Afon Hafren - River Severn
Afon Hafren - River Severn changes considerably in character along its course, and if you undertake an extended journey you will need to be prepared for a wide range of river conditions.
Pool Quay is the highest point on the navigation. The river is narrow and twisting,generally fast-flowing, and often has vegetation, including trees, obstructing the channel.
The river widens below the confluence of the Vyrnwy at Melverley, but there are numerous riffles and rapids, and the banks continue to be lined with vegetation. In Shrewsbury, there is river traffic, and a weir, which must be portaged. Below Shrewsbury, the river is swift, with riffles, fast water at bends and islands, small rapids and one major (grade 3+) rapid at Jackfield, just below Ironbridge.
The river changes character below Stourport, with large motorised craft, locks and weirs on the following section.
Depending on the level of the river, it may be possible for novices to take a short trip upstream from some launch points, paddling back to the start point. For all other locations, and downriver trips, see our recommended skill and experience to hire canoes and kayaks.
For mileages, campsites and other information
For unaccompanied hire on the River Severn above Stourport, paddlers should be able to:
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For unaccompanied hire on the River Severn between Stourport and Gloucester, paddlers should be able to:
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Afon Hafren - River Severn Route Planner
Distance from confluence with Afon Vyrnwy (approx) | Points of Interest | Facilities / Accommodation etc. |
Confluence with Avon Vyrnwy. Launching. | St Peter's 15th Century Church, a short paddle up the Vyrnwy from the confluence with the Severn. Church House camp Site 01691 682754 | |
0.75 miles | Edgerley | Royal Hill Inn 01743 741247 |
1.75 miles | Buckley Farm riverside camping for canoeists, basic facilities at the farm. Mr and Mrs Davies 01743 741336 | |
Montford Bridge | Shop in village. Pub: The Wingfield Arms. Wingfield Caravan Park and Camping, river right upstream of bridge. Severn House Campsite, river left downstream of bridge. | |
21.75 miles | Frankwell, Shrewsbury | Landing, access across footbridge to shops, restaurants, WC. |
23.75 miles | Shrewsbury Weir Compulsory portage if passing this weir. | Launching, WC. |
26.25 Miles | Uffington | Inn |
35.75 miles | Riverside Inn Accommodation and restaurant. Landing for patrons. | |
38.75 miles | Cressage Bridge | Village, Inn. Launching by arrangement. |
43.75 miles | Buildwas Bridge | |
46 miles | Ironbridge | Historic Town, Hotels, B&B;s, Pubs, Museums, WC, Buses. |
46.25 miles | Jackfield Rapid Grade 2-3 inspect from left bank. | |
48.25 miles | Coalport | Coalport Youth Hostel 0845 3719325 Woodbridge Inn and restaurant 01952 882054 |
55.25 miles | Bridgnorth | Falcon Hotel (near to landing point) 01746 763134 Historic Town. Hotels, B&B's, Pubs, WC, TIC, shops Severn Valley Railway |
57.25 miles | Quatford | Pub |
60.5 miles | Hampton Loade | The Unicorn Inn, Camping 01746 861515 Severn Valley Railway |
63.25 miles | Highley | Inn Severn Valley Railway |
65.5 miles | Arley | Shop, Tea Room, Inn Severn Valley Railway |
68.25 miles | Bewdley Beware powered craft beyond this point | Historic Town, B&B's, Hotels, Museum, Pubs, Shops, Cafés |
71.25 miles | Lickhill Manor Caravan and Camping Park 01299 871941 | |
73.25 miles | Stourport Junction with Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. Start of Canal and River Trust Navigation: licence needed beyond this point. | Historic Town. B&B's, Hotels, Pubs, Shops, Cafés. |
75 miles | Lincombe Lock Lock Keeper 01299 822887 | Inn |
80 miles | Holt Lock Lock Keeper 01905 620218 | |
82.5 miles | Bevere Lock Lock Keeper 01905 640275 | Inn |
82.5 miles | Worcester Junction with Worcester and Birmingham Canal Diglis Lock Lock Keeper 01905 354280 | Historic City, Hotels, B&B's, shops etc. Cathedral Buses and Trains |
87.75 miles | Confluence with the River Teme | |
93 miles | Upton on Severn | Historic Town, B&B's, Hotels, Pubs, Shops, Cafés |
102.75 miles | Tewkesbury Confluence with the River Avon Beyond here the river is tidal | Historic City, Hotels, B&B's, shops etc. Abbey |
Upper Lode Lock Lock Keeper 01684 283138 | ||
Lower Lode | Lower Lode Inn and Camping 01684 293224 | |
Apperley | Inn | |
Haw Bridge | Inn, Camping | |
Upper Parting Take the left arm to reach Gloucester | ||
Gloucester Lock Keeper 01452 318000 | Historic City, Hotels, B&B's, Shops, Cathedral. | |
Gloucester and Sharpness Canal | You can extend your journey as far as Sharpness by transferring onto the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal |