The Dore

Nearby Rivers: Monmouth area - Monnow and Wye

The Dore is actually an English river in its entirety, though it empties into the Monnow which forms part of the border. I was intrigued to explore it after the Shadowlands film only to discover that, although Anthony Hopkins may have explored the Golden Valley (through which the Dore flows), C S Lewis certainly did not.

Abbey Dore to Great Corras bends

8 km grade I; one weir

Turn off the B4347 at Abbey Dore where access can be had at the Court Gardens bridge GR386309. The river is grade I as it weaves down its narrow course between gnarled and ancient tree roots. A fantastic place this for the flash of blue and red of the kingfisher, despite the proximity of MOD fencework. After the addition of the Worm Brook and then the Dulas Brook, the trees take a step back and the channel becomes much clearer. About a kilometre after the confluence with the Monnow, Cupid’s Hill weir is reached - safely shootable unless in high flood. Egress by the little ford and footbridge  GR419250 at the Great Corras bends. See Monnow notes.