River Severn FAQ’s

The Severn Valley Railway is a steam train line running alongside the river Severn. We use this as your method of transport to return to your start point. It is a fantastic way of seeing the valley from  a different viewpoint on your way back and adds something a bit different to your trip. The price of this is included when your book.

We have a comprehensive overview of the differences between a canoe and kayak on this page.

We have a range of sit-on-top kayaks, closed kayaks and open Canadian canoes. For further information see our equipment page.

There is a minimum age of 6 years old. If you have small children, call 01432 264 807 to speak to one of our experienced paddlers. Canadian Canoes work well if your children are very young. These large open canoes can easily accommodate two adults, two children and a bag of necessities for the day.

We accept bookings of two or more. This is because it can be dangerous to paddle alone!

You can either complete our enquiry form on the website, email or call our office and we will book you in. In the summer months please book well in advance to avoid being disappointed.

You will be fitted with a buoyancy aid – this must be worn at all times. Lightweight shorts or trousers, not jeans. Wear shoes you dont mind getting wet. Ideally some old trainers, or something thats not going to fall off your feet. Avoid sandals that don’t strap onto your feet, wellies, flip flops, or stilettos!!

If you haven’t got any paddling experience or if you have young children in your group, we would always recommend having an instructor or river guide with you, but most groups just hire boats and go, especially if they have been with us before and are confident on water. You should always have an instructor if you’re a youth group (from a school, college or similar) unless you have your own qualified instructor with your group.

• Half day canoe hire: £25 per person.
• Full day canoe hire: £30 per person.
• Overnight canoe hire: £30 per person.
• Half day sessions with instructor: £35 per person.
• Full day sessions with instructor: £45 per person.

Call 01432 264 807 for a quote.

We accept bookings of two or more. This is because it can be dangerous to paddle alone!

Yes, so long as your dog can swim and your confident then that’s fine.

This depends on the river level at the time when you’re paddling. Normally we say if the river’s “low it’s slow” but this does vary slightly from one section to another. Normally during summer time conditions, groups travel at an average of 3mph.

Normally we would recommend a day trip being around 12 miles but if groups start early enough you could cover 18 miles.

Anything up to 5.5 miles is good half day session. Anything over 5.5 miles is classed as a full day.

Yes and we give barrels to put your kit into.

Some of our river touring kayaks have compartments to put kit into but you’ll need to bring your own dry bags and pack lightly. Bin bags work really well in the storage spaces as well.

Yes, there are options to camp next to the river. Some campsite have more facilities than others. Checkout our information page for full details.

Stopping along the way is permitted and you’ll find lots of place to pull over either on public land or at cafe’s or pubs along the way. All we ask is that you respect other people property and be careful not to trespass on private land.

Please put all your litter in bins and don’t leave anything behind. If you need a bag just ask, we always have loads to hand out.

We don’t recommend drinking any alcohol at all while on any activities as you will increase the risk of having an accident.

No. Please take all fluids in plastic containers. Glass and rivers don’t mix very well and people generally end up with getting injured or worse animals getting killed.

Yes. We supply transport to collect you at the end of your trip and return you to the start, which is always included in the price.

Canoeing and kayaking are water sports so we always tell people to plan on getting wet and to dress accordingly. Some people might only get a wet bum but others do capsize on occasion and it’s best to have a change of clothes with you.

Before you set off we will give you a full safety brief based on the conditions on the day and we will explain exactly what to do in the event of capsizing and ending up in the river. We issue buoyancy aids to each person, so you don’t have to be the best swimmer, although you do have to be confident and able. If you don’t think you are either we would always recommend having a guild or instructor with you for your trip.

You don’t have to be a great swimmer but you do have to be able bodied and confident. If you’re not then take a guide or instructor with you. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Yes, if you’re canoeing you can have waterproof barrels to put your things in. On top of this we always recommend putting your items in a plastic bag first just to be completely safe.

Yes. At the very least you should have some fluids and a snack but picnics are a great option as well. Just remember not to trespass on other peoples land and always take your litter home. If you need a rubbish bag ask your instructor before you set off, we normally carry spare in the vehicles.

Waterproof jacket, fleece or something warm depending on the weather. A change of clothes and shoes just in case you get wet. A small waterproof bag or container for your phone. We provide you with barrels to store some kit. A bit of food and drink.