Boating along the River Severn

Upstream of Stourport

Above Stourport, the Severn is popular with canoeists and rowers. Trailable boats can be launched using the slipways at Shrewsbury to cruise a short stretch of the river there. You can download a detailed guide to canoeing the river using the link below.

Stourport to Gloucester

Today, narrowboats and motor cruisers regularly ply the river between Stourport and Gloucester. The five automated river locks are manned during the day, but are not user-operable out of hours. As with any such river, the Severn can be fast-flowing at times of heavy rain and you should not venture out in these conditions.

British Waterways, the navigation authority for this section of the river, does not own any moorings on the river. There are small visitor moorings in Upton-upon-Severn and at Haw Bridge. Some private marinas allow visitor moorings when they have space, for which a charge is usually made.

Please contact Gloucester Lock when approaching the city (01452 310832, VHF Channel 74). Full details of the procedure are contained in the Boaters' Code for the Severn.

The Boater's Code for the River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal is available from locks, bridges, and the British Waterways office at Gloucester Docks (enquiries.gloucester@britishwaterways.co.uk). You can contact locks on the following numbers, or on VHF Channel 74.

Gloucester to Sharpness

This treacherous stretch of river is bypassed by the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

Sharpness to Bristol

Although the 24 nautical miles passage between Sharpness and Bristol is often 'not recommended' for inland waterway craft, safe passage is possible for boats which are suitably prepared and equipped for a short sea voyage with skippers or crew members who have experience and knowledge for the journey, or with licensed Severn pilots.

For those considering the passage, detailed guidance is available through British Waterways' Gloucester office (01452 318000), the Port Authority Office at Sharpness, and from the Harbour Master's Office at Bristol City Docks. It is strongly recommended that the guidance notes are obtained well in advance of the proposed passage.

• Sharpness Harbour Master (01453 811862): 08.30-17.00 Mon-Thu, 08.30-16.30 Fri
• Sharpness Pier Head (01453 511968): from 5hrs before to 1hr after High Water, Sharpness
• Harbour Master, Bristol City Docks (0117 926 4797): 08.00-sunset
• Dock Master, Cumberland Basin (0117 9273633): from 3hrs before to 1hr after High Water, Avonmouth
• Avonmouth Signal Station (0117 982 2257): 24hrs
• HM Coastguard, Swansea (01792 366534): 24hrs
• Weather Marine Call, Bristol Channel (01891 500 459): 24hrs
• Amalgamated Gloucester Pilots (07774 226143): office hours

Diglis to Bevere - Bank erosion and boat speed

The banks of the River Severn from Diglis to Bevere are vulnerable to erosion as there are very few marginal water plants. These provide natural protection and hold the banks together.

Boaters are reminded that maximum speed limits are 6 mph (9 kmph) upstream (Diglis to Bevere) and 8 mph (12 kmph) downstream (Bevere to Diglis). Please remember to avoid creating a breaking wash. We ask you to respect the minimum recommended times for travel between these two locks, ie. 55 minutes upstream and 45 minutes downstream. See s21 of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and River Severn Navigation Byelaws 1962.

Please be aware of the wash caused by your boat and that damage to banks can be caused even when within the maximum speed. If in doubt please slow down.

Boats are also requested to:

• maintain a distance of at least 30 feet (9m) of the banks, except when mooring to minimise wash and disruption to fishermen. See s11 of the 1962 byelaws;

• navigate on the right (Starboard when looking forward on boat) and to give more space around bends;

• pass boats travelling in the opposite direction Port to Port (left to left), and overtake if necessary Starboard to Port (right to left);

• moor with bow pointing upstream only, ie. turn around if necessary;

• allow slack on mooring ropes to allow for river rises and falls;

• be aware of the need of larger boats and passenger boats to use the wrong side of the river downstream of Worcester bridge due to shallow navigable channel;

• take care as there are many small or vulnerable hand-powered craft on this section often with young children or inexperienced crew. Please slow down when approaching such vessels;

• read the Waterways Code and the Boaters' Code - Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and River Severn.

Bridge & lock opening times

Find out about British Waterways' new licences procedure for the River Severn

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.