River Severn

Canoes, kayaks, guiding and coaching.

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:

Lift, carry, launch and land the canoe/kayak safely. This may involve getting up and/or down steep muddy banks;
Paddle a straight course, keeping forward momentum;
Change course safely while the boat is moving;
Move the canoe or kayak sideways;
Stop the canoe or kayak with a short distance without losing direction.
Recognise rapids or weirs from a safe distance;
Recognise submerged rocks, strainers and other hazards;
Assess rapids and hazards, to make in informed choice whether to paddle or portage;
Recogise a safe eddy;
Break out of the current;
Hold position in the flow and ferry-glide into an eddy;
Break into the current;
Get into/out of the canoe/kayak safely in deep and shallow fast-flowing water;
Move canoes past hazards by safely using lines;
Understand the dangers of an unintentional 'swim', and trying to wade, in fast water;
Swim safely to the shore;
Empty a swamped canoe or kayak using safe handling techniques;
Climb back into the canoe from deep water in the event of a capsize, and help others to do so.

For unaccompanied hire on the River Severn between

Stourport and Gloucester, paddlers should be able to:

Lift, carry, launch and land the canoe/kayak safely, This may involve climbing in and/or out at high walls, or getting up and/or down steps and/or steep muddy banks;
Paddle a straight course, keeping forward momentum;
Change course while the boat is moving;
Move the canoe or kayak sideways;
Stop the canoe or kayak with a short distance without losing direction.
Learn the rules of navigation and observe them when in river traffic;
Recognise locks, weirs, outfalls,sluices and other hazards from a safe distance and identify a safe landing for portage or inspection;
Identify the safe route past a weir, or into a lock;
Recognise strainers and tree hazards;
Assess hazards, to make in informed choice whether to paddle or portage;
Recogise a safe landing or eddy;
Hold position in the flow and ferry-glide into an eddy;
Break into and out of the current;
Get into/out of the canoe/kayak safely in deep and shallow fast-flowing water;
Move canoes past hazards by safely using lines;
Understand the dangers of an unintentional 'swim', and trying to wade, in fast water;
Swim safely to the shore;
Empty a swamped canoe or kayak using safe handling techniques;
Climb back into the canoe from deep water in the event of a capsize, and help others to do so.

Afon Hafren - River Severn Route Planner

Distance from confluence with Afon Vyrnwy (approx)	Points of Interest	Facilities / Accommodation etc.
Check River Level at this point	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
10.25 miles Check River Level at this point	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 Check River Level at Welsh Bridge	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 Check River Level at Buildwas	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 Check River Level at this point.	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 Check River Level at this point.	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 Check River Levels at this point.	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
Check River Level at this point	Haw Bridge	Inn, Camping
	Upper Parting Take the left arm to reach Gloucester
Check River Levels at 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

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