Severn
Canoe Trail
The Severn Canoe Trail project is focussed on the River Severn only as it passes through the county of Shropshire.
The River Severn
The River Severn, approximately 220 miles long, is the longest river in the British Isles. It flows through the region of Powys in Wales, and the counties of Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucester before reaching the broad estuary of the British channel and the sea.
The River Severn has always been a significant factor in the life of the people and wildlife that have lived along its banks. It is the oldest part of any town and provides the foundations of where people have built their life. Through time it has assisted and obstructed armies, disrupted life during floods and freezes, as well as providing important trade in the medieval times through and beyond the Industrial Revolution.
By the end of the 17th Century the Severn had become the second busiest river in Europe. However, commercial traffic declined with the introduction of the railways in the 19th Century, allowing the great river to be reclaimed by nature and its wildlife. Access to the river has degraded through time. Safe landing and launching locations are few and far between and sadly there are occasional conflicts among users of this natural wonder.
Today being outdoors is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. The peace and calming flow of the river is a big draw for many in and becomes an excellent venue for recreational activities such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing.
Whether you are a beginner taking a short paddle with an experienced friend or planning a longer trip we hope you will find the Severn Canoe Trail website useful and informative. Please note the Trail directions are set by considering the right or left hand bank as being determined by looking downstream.
Please follow us on twitter @SevernCanoTrail and we would welcome any updates on river conditions, river wildlife and River Severn stories.
With kind regards, The Rivers Team @ Shropshire Wildlife Trust
Severn Canoe Trail
The Severn Canoe Trail project is focussed on the River Severn only as it passes through the county of Shropshire. The project aims to:
- Develop and publish an on-line guide to support safe, responsible exploration of the River Severn. The guide will include lots of useful information to promote local hospitality businesses, a code of conduct to help reduce conflict between users and many other features to support river access and care of the river environment.
- Improve physical access to the River Severn by investing in a number of existing key locations and seeking further investment in the river.
- Working in partnership with businesses and landowners effective planning of the trail can be created ensuring guides are informative and webpages are up-to-date and accurate.
Sponsors
The current phase of the project is funded by the Canoe Foundation and Sport England.
