GUIDE TO THE RIVER OUSE

(Rawcliffe to Fulford)

NAME OF RIVER: Ouse

WHERE IS IT?: Flow through the centre of York.

PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: PUT-IN: At Rawcliffe Bar Park Ride at the A1237/A19 junction (SE576547). Park in the layby southbound on the A1237 near the roundabout, as opposed to in the Park Ride itself. Map here.

TAKE-OUT: Park at the York Motor Yacht Club Marina/Fulford pumping station at the end of St. Oswalds Road. Take-out just after a modern/"millenium style" bridge at the end of the first mooring of the yacht club by a green fence (SE603495). Walk across the field to a cycle path which leads to St. Oswalds Road. Map here.

APPROX LENGTH: 4.5 miles.

TIME NEEDED:

ACCESS HASSLES: None.

WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Always paddleable.

GRADING: I

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: None other than river traffic.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The River Ouse through York makes a perfect beginner's trip either for coaching and games related to the skills learnt at pool sessions; or at Christmas for a chilled out jolly combined with shopping and the international Christmas market in York!

OTHER NOTES: - Popular for big sightseeing cruisers, barges and rowers. Give way accordingly, generally passing on the right. Bear in mind rowers will have their back to you, so keep well clear.

- Fishermen regularly use this stretch- behave appropriately.

- Use the A64 and Ring Road when doing the shuttle - York city centre can be very busy, especially in the run up to Christmas

CONTRIBUTED BY: Matt Haydock (LUUCC).