River Conditions and Access/Egress Hazards
The river is heavily muddied and silty, with significant obstructions that may restrict or prevent passage downstream from Gloucester. River conditions may make navigation difficult and increase the risk of grounding or becoming trapped.
Steps are located upstream and provide an alternative egress point. However, these steps can also be difficult to access and use safely, particularly in poor river conditions.
Location of upstream egress steps: ///grant.smiled.bumps https://w3w.co/grant.smiled.bumps
Downstream restriction:
Beyond this point, the river becomes heavily obstructed and passage downstream may be severely restricted or impassable.
Distance: 220 miles
The longest river in Great Britain, the River Severn flows for 220 miles from source to mouth. It’s a popular spot for paddlers looking for multi-day trips or long touring adventures.
As well as being Britain’s longest river, it also has one the largest tides in the world at a massive 15 metres. It is only beaten by the Yangtse in China.
The Severn is a navigation managed by the Canal & Rivers Trust between Stourport and Gloucester. Above Stourport it can be navigated as far as Pool Quay, Welshpool.
Below Gloucester, the river becomes tidal and so you must be aware of the changing tide before you head out for a paddle. This section is also quite exposed. Please check the weather and tide forecast before heading out.
Wildlife on the River Severn
Not just a picture-perfect paddle in terms of the villages and towns you’ll paddle through, the River Severn has several nature reserves. These support a variety of different bird life and even the endangered 5-spot ladybird!
The banks of the Severn are home to many species of birds including ducks, swans, snipe and moorhen. Magpies, swallows, robins and other birds are often also seen in this area.
Animal species you can see at various points of the year include water voles, mink, otter and rabbits. Around the Alney Island area is a rather large colony of rabbits.
