GUIDE TO THE RIVER WEAR

(Finchale Priory to Chester-le-Street)

NAME OF RIVER: River Wear.

WATER LEVEL, ACCESS AND HAZARD UPDATES:Here.

WHERE IS IT?:Map.

PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Launch at Finchale Priory (NZ297473).

Take out at Chester New Bridge, Chester-le-Street (NZ285523).

APPROX LENGTH: 12 km.

TIME NEEDED: 2.5 hours.

ACCESS HASSLES: Land owners have put signs up stating no canoes, but once you reach these there is no easy way back. We received some abuse from fishermen and I have also heard of shot guns being fired into the water in front of canoeists.

WATER LEVEL INDICATORS:The number for Rivercall North East is 09066197722, which gives three gauge readings for the Wear.

GRADING: Flat water.

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: None.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: We found this a long slow drag with no features. Touring boats may enjoy the scenery, but we found it long, flat and hard work.

OTHER NOTES: The section above is more popular. Consider a paddle from Bishop Auckland, also.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Redwatch River Runners Carl, Andy Rob (Nov 2005).