In summer, many canal and narrowboats venture onto the River Severn. They can be crewed by experienced inland canal boaters or newbie holiday makers – you may notice little difference if either is on a major river for the first time !
Can you take a narrowboat on the River Severn?
The Severn today
We look after the River Severn from Stourport to Gloucester, a section which is ideal for pleasure-boating busy with narrowboats, motor cruisers and inland waterway boats. Above Stourport, canoes and rowing boats take over.
42.6 miles
The length of the River Severn that is navigable.
Can you moor anywhere on the River Severn?
There are limited opportunities to stop below Upper Lode: the banks of the river are mostly gently sloping mud. The only water available between Tewkesbury and Gloucester is on the Lower Lode moorings. Moorings on the river are available at: Upper Lode Lock (above the lock).
Can narrowboats go on rivers?
Narrowboats are “Category D” boats which are intended only for navigating rivers, canals and small lakes but some intrepid boaters have crossed the English Channel in a narrowboat.
Do I need a license for the River Severn?
Please note that you will not be allowed passage through the River Severn locks without a valid, CRT River Licence for your craft. There must be a safe distance between large and small vessels when approaching or passing one another. Keep in mind that you are the professional, with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Do you need a licence for the River Severn?
River Licensing Information
Licence required from Stourport to Gloucester. The section from Pool Quay near Welshpool and Stourport does not require a licence. The section below Gloucester is tidal and therefore does not require a licence.
How long can I moor up on Canal?
14 days
Most canals will allow you to stay for up to 14 days before you have to move on. However, this isn’t always the case and sometimes there is a 24 or 48 hours limit.
Can you swim across the River Severn?
Yes it is legal to swim in the river.
How far up the Severn does the bore go?
The Severn Bore is an impressive tidal wave of water which works its way up the Severn Estuary over a distance of 25 miles between Awre and Gloucester.
Do you have to pay to moor a canal boat?
You usually need a boat licence. This costs around £500 to £1,000 per year and gives you permission to use the waterways. You must display the licence on both sides of your boat. You also need to pay a mooring fee if you rent a mooring.
Is living on a canal boat cheaper than a house?
Is living on a narrowboat cheaper than living in a house? ‘Yes’ – for most people. Boats are generally cheaper to buy or rent, buy an old cruiser for a few hundred pounds! Moorings usually are cheaper than property taxes, even free as long as you keep cruising!
Can you live permanently on a canal boat?
Yes, it is possible to buy a canal boat as a home. This is a much cheaper option than buying an entire house, but it comes with a variety of drawbacks with it’s advantages.
How fast can a narrowboat go on a river?
How to calculate travel time on a narrowboat. As previously mentioned, your canal boat is not permitted to travel at more than four miles per hour – and you also have to allow around 15 minutes for passing through each lock.
Why do narrowboats sink?
Main Causes of Sinking
Some of the major causes of sinking are; water in the engine room, leaking stern glands, failing to pump bilges, weedhatch faults and getting caught on lock cills or lockgates.
How many miles can you travel on a narrowboat in a day?
How far can I travel? During the summer months you can expect to cruise for anywhere between four and seven hours a day. Travelling at 3-4mph for four hours a day will mean you cover around 80 to 100 miles in a week. This will still provide plenty of time for lazy lunches and energetic exploring.
How much is a UK waterways licence?
Prices range from around £20 for a week’s licence on a river only to around £122 for 30-day ‘Explorer’ licence on a canal or river (prices as of April 2022), which allows you to spread out your use across the year.
Can I fish the River Severn for free?
The river Severn has ample free fishing at Newtown where Matt Hayes was seen in his series fishing for chub and barbel.
How much is a UK river licence?
£45 for
It’s not like a driving licence, where you have to take a test to get one. Anyone can get a licence, but it’s something you should probably buy if you paddle on inland waterways in England and Wales. The licence costs £45 for the year when you purchase through British Canoeing and covers around 4,500km of waterways.
Do I need a licence to drive a boat at sea UK?
While a licence for boat sailing is not required in the UK, there are certain circumstances in which permits will need to be authorised for boat owners sailing across inland waterways and moors. All boat owners will need to register their boat with a BSSC, as well as insuring their boat with boat insurance.
Can you take salmon from River Severn?
It is illegal to catch and remove any live or dead salmon from the following rivers, their tributaries and estuaries: Severn.