Officer, 01363 773793

Westport Canal

Part of the original commercial navigation system, it joins the River ISLE at 404226 and runs for about 3 miles to WESTPORT terminating at an old warehouse at 385198. After a clearance operation in the 1970's it is rather overgrown and requires dredging. Three portages are necessary. The canal is owned by the NRA.

ACCESS via the River Isle and
BRIDGE 385199
BRIDGE 401216. Car Park and Slipway

River Yeo

The river has been canoed from SHERBORNE (6516) to its junction with the River PARRETT at HUISH Bridge (424263). Between YEOVIL (5716) and ILCHESTER (5222) there are four weirs which can be shot in most conditions. The river is narrow and local anglers are reluctant to have an access agreement. The weir at 581196 has a good chute and a 'short' slalom competition was held there in the 1970's. Car parking and access to this point is difficult. From ILCHESTER to HUISH Bridge there is good paddling with three weirs. That at LONG LOAD Pumping Station (469238) has to be portaged. The other two can be shot but the sluice at PIBSBURY (441261) is sometimes closed and the weir can be portaged on either bank.

The gradient of the river bed steepens for 200 metres downstream of BICKNELLS BRIDGE and provides a short rapid with haystacks and eddies small in certain water conditions. There is plenty of room for beginners and improvers to experience rather faster water.

ACCESS.
From LONG LOAD to BICKNELLS BRIDGE is accessible except on competitions days.
HUISH Bridge (424263) Car parking.
LONG LOAD (467238). Restricted to limited roadside parking and permission needed.
ILCHESTER. LAY-BY at 524232. Permission required.