WHITE WATER

 

 There are hundreds of white water rivers in Wales, ranging from moderate Grade 2 to extreme Grade 6 – as well as an artificial white water centre in Cardiff and the National White Water Centre on the Tryweryn near Bala.

 

However, it's important to be aware that there are differences of opinion on the legal right to paddle some parts of these rivers. We've provided as much information as we can to help you make an informed decision about where and when to paddle.

 

You may also want to check out the following external sites for more tips on where to paddle in Wales - though we cannot accept responsibility for any of the information on these sites:

 

 

LEARN MORE
DISCLAIMER: We do our best to keep this information up-to-date, but we cannot promise that it is still true on the day you read it, You are advised to check locally before paddling. Canoe Wales takes no responsibility for the information provided - and your decision to paddle is always your own.
We include on this page information relating to white water rivers in Wales that we believe will be useful to help paddlers make an informed decision on whether to paddle, but this information should not be taken as advice to trespass nor does the existence of information on this website confer any rights.
THE LEGAL SITUATION - READ THIS FIRST

North Wales


River Ceiriog


Natural Resources Wales has informed us of a temporary fish trap that they operate between March and June on the River Ceiriog at Chirk. Its operation (between dusk and dawn) is notified by warning signs and lights and when not in use it should not pose a hazard to canoeists. For details click here. 


River Dee


Llantysilio (Horseshoe Falls) access point: the tenant of the field has politely requested that paddlers carry their boats down the hill to the river, rather than dragging or tobogganing, to avoid destroying the grass which he rents for grazing. This is the least we can do to continue to earn our welcome on this precious river - so please spread the word!


The Welsh Dee from Glyndyfrdwy Bridge to Trevor is covered by an Access Arrangement. Canoe Wales does not endorse this arrangement since it does not meet our criteria for ‘appropriate management measures for shared use of waterways’. Nevertheless, this arrangement has been put in place with the support of landowners to enable commercial operators to use the river with confidence – so paddlers should be wary of behaving in ways that could jeopardise the arrangements. Canoe Wales is liaising with the Welsh Dee Partnership to seek alternative arrangements that better suit recreational paddlers.


River Glaslyn


The Glaslyn from Llyn Gwynant to Pont Aberglaslyn is covered by an Access Arrangement which includes restrictions on river levels; and on access to the Aberglaslyn gorge during the fishing season. Canoe Wales does not endorse this arrangement since it does not meet our criteria for ‘appropriate management measures for shared use of waterways’. Nevertheless, this arrangement has been put in place by the landowners to enable both paddlers and anglers to use the river with confidence – so paddlers should be wary of behaving in ways that could jeopardise this. Canoe Wales is seeking to liaise with the National Trust to review this arrangement.


Southeast Wales


River Usk


The River Usk from Sennybridge to Crickhowell is covered by an Access Arrangement. Canoe Wales does not endorse this arrangement since it does not meet our criteria for ‘appropriate management measures for shared use of waterways’. Nevertheless, this arrangement has been put in place with the support of landowners to enable commercial operators to use the river with confidence – so paddlers should be wary of behaving in ways that could jeopardise the arrangements. Canoe Wales is liaising with the Wye & Usk Foundation to seek alternative arrangements that better suit recreational paddlers.


River Wye


The River Wye upstream of Glasbury is covered by an Access Arrangement. Canoe Wales does not endorse this arrangement since it does not meet our criteria for ‘appropriate management measures for shared use of waterways’. Nevertheless, this arrangement has been put in place with the support of landowners to enable commercial operators to use the river with confidence – so paddlers should be wary of behaving in ways that could jeopardise the arrangements. Canoe Wales is liaising with the Wye & Usk Foundation to seek alternative arrangements that better suit recreational paddlers.

Share by: