I am part of a charity group called Business4Life (B4L -https://www.b4l.news/) which is looking to raise money for WaterAid. I am a keen kayaker and was looking to do a kayaking challenge with one of the other team members. I had the crazy idea of paddling the river Severn from Source to Sea. I have lots of questions that hopefully somebody on this forum may be able to answer!
-Has this ever been done before?
-Where is the earliest point you can paddle the R.Severn?
-How long would it take?
-Is the section after Glocester to the Bristol channel do-able?
-What is classed as the mouth?
Thanks in advance for any advice/knowledge!
River Severn - Source to Sea
- DaveBland
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Re: River Severn - Source to Sea
As to the earliest point, it's here.

Sorry no idea where that is, it was so long ago – mid 80s I think.
There's a FB thread with mainly banter but a tiny bit more info in here if you can be arsed.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater

Sorry no idea where that is, it was so long ago – mid 80s I think.
There's a FB thread with mainly banter but a tiny bit more info in here if you can be arsed.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater
dave
Re: River Severn - Source to Sea
The severn from source to sea has been done many times.
There is an excellent canoeists guide online which covers the river down to worcester (or gloucester, i cannt remember). Also the second edition of the Guide to the Welsh Rivers.
Highest start point depends on your ability and on river levels so it depends.
same thing applies to how long will it take. depends on river levels, type of boat, carrying camping gear or having a support team.
Paddling below gloucester is perfectly possible but sea boats and tide planning skills become important.
Google "Severn mouth" for suggestions on where the river ends and the sea begins.
There is an excellent canoeists guide online which covers the river down to worcester (or gloucester, i cannt remember). Also the second edition of the Guide to the Welsh Rivers.
Highest start point depends on your ability and on river levels so it depends.
same thing applies to how long will it take. depends on river levels, type of boat, carrying camping gear or having a support team.
Paddling below gloucester is perfectly possible but sea boats and tide planning skills become important.
Google "Severn mouth" for suggestions on where the river ends and the sea begins.
- Mark R
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Re: River Severn - Source to Sea
I paddled c40 miles of the upper Severn a year ago, across the Welsh border, and have paddled most of the river down through the Midlands in the past. I'm not adverse to a bit of flat water touring, but I am going to say it...I think the Severn is a little bit boring. Not much going on, canalised banks, long stretches with little interest.
Do the Thames instead - it's truly incredible.
Do the Thames instead - it's truly incredible.
Mark Rainsley
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