RIVER AVON (Avon Tyrell to Christchurch Harbour)

[Mark R]

Guide.

[harrywatson]

Hi, sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, but I am new, so please tell me if something im doing is wrong!!

Firstly the paddle took nearer 4 hours, although we did have 2 people who were new to white water although the other 2 were very expeienced.

5 mins in there is a big tree that is across the river, stick to river left and you will have to wrestle your way through it. we found a blue pair of splits just past that so others must have had the same problem.

You must be warery as 10 mins after the get in there is a log across the whole river and I reccomend that when you see it you immediately stop and look at it from a distance first the only way to pass it is to stay on river left and paddle fast over it.

Although the guide says you have alot of problems with fishermen we didnt encounter anyone let alone fishermen until the last 30 mins of the trip. You HAVE to get out of your boat nearer the end as there is a weir that goes into a gated fishing area and the other half of the river has a net across for the sewage works. You will need to walk 5 mins downstream to just beyond the sewage works where you can then get in. There is a manor house downstream which we were told has lots of angry fishermen in so watch out!


Although a lovely paddle, now on to the Stour and I am definately going to try the upper Avon from Ringwood to the get it.

[ChrisS]

Problems on the River Avon

[odrew]

Recently on holiday just outside Christchurch. Paddled the Avon from Avon Causeway to Mudeford Quay with my daughter and her boyfriend in open boats. Beautiful paddle, clear water with lots of wildlife. Low water levels. Has one discussion with an angry fisherman just after the water extraction & treatment plant. I insisted we were not trespassing 'on' the river and agreed that he should call the bailiff if he felt that strongly about it. We did not let it spoil an enjoyable paddle and I hope it did not spoil the fisherman's day.
Paddled the Stour two days later solo from just below A31 Canford School from a footpath off Ham Lane to the public slipway in Christchurch. Fantastic days paddle otters, black swan, egrets, fish the size of salmon kettles and more king fishers than I've ever seen in a day. Had to do a bit of willow pruning at one point and choose routs through reed beds carefully. All added to the wilderness feel of the trip. Spent time finding a portage around the waterworks by the A348 bridge. Spoke to bailiff upstream of the A338 dual carriageway bridge. He agreed he could only complain if I had accessed the river on private land. However there was a floating barrier over the river to stop the spread of river weed. Bit of a pain getting around the end stake without getting out onto private land within site of bailiff.
Conclusion - don't let the niggles of fishermen put you off paddling these rivers. Noticed the Stour was on the EA's list of 10 most improved rivers this year.

[daisy45]

Hi,

I am new to these boards.

I recently read an old article about the River Avon. The 2 ladies who were canoeing the river to the sea said that they had stopped for the night at the Swan in Pulborough. It had painted panels by Constable and other notable people which had been done in return for their food and lodgings.

Does anyone know if that particular pub still exists?

With thanks

[ChrisS]

The Swan is still there but Pulborough is actually on the River Arun in West Sussex, not the Dorset Avon. The Arun is a great pub paddle and, being entirely tidal, is not plagued by access issues like the Avon.

[daisy45]

Thank you for your reply. I should have realised by the spelling, that the two rivers were not the same. I think a visit to Pulborough would be very interesting.