3 do the Severn

3 do the Severn by John Cooke
112 miles in total, Llandrinio to Gloucester

Day one, Llandrinio to Montford Bridge 13.65 miles

We met at The Boat House in Llandrinio; this is now being converted into a private house, so another access point would be needed. This section was great; it gives you that enclosed feeling, narrow river, overhanging trees, etc. We paddled down to Montford Bridge where there is a riverside campsite with an attached pub. The campsite works on an honesty box system for payment, and they ask for £10 per person.

Day 2, Montford Bridge to Buildwas Abbey 33.14 miles

We left Montford Bridge with no destination planned; the river by now has opened up and meanders along with plenty of scenery. We stopped off at a cafe at the side of the weir for food, then carried on down. We camped that night in a field with some sheep just above Buildwas Abbey.

Day 3, Buildwas Abbey to Stourport on Severn 28.41 miles

We decided to do another long day, so we set off around 08-30, first town en route was Ironbridge, and we had to get through Jackfield rapids. We were all in loaded sea kayaks, and no one knew what the rapid was like; all safely through, we carried on with Bridgnorth next on the list. Eventually we stopped just north of Stourport on Severn at a large camping and caravan site. Another long day!

Day 4, Stourport on Severn to Worcester 20.19 miles

On the water again, and by now we had ticked off the miles to allow us two easier days to reach our finish point. After passing through Stourport, we headed for Worcester and then began looking for a place to stay, eventually finding another large caravan site just south of Worcester. Another first today for all of us was when we were directed towards the locks on the river; we had visions of unloading and carrying round, but no! They opened the gates for us to enter the lock; as long as you have a licence and a buoyancy aid on, you’re good to go. We did 4 locks with 1 more tomorrow.

Day 5, Worcester to Red Lion Wainlode Hill, Norton, Gloucester 16.72 miles

Back on the water and we soon came across a marina with a cafe, so it was breakfasts all round. We passed under the M50 then the A483 and by now the end was in sight. We finally arrived at The Red Lion Inn. A couple of drinks and we were done!

Conclusion

My personal thoughts are that the top sections are better in respect of variety, although we did some big days; these could easily be split into two days, which would be great for club trips. The amount of wildlife shows the river must be in good condition: swans, Ducks, Egrets, Kingfishers, and herons; there was a group of 3 Otters playing, which was a first for me in the wild on a river. Lots of fishermen, but all were happy to share the water.