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England

C

  • Bitterwell Lake
  • Public Boating Ponds
  • West County Water park - with RLSS Safety Cover

B1

  • City Docks from Cumberland Basin to Hanham Lock
  • River Avon to the County limits, excluding within 100 metres of Limpley
  • Stoke Bridge and all weirs
  • River Kenn
  • River Yoe
  • All reservoirs

B2

  • North of a line drawn from Brean Down to Steep Holm and east (shore side) of the line showing the limits of the Port of Bristol
  • Tidal reaches of the River Avon
  • Waters within half a nautical mile from the shore from Avonmouth to Clevedon
  • River Axe (tidal)
  • River Avon within 100 metres of Limpley Stoke Bridge and all weirs

B3

  • East of a line drawn between Clevedon Pier and Goldcliffe Point and west of the same line inside the limits of the Port of Bristol, unless otherwise classified

A

  • West of a line drawn between Clevedon Pier and Goldcliffe Point unless otherwise classified

C

  • Grand Union Canal (excluding locks and weirs)

B1

  • River Lea
  • Blue Lagoon (Arlesey) (from 1 April to 31 October)
  • Stewartby Lake (from 1 April to 31 October)
  • Luton Hoo Lake
  • Chimney Corner Lake
  • River Ouse navigable area from Kemston Mill and downstream; upstream of
  • Kempston Mill (from 1 April to 31 October) excluding spate conditions
  • River Ivel (for boating other than canoeing)

B2

  • River Ouse upstream of Kempston Mill (from 1 November to 31 March)
  • River Ivel (for canoeing)
  • Blue Lagoon (Arlesey) (from 1 November to 31 March)
  • Stewartby Lake (from 1 November to 31 March)

 

C

Except at locks the non river sections of the Kennet & Avon Canal

Other tributaries of the River Thames under normal summer flow conditions

Ditton Park upper pond and moat.

B1

Black Swan Lake

Summerlease Pit (Maidenhead Sailing Club)

No 1 Pit Wraysbury

Bray Lake

Theale Pit

The following rivers and canals under normal summer flow conditions:

  • River Thames
  • River Kennet and Kennet and Avon Canal - river sections and locks
  • River Loddon 
  • Jubilee River.

B2

All weirs (see note below)  

Queen Mother Reservoir (Datchet)

The following rivers and canals when yellow "caution stream increasing/decreasing" red "caution strong stream" warning boards are displayed at locks:

  • River Thames
  • River Kennet and Kennet and Avon Canal - river sections and locks
  • Other tributaries of the Thames   
  • Jubilee River.

Notes:

1. For pools, ponds and gravel pits not classified above, application is to be made to the County  Programme Team for permanent classification. For short-term use the water may be classified by an RYA instructor or a Paddle UK relevant coach.

2. Only canoes and kayaks are permitted to enter weir streams.

3. Weirs with anti-scour cills are prohibited to all canoes and kayaks.

4. Weirs shall be assessed at the time of use by a Paddle UK White Water coach.

5. Canoeists & kayakers wishing to use a weir pool shall seek permission from the regional navigation inspector, Environment Agency, Thames Region, Kings Meadow House, Kings Meadow Road, Reading, RG1 8DQ (0118 953 5000 ?).

6. General information on the conditions of water level (other than locks) may be obtained from the regional navigation inspector at the above address. Water conditions at weirs can be obtained from lock-keepers.

C

All canals except within 25m of locks and Brandwood Tunnel on the Stratford on Avon canal.

B1

Pikes Pool. This lies within Hereford and Worcester but is owned by Birmingham County Scouts. Permission to use Pikes Pool should be sought from Blackwell Adventure.

Canals within 25m of locks.

Brandwood Tunnel

All other waters

Notes 

Lengths of the River Rea, Hockley Brook and other urban watercourses in culverts and deep artificial channels are not suitable for Scouting activities.

Brandwood tunnel on the Stratford on Avon canal is not suitable for unpowered craft.

These changes were endorsed by a meeting of the Birmingham Scouts County Water Activities Team on 2nd March 2016, updated online on 12th April 2017.

C

  • Canals (excluding weirs)
  • Black Park Lake

B1

  • River Ouse (excluding weirs)
  • River Ousel (excluding weirs)
  • Great Moor Reservoir
  • Halton Reservoir
  • River Thames (under normal or yellow alert conditions, excluding weirs)

B2

  • River Thames under amber, red or strong stream alert conditions. The waters may only be used after assessment by an RYA or Paddle UK coach, who shall state the area in which boating is permitted, the type of craft to be used and whether he wishes to personally supervise the activity – see note below

Notes

  • Only canoes are permitted to enter weir streams
  • Weirs with an anti-scour cill are prohibited to all canoes
  • Weirs shall be assessed at the time of use by a Paddle UK White Water coach

C

  • River Cam from the road bridge at Grantchester down stream to Jesus Lock (excluding the weirs at the Mill Pool in Cambridge).
  • River Nene; various parts of river depending on flows. Responsible person to decide.
  • River Great Ouse Holt Island Boat Basin; various parts of river depending on flows. Responsible person to decide.
  • River Great Ouse for 500m either side of the slipway at Overcoat.
  • Lakes and gravel pits. Responsible person to decide.

B1

  • All waters unless classed as C, B2 or B3 including River Cam, River Great Ouse and River Nene.

B2

  • River Nene (Tidal stretch downstream of Dog in Doublet Locks).
  • Hundred foot (below Mepal).
  • Graffham Water when operating with the Sailing Centre or Activity Centre Rescue facilities, otherwise Class B3.

Notes

  • All weirs and waters in spate and during stormy conditions should be classified by the leader in charge, who should seek local advice.

C

  • Leeds and Liverpool Canal

B1

  • All waters unless otherwise classified

Notes

  • Scouts using waters which have not hitherto been available should ask for classification and advice regarding the quality of water from the County Programme Team.

C

  • Budworth Mere between sailing jetties
  • St Helens Canal (upstream of Iron Bridge, Widnes)
  • Widnes wet dock
  • Forest Camp Activity Centre - Round Pond


B1

  • Brereton Lake, Budworth Mere, Hatchmere, Nunsmere, Pickmere, Redesmere, Shakerly Mere, Shotton Mere, Tatton Mere, Turks Head Reservoir, Westloe (Congleton), and Winsford Flash
  • St. Helens Canal (Spike Island to Iron Bridge, Widnes)
  • River Weaver (upstream of Winsford flash in normal conditions)
  • Rivers Bollin and Dane (in low water conditions)
  • River Dee (from danger buoys above weir at Chester to Overton)
  • Canals (unless otherwise classified)
  • All waters not otherwise classified

B2

  • River Dee (unless otherwise classified from 1 April until 31 October)
  • River Mersey (from Mount Manisty to western limit of Fiddlers Ferry Sailing Club, from 1 April until 31 October)
  • River Mersey (from western limit of Fiddlers Ferry Sailing Club area to the Manchester Ship Canal, from 1 November until 31 March and when the river is in spate)
  • River Weaver (from Marsh Lock Buoy from 1 November until 31 March)
  • Weaver Navigation Canal (from Dutton Locks to Winsford Flash, from 1 November until 31 March)
  • Dee Estuary (up to one mile offshore)

Notes

  • Harecastle Tunnel on Macclesfield Canal forbidden to canoeists
  • No boating on Melchett Mere (Tatton Park)

Class C waters

·  Public Park lakes; local authority permission needed

Class B1 waters

·  River Tees; above Tees Barrage

·  River Leven; all water

·  Scaling reservoir; all water; Scaling Dam Sailing Club permission needed

Class B2 waters

·  River Tees; above Over Dinsdale weir

Class B3 waters

·  River Tees; seaward of Newport Bridge

·  Coastline; up to three miles offshore; caution offshore wind farm at Redcar

Class A waters

·  Coastline; more than three miles offshore

Notes

·  River Tees; seaward of Newport Bridge not recommended due to industrial pollution and shipping

Last Updated - County Watersports Team, 25/11/2024

Avon

Class C waters

·         No Water identified

Class B1 waters

·         No Water identified

Class B2 waters

·         No Water identified

Class B3 waters

·         No Water identified

Class A waters

·         No Water identified

Notes

·         No Notes Added

Last updated - TBC

Class C waters

  • Porth Reservoir: all water
  • River Camel: upstream of the Wadebridge Road Bridge, Bodellick Criddis and Trevelling
  • Trenance Boating Lake: all water

Class B1 waters

  • Causeway Pool: all water
  • Coastal: in the immediate vicinity of the following: Charlestown, Durgan and Glebe, Feock-Loe, Goran Haven, Maenporth, Par, Polkerris, Porthpean, Port Mellon, Readymoney and Swanpool, Loe Beach
  • Gillian Harbour: all water
  • Hayle Regatta Pool: all water, except Hayle Sluice
  • Helford River: upstream of a line Helford Passage to Helford Village
  • Maylor Creek: from Maylor Quay to Greatwood Quay
  • Newlyn; Newquay and Penzance Harbours
  • Penryn River: from Flushing Quay to Greenbank Quay
  • Percuil River: upstream from River Looe, from the road bridge upstream to the tidal limit
  • Plymouth Sound: north and west of a line from Carew Point to Kiterbury Point.
  • Plymouth Sound: north and east of a line from Mountbatten Pier to Fisher's Nose. St John's and Millbrook Lakes
  • Point Pill: all water
  • Restronguet Creek: all water
  • River Fal / Truro River: upstream from a line drawn from Weir Point, Restronguet to Turnaware Point
  • River Fal / Truro River: upstream from a line drawn from Loe Beach to Turnaware Point
  • River Fowey: from Lostwithiel to St Winnow
  • River Fowey: from Polruan Passenger Ferry to half a mile above Caffa Mill
  • Sibleyback reservoir: all water
  • Stithians reservoir: all water
  • St Mawes Harbour: from Castle Point to Carricknath Point,
  • Waldon's Pond: all water

Class B2 waters

  • Carrick Roads: all water
  • Coastline: between all the beaches in St Austell and Par District excepting the exposed headlands otherwise classified
  • Coastline: from Mawnan to Porthkerris Point.
  • Coastline: from Marazion to Newlyn
  • Coastal: in the immediate vicinity of Caerhays, Carylon Bay, Hemmick, Pentewan, Port Holland and All those between St Ives and Hayle
  • Coastline: NW inshore, of a line St Anthony Head to Dennis Head, Gillan Harbour.
  • Coastline: within half a mile of Cadgwith.
  • Boscastle Harbour: all water
  • Falmouth Harbour: east of Flushing Quay-Greenbank.
  • Hayle sluice: all water
  • Helford River: east of a line drawn from Helford Passage to Helford Village and Carrick Roads
  • Plymouth Sound: except unless otherwise classified
  • Port Gaverne: all water
  • Port Isaac: all water
  • Port Quin: all water
  • River Camel: above the Padstow ferry unless otherwise classified
  • River Fowey: from St Winnow to half a mile above Caffa Mill.
  • River Fowey: Below the Polruan passenger ferry
  • River Fowey: The white water section at Trago Mills
  • River Fowey: from half mile above Bodinick car ferry to Polruan foot ferry
  • River Hamoaze: unless otherwise classified
  • River Looe: between road bridge and the river mouth
  • River Tamar: from Landulph to Gunnislake
  • St Mawes Harbour: not seaward of a line drawn from Pendennis Castle to Carricknath Point
  • Upper River Tamar: to Gunnislake Weir, above Landulph and Flats
  • Upper River Tamar; Pendower and Porthscatho, within a line from Rosemullion Head to Toll Point

Class B3 waters

  • Beaches; in the immediate vicinity of: Booby's Beach, Chapel Porth, Crantock, Crackington Haven, Crooklets, Coombe, Daymer Bay, Fistral, Harlyn, Harbour Cove (Camel Estuary), Hayle Bay, Holywell Bay, Lamorna Cove, Lusty Glaze, Mother Ivey's Bay, Mawgan Porth, Polzeath, Polurrian Cove, Poldu Cove, Porthlevan Sands, Porth Towan, Perranporth, Porthcurno, Porthmeor, Portreath, Porth, Porthcothan, Porthousestock (inside the Shark's Fin), Sennen, Trebarwith Strand, Trevone, Treyarnon, Trevaunance Cove, Tolcarne, Summerleaze, Great Western, Watergate, Widemouth Bay)
  • Coastline: within one mile of Downderry, Port Wrinkel and Seaton.
  • Falmouth Bay: Inshore of a line drawn from St Anthony's Lighthouse SW to Nare Point
  • Headlands: in the immediate vicinity of Gribben Head, Black Head, Chapel Point, Maenease Point
  • Hugh Town Harbour; Isle of Scilly
  • Millendreath Beach to Polperro
  • River Fowey: to Blackbottle Lookout
  • River Hayle: the mouth, from Upton Towans to Godreavy Towans
  • The area within lines from Penlee Point to Kingsand and to Plymouth Breakwater to Bovisand to Great Mewstone. Rinsey Head to Dudden Point. Caerhays to Zone Point unless otherwise classified

Class A waters

  • Coastline unless otherwise classified.

Notes

  • See Maps for Clarification of: Tamar Estuary, Camel Estuary and Falmouth & Helford River area.

Last Updated - County Activities Team Lead, 25/11/2024

C

  • Barrow Boating Pond                    
  • R. Eden - Near Appleby, from NY 688 197 to NY 681 202 in low flow summer (1 April -31 Oct)
  • R.Eden  - At Carlisle from the Suspension Bridge (NY 410 564) to near the Sands Centre (NY 401 566) in low flow conditions only; else B1 (1 April -31 Oct)
  • R Ehen, Ennerdale Campsite, "Ox-Bow" - Only when the river does not flow through it. Suitable for rafting only; not available for use at present
  • Pond at Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite - North of Bassenthwaite Lake.
  • "Peart's pond" - Near Warcop, NY 729 154
  • Windermere south of the "87" map grid line (Near Fellfoot Park) for 100m - Access from Fellfoot Park (National Trust) (1 April -31 Oct)   
  • Whitehaven harbour inside the dock gates                         
  • Harrington harbour                        
  • Maryport harbour                          
  • Kitridding Tarn - SD 576 842
  • Ratlingate Scout Campsite Pond (nr. Carlisle) - NY 354 574

B1

  • Bassenthwaite Lake - Best paddled from the Scarness site (NY 220 304), allows sailing as well (1 April -31 Oct)
  • Biggar Bank, Walney - Close inshore only and in good conditions. (1 April -31 Oct)
  • R. Brathay - From the B5286 bridge at NY 366 034 to the lake (1 April -31 Oct)
  • Buttermere                       
  • Coniston Water (1 April -31 Oct)
  • Crummock Water (1 April -31 Oct)
  • R. Derwent - Grange to Derwentwater ("Top Derwent"); Derwentwater to Bassenthwaite Lake ("Middle Derwent").
  • Derwentwater  - Best to keep near the edges / islands (1 April -31 Oct)
  • Earnse Bay, Walney - Close inshore only and in good conditions. (1 April -31 Oct)
  • R Eden - Kirby Stephen to Appleby: below Appleby to Lazonby apart from Eden Lacey Falls (B3) (1 April -31 Oct) (1 April -31 Oct)
  • R Eden  - Near  Appleby,  from NY 688 197 to NY 681 202 (1 Nov -31 Mar)
  • R.Eden  - At Carlisle from the Suspension Bridge (NY 410 564) to near the Sands Centre (NY 401 566) (1 Nov -31 Mar)
  • R Ehen  - Tree infested. Check access with Ennerdale Scout Campsite. (1 April - 31 Oct)  
  • Ennerdale Water - Access from Campsite /Bleach green car park (1 April -31 Oct)
  • Esthwaite Water - Fishing boats only.
  • Goldrill Beck, Ullswater - From bridge at NY 395 161 to lake
  • Grasmere                           
  • Haweswater - No Access (It's a reservoir)
  • Killington Lake - Access is via Killington Sailing Club.
  • Loweswater - Fishing boats only.
  • Ravenglass Estuary (rivers Irt, Mite, Esk) from mean high watermark to narrowest point on seaward side, approx 600m SW of South end of Ravenglass Main St. - Normally only used  by Scouts for the "Seaquest" event run by Copeland Canoe Club     (1 April -31 Oct)
  • Rydal Water                      
  • Silecroft beach - Close inshore  only and in good conditions (1 April -31 Oct)
  • St Bees beach - Close inshore  only and in good conditions (1 April -31 Oct)
  • Talkin Tarn                         
  • Thirlmere (1 April -31 Oct)
  • Ullswater
    • South of a line from NY 389 191 to NY 398 185.
    • 100m out from North shore of lake from NY 389 191 to Castle Hows Point NY 450 225.                                                  
    • North of a line from Castle Hows Point  to Thwaitehall Neb NY 455 222 on the east side of the lake.                                                                                                                          
    • 100m out from east side of Lake in a southerly direction from Thwaitehall Neb to  NY 398 185.
    •  Direct crossing of the lake allowed in good conditions only.
  • Wastwater (1 April -31 Oct)
  • Windermere (1 April -31 Oct)
    • North of a line from Holme Crag (NY 378 025) to Fisherty How (NY 374 017), 100m from both shores south of this line.
    •  South of a line from YMCA Lakeside centre (SD 375 899) to Blake Holme (SD 382 899).                                                                                                     
    • Direct crossing of the lake allowed in good conditions from south of Lady Holme Island (SD 398 975).
  • Windermere - What was class C (1 Nov -31 Mar)
  • Whitehaven harbour between the outer piers and the dock gates. (1 April - 31 Oct)        

B2

  • Ennerdale Water, Bassenthwaite, Crummock Water, Derwentwater, Wast Water, Coniston Water and Thirlmere (1 Nov -31 Mar)
  • Ravenglass Estuary (rivers Irt, Mite, Esk) from MHW to narrowest point on seaward side, approx 600m southwest of south end of Ravenglass Main Street (1 Nov -31 Mar)
  • Whitehaven harbour between the outer piers and the dock gates – as defined B1 from April–Oct (1 Nov -31 Mar)
  • Windermere and Ullswater please see the definition of the area in B1 April–October (1 Nov -31 Mar)
  • Windermere (All other areas not designated)
  • Ullswater (All other areas not designated)
  • Rivers Brathy (Portage Skelwith Force – class A – British Canoeing grade v) and Rothay
  • Rivers Cocker and Eamont
  • River Derwent (above grange, Bassenwaite to Cockermouth and Cockermouth to Workington)
  • St Bees Head, Duddon Estuary, Kent Estuary, Leven Estuary and the Whitehaven–Workington coastline Close inshore only and in good conditions. (1 April - 31 Oct).
  • River Eden – Angerholme to Kirkby Stephen section except for three falls (unnamed) and Langwathby to Lazonby except Eden Lacey Falls which are classified as B3
  • River Lune – from the junction with river Rawthey downstream to the county boundary.
  • Any coastline not classified elsewhere (1 April - 31 Oct)

B3

  • Biggar Bank–Walney, Duddon Estuary, Earnse Bay–Walney, Kent Estuary, Leven Estuary, St. Bees Beach, Silecroft Beach, St Bees Head and Whitehaven–Workington coast). Close inshore only and in good conditions; otherwise Class A waters. (1 Nov -31 Mar)
  • Any coastline not classified elsewhere. Close inshore only and in good conditions; otherwise Class A waters. (1 Nov -31 Mar)
  • Rivers Crake, Leven, Lowther and Lune to where the River Rawthey joins the Lune.
  • River Duddon – Wrynose Bottom to Birks Bridge car park and Ulpha Bridge to Duddon Bridge (High and Lower Duddon)
  • River Eden – Lazonby to Armathwaite section
  • River Esk – Brotherilkeld to Forge Bridge
  • River Greta – Threlkeld to junction with Derwent

A

  • Rivers Rawthay, Sprint, Troutbeck, Kent and Mint
  • River Brathay – Skelwith Force only
  • River Duddon – Birks Bridge to Hall Bridge and Hall Bridge to Ulpha Bridge (Upper and Middle Duddon)
  • River Esk – above Brotherilkeld
  • Great Langdale Beck
  • Any water more than three miles offshore

Notes

  • East of a line from Alonby to Southerness (Scotland) – no access or boating due to shifting sands and high tidal range. Use only in an emergency for harbour access.
  • 'Good conditions' means weather conditions that in themselves do not constitute a hazard to the proposed activity.
  • A leaflet (PDF) giving more information regarding water access is available from the Cumbria Scouts website.

Class C waters

  • Canals; except in the vicinity of active locks

Class B1 waters

  • Butterley Reservoirs; all water
  • Canals; in the vicinity of active locks
  • Carsington Reservoirs; all water
  • Coombs Reservoirs; all water
  • Errwood Reservoirs; all water
  • Ogston Reservoirs; all water
  • Rivers Derwent; all water, unless otherwise listed
  • River Trent; all water, except in the vicinity of weirs and rapids
  • River Wye; all water, except in the vicinity of weirs and rapids
  • River Erewash; all water, except in the vicinity of weirs and rapids
  • River Soar; all water, except in the vicinity of weirs and rapids
  • River Dove; all water, except in the vicinity of weirs and rapids
  • Staunton Harold Reservoir; all water
  • Swarkestone Gravel Pit; all water

Class B2 waters

  • River Derwent; in the vicinity of weirs and rapids
  • River Derwent; from Darley Bridge to Matlock Bath
  • River Trent; in the vicinity of weirs and rapids
  • River Wye; in the vicinity of weirs and rapids
  • River Erewash; in the vicinity of weirs and rapids
  • River Soar; in the vicinity of weirs and rapids
  • River Dove; in the vicinity of weirs and rapids

Class B3 waters

  • No Water identified

Class A Water

  • No Water identified

Notes

  • No Notes Added

Last Updated - County Programme Team Lead, 13/11/2024

The sea, Dawlish to Lyme Regis, including Rivers Exe and Axe and inland waters east of Dartmoor.

C

  • The Grand Western Canal, Tiverton
  • Fishermans Creek at Exmouth (adjacent to sea scout headquarters)
  • Greenland Lake (North side of Dawlish Warren)
  • Creely Park Lake, Clyst St Mary
  • Fishponds Lakes, East Devon

B1

  • The sea, Orcombe Point to Straight Point (offshore to the Exe Fairway buoy and east to the Otter Estuary - half a mile offshore)
  • River Otter-SY090 917 Tipton St John to SY 090 898 Harpford to be classified as B1
  • The bathing beaches at Sidmouth, Beer and Branscombe (up to quarter of a mile offshore)
  • River Exe (above Exmouth – see note)
  • River Clyst
  • River Creedy
  • River Axe (above Axmouth Road Bridge)
  • Exeter Canal
  • Lyme Regis- The Cobb Harbour
  • Lyme Regis outer Harbour
  • Lyme Regis Beach from GR SY 341 914 (End of Harbour wall) to SY 342 919 up to 50m of shore
  • Shobrook Park Lake, Crediton

B2

  • The sea, Straight Point (Exmouth) to Lyme Regis (up to one mile offshore)
  • Exe Estuary (Days Ledge to Orcombe Point (Exmouth Beach) out to the Channel buoys)

B3

  • The sea, Dawlish to Lyme Regis (up to three miles offshore)
  • Exe Estuary at Exmouth (up to three miles offshore - see note)

A

  • The sea, Dawlish to Lyme Regis (over three miles offshore)
  • River Axe (estuary below Axmouth road bridge)

Notes

  • River Exe: Beware weirs above Topsham. River Exe changes from B1 to B3 at a line between Exe Sailing Club, to Buoy 19 (midway between Exmouth and Starcross), buoy 13 (North of Dawlish Warren), and to the Warren. River Exe, Bampton: There is no access to the River Exe between Halfpenny Bridge and Chain Bridge (os 181 945206) except by special permission from owners of Water Rights. Details from District Lead Volunteer, Tiverton District.

The sea, Hartland Point to Foreland Point (Lynton) and Rivers Taw and Torridge.

B1

  • The sea, Westward Ho (between the slipway and Sandy Mere up to 200 metres offshore)
  • Saunton beach (up to 200 metres offshore)
  • Woolacombe (Black Rock to Long Bar, up to 200 metres offshore)
  • Ilfracombe Harbour
  • Watermouth Harbour
  • River Torridge (above Appledore Shipyard)
  • River Taw (above the side of the old East Yelland Power Station)
  • Wistlandpound Reservoir

B2

  • River Torridge (below Appledore Shipyard)
  • River Taw (below the site of the old East Yelland Power Station)

B3

  • The sea, Taw-Torridge Estuary to Woolacombe (Lee to Foreland Point, up to one mile offshore)

A

  • The sea, Hartland Point to Foreland Point, and to the Taw-Torridge Estuary at Crow Point

The sea from Rame Head to Erme Head, including Plymouth Sound and inland waters to the wets of Dartmoor (including River Tamar, Plym, Tavy, Walkham, Yealm, Erme and Lynher or St Germans.

B1

  • River Tamar (Between Saltash passage SX436 586 and Kiln Bay SX435 580) up to 50m offshore from the Devon riverside bank
  • River Tavy (below Lopwell Dam)
  • River Plym (Marsh Mills to Mountbatten Breakwater, including Sutton Harbour)
  • River Yealm (inside the bar)
  • River Lynher to St Germans
  • Roadford Lake/Reservoir inshore of a line between headlands to the North (SX 4211 9102) and South (SX4214 9076) of the Roadford Watersports Centre Jetty.
  • St John and Millbrook Lakes
  • Radford Lake (dammed portion of Hooe Lake)
  • Wilminstone Quarry Lake 

B2

  • Rame Head to Yealm Head (north of this line, including Plymouth Sound and Hamoaze)
  • Yealm Head to Erme Head (up to one mile offshore)
  • River Tamar (Greystoke Bridge to Horsebridge)
  • River Tamar (Horsebridge and Plymouth Sounds)
  • River Erme estuary
  • Burrator Reservoir
  • Roadford Lake/Reservoir East of a line between headlands to the North (SX 4211 9102) and South (SX4214 9076) of the Roadford Watersports Centre Jetty.
  • River Tavy Between Lopwell Dam and the River Tamar
  • River Lynher (St Germans Quay to River Tamar)

B3

  • Rame Head to Erme Head (up to three miles offshore)
  • River Tavy (Denham Bridge to Lopwell Dam)
  • River Plym (Bickleigh Bridge to Marsh Mills)
  • Meldon Reservoir 

A

  • The Sea, Rame Head to Erme Head (over three miles offshore)
  • River Walkham
  • River Tavy (above Denham Bridge)
  • River Plym (above Bickleigh Bridge)

Notes

  • River Tamar between Horsebridge and Gunnislake is inaccessible. Beware weirs

C

  • Torquay harbour, when the cill is up and the harbour is closed

B1

  • Torquay harbour,  when the cill is down and the harbour is subject to tide and water traffic. 
  • Mill Pool, Stoke Gabriel on River Dart (access with permission only, through county water activity secretary)
  • Oddicombe Beach (Petit Tor Point SX 962 667 to Withy Point SX 931 654) up to 500m from the beach
  • The sea, Torbay (Berry Head to Hopes Nose)
  • River Salcombe (above Snapes Point)
  • River Dart (Buckfast Weir to Dartmouth High Ferry)
  • River Teign (above Shaldon Road Bridge)
  • Decoy Lake at Newton Abbott (access with permission only)
  • Ugbrook Park Lakes (by special permission)

B2

  • The sea, Hope Cove (start point to the Mew Stone and inside the Skerries)
  • The Mew Stone to Dawlish (up to one mile offshore)
  • River Salcombe (Snapes Point to Wolf Rock)
  • River Dart (Holne Weir to Buckfast Weir and Dartmouth High Ferry to one mile offshore)
  • River Teign (Shaldon Road Bridge to Den Point)

B3

  • The sea, Erme Head to Dawlish (up to three miles offshore except as indicated above)
  • River Salcome (Wolf Rock to three miles offshore)
  • River Dart (Spitchwick to Holne Weir)
  • River Teigh (Den Point to the bar at Ness Point)

A

  • The sea, Erme Head to Dawlish (over three miles offshore) 

Notes

  • River Dart: beware weirs above Totnes. Access is restricted during fishing season. Permission is through Paddle UK, but there is access for scouts camping at Hood Barton Farm, Staverton

C-Inland

  • River Avon (above A35 road bridge GR 160933)
  • River Stour (above Iford Bridge GR 149923)
  • River Frome (above the A351 road bridge GR 917864)
  • River Piddle (above HW tidal limit GR 929885)
  • River Brit (Above GR 436905)
  • Weymouth Backwater and River Wey (north of Westham Bridge) 

B1-Inland

  • The Fleet
  • Lake at Buddens Activity Centre

B1-Coastal

  • Christchurch Harbour (except for the main marked channel and the entrance 'Run')
  • Poole Harbour, except for the B2 and B3 areas listed below
  • Portland Harbour within half a mile of the western shore and causeway
  • Bridport Harbour (West Bay) and Coastal area seaward of harbour entrance within shelter of the new Groynes (GR 459905 and GR462903)
  • Lyme Regis (within the Cobb)

B2-Coastal

  • Christchurch Harbour (within the marked channel)
  • Poole Harbour between the Twin Sails Bridge and the Middle Ship Channel
  • Poole Harbour within the Middle Ship Channel between Poole Town Quay and Parkstone Yacht Club and the North Channel between the Middle Ship Channel and Parkstone Yacht Club (to enable direct transit to and from Brownsea Island)
  • Studland Bay west of a line between Old Harry headland and the Training Bank, Poole Harbour entrance
  • Swanage Bay west of a line from Peverill Point to Ballard Down
  • Chapmans Pool
  • Kimmeridge Bay
  • Warbarrow Bay
  • Lulworth Bay
  • Weymouth Harbour and Bay west of a line between Portland Harbour outer breakwater and Redcliffe Point
  • Portland Harbour within the breakwater
  • Dorset Coast generally within one mile offshore except for: marked entrance to Christchurch Harbour; marked entrance to Poole Harbour; between Old Harry Rocks and Ballard Down; Peverill Point to St Albans Head; Anvil Point to Lulworth Cove; east and west shore of Portland Bill; seaward shore of Chesil Bay

B3-Coastal

  • The Dorset coast generally between one mile and three miles offshore except for areas otherwise classified
  • Christchurch Harbour, marked channel 200 metres either side of entrance. (NB towing of dinghies behind powered vessel and portering of canoes through entrance is advised)
  • Poole Harbour, from the Turning Basin east of Poole Yacht Club through the Middle Ship Channel or the North Channel (except for the B2 areas listed above) to the Harbour Entrance; the Swash Channel from the entrance to its seaward end; the area between the Swash Channel and the Training Bank; and the East Looe channel from the entrance to its seaward end. (NB the Harbour Entrance is extremely hazardous at full ebb and flood and can be very busy.  Also beware of the chain ferry crossing the Entrance and cross-channel ferries entering and leaving.  Vessels must use engines if so equipped.)
  • Between Old Harry Rocks and Ballard Down
  • Between Peverill Point to St Albans Head
  • Between Anvil Point to Lulworth Cove
  • Weymouth Bay west of a line between Portland Bill to Lulworth Cove, excluding the B2 area defined above
  • On east shore of Portland Bill
  • On seaward shore of Chesil Beach

A-Coastal

  • Open sea beyond B3 areas defined above
  • Portland Bill, western shore (NB dangerous overfall close inshore)
  • St Albans Head (NB dangerous overfall close inshore)

C

  • High Pond (Raby Castle)
  • Gravel Pits (Stoney Flats, Bishopton)
  • Silksworth Lake (Sunderland)
  • Flatfield Pond (Washington)
  • Dawdon Pool (Seaham)
  • Ryton Willows

B1

  • Hetton Lyons Pond
  • Sunderland to Wearmouth (within the outer piers and passage around North Pier to Roker Bay, from 1 May to 31 October)
  • Whitburn Steels to Roker Bay, Sunderland North Pier (up to a quarter of a mile offshore of LWM, from 1 May to 31 October)
  • River Tyne, South Pier to Herd Sands Trow Rocks (up to a quarter of a mile offshore of LWM, from 1 May to 31 October)
  • South Shields Harbour (if rescue facilities are afloat)
  • Sunderland (within the inner piers)
  • River Tye (Scotswood Bridge to Tyne Bridge, Tyne Bridge to South Shields Pier when rescue facilities are afloat)
  • River Wear (Croxdale to tidal limits, summer water levels)
  • River Wear (Bishop Auckland to old bridge at Sunderland Bridge / Croxdale, summer water levels. Extra caution maybe required due to trees in the river)
  • River Derwent (low - normal water conditions)
  • River Tees (below road bridge and above foot bridge in Barnard Castle, summer conditions)
  • River Tees (below Neasham, excluding weirs and Tees Barrage, summer conditions)
  • Derwent Reservoir, Selet Reservoir, Balderhead Reservoir, Cow Green Reservoir (all in summer conditions)

B2

  • Sunderland to Wearmouth (within the outer piers and passage round North Pier into Roker Bay, from 1 November to 30 April)
  • Whitburn Steels to Roker Bay, Sunderland North Pier (from 1 November to 30 April up to a quarter of a mile offshore LWM)
  • River Tyne, South Pier to Herd Sands Trow Rocks (from 1 November to 30 April up to a quarter of a mile offshore LWM)
  • Sunderland to Cleveland Boundary (up to one mile offshore LWM)
  • Trow Rocks to Souter Point (up to one mile offshore LWM)
  • Souter Point to Whitburn Steels (up to one mile offshore LWM. Observe red flag of army firing ranges)
  • South Shields Harbour (when no rescue facilities afloat)
  • River Tees (bottom of Slalom Leap falls to Middleton excluding Horseshoe falls, Low Force, Wynch bridge falls and weirs - charge payable at Highforce Hotel)
  • River Tees (Winston to Neasham)
  • River Tyne (Tyne Bridge to South Shields piers when no rescue facilities afloat)
  • River Wear (Croxdale to tidal limits, medium water level, excluding weirs in Durham city)

B3

  • River Tees (Middleton to Winston, normal water levels - subject to Tees access agreement)
  • Tees Barrage white water course
  • River Wear (in flood conditions)
  • River Derwent (flood conditions)
  • South Shields Harbour (in heavy inshore water, with spring tides and after heavy rains)
  • Durham coastal waters (up to three miles offshore of LWM)

A

  • River Tees (above Winston in flood conditions)
  • All coastal waters over three miles offshore of LWM

Notes

  • These sea classifications apply in calm sea and weather conditions. Scouts competing in sea races under the supervision of local sailing clubs may regard any marked course as B1 during the period of the race

C

  • Leeds and Liverpool Canal
  • Queens Park Boating Lake, Blackburn
  • Thompson Park Boating Lake, Burnley

B1

  • Clowbridge, Foulridge and Rishton Sailing Club Waters
  • Reservoirs Cockers, Duckworth Hall, Goat Clough, Gorple, Hoddlesden, Holden Wood, Hurstwood, Jack Keys, Kemp Delph, Ogden, Spring Mill, Watergrove, Wayoh, Whitworth and Widdop
  • Fishmoor Reservoir - Lancashire School Sailing Association

B2

  • Stocks Reservoir
  • River Ribble
  • River Calder- Martholme Viaduct to the confluence with the River Ribble

C

  • River Cuckmere (upstream of A259 road bridge except when in spate)
  • Eastern Rother (upstream of the lock above A259 road bridge MR936244)
  • Old River Cuckmere (The Meanders)
  • Royal Military Canal (from Rye to the Kent border
  • All other inland waters, hammer ponds etc, not otherwise classified

B1

  • River Cuckmere (from A259 road bridge to 100 metres north of the embankment walls at estuary mouth – 1 April to 31 October)
  • River Ouse (from Barcombe Mill MR431149 to 50 metres north of Southease Bridge – MR428054, and from 50m south of Southease Bridge to the northern end of the commercial wharfs Newhaven complex – MR445019)

B2

  • Eastern Rother (seaward of lock above A259 road bridge – MR936244)
  • River Cuckmere (upstream of A259 road bridge when in spate)
  • River Cuckmere (from A259 road bridge to 100 metres north of the embankment walls at estuary mouth 1 November to 31 March)
  • River Ouse (from 50m north to 50m south of Southease Bridge – MR428054)
  • Bewl Water (from 1 April to 31 October)
  • Coastline within one mile of the shore unless otherwise classified

B3

  • River Ouse (from northern end of the commercial Wharfs Newhaven harbour to harbour mouth)
  • Bewl Water (from 1 November to 31 March)
  • Coastline – Hastings Harbour to Pett Level

A

  • Coastline (Beachy Head to Seaford Head)
  • Coastline more than one mile offshore

Class C waters

  • No Water identified

Class B1 waters

  • Essex River; Tidal parts
  • Coastal; Essex shore inside a line drawn from half a mile from high water and excluding class A waters
  • River Wid; between New London Road (TL70820655) to the weir downstream of Chelmsford Records Office (TL7142063)
  • River Chelmer; between Riverside Ice and Leisure (TL95472434) to the weir downstream of Chelmsford RecordOffice (TL71420637)

Class B2 waters

  • Costal: up to one mile from the shore, high water and excluding class A waters
  • River Thames; all water unless otherwise listed

Class B3 waters

  • Costal; up to three miles from the shore, but excluding more dangerous waters close inshore; busy commercial ports, exposed parts of estuaries

Class A waters

  • Costal; Open sea more than three miles from the shore, and other dangerous waters close inshore
  • River Thames; main buoyed shipping fairway 
  • Harwich; dredged channel
  • Costal; as classified by the MCA, seawards from a line drawn half a mile from the high watermark, - please can we remove acronyms?

Notes

  • No notes added

Last updated - County Lead Volunteer - 27/11/24

Gloucestershire Water Directory map

C

  • Cannop Pools (Fishing Lake ONLY)
  • Over Basin (Restricted use)
  • Stroud Water Canal (Excluding tunnel)
  • Thames & Severn Canal
  • Trac Lake

B1

  • Bowmere Lake
  • Bredon's Norton
  • Bredon's Hardwick
  • Claydon Pike
  • Cotswold Water Park Lake
  • Fairford Gravel Lakes
  • Gloucester & Sharpness Canal
  • Mallards Pike
  • National Star Center Lake
  • Old Dole Lake
  • Pittville Lakes
  • River Avon (Avon Navigation Trust), all weirs and locks to be inspected prior to navigating them
  • River Severn (Tewkesbury to the Upper Parting), all weirs and locks to be inspected prior to navigating them
  • River Thames (Lechlade area) (Excluding all weirs and locks)
  • All other rivers and brooks not mentioned above
  • All Rivers when water is in winter conditions

B2

  • Frampton Lakes
  • River Severn (from the Upper Parting to above Hempstead Weir on the East Channel. Care needed to Gloucester Docks Lock) (Excludes Lock entry other than when officially operated by Canal River Trust staff, on the Upper Severn section, and great care must be taken)

B3

  • All rivers in spate or flood conditions

A

  • River Severn (downstream of the upper parting on the west channel and below Hempstead Weir)


Special Note:

  • At all states of the tide the river can be very hazardous and local knowledge should be sought. The Severn Bore occurs on about 100 days each year. Details can be obtained from http://www.thesevernbore.co.uk/
  • The CRT policy for canoes not using narrow locks is accepted by Paddle UK as a condition of the block licensing arrangement with the Trust.  As mentioned, the exception is on the R Severn where locks are operated and the passage of vessels is supervised by CRT staff who are instructed that canoes do use these locks with powered vessels

Additional information and guidance:

Weirs are all potentially highly dangerous. Unless you have the relevant permit, with skills and experience to decide if they are safe to run they should be viewed as such and not paddled.

River Severn - Tewkesbury to above Maisemore Weir & Gloucester Docks entrance:

  • Normal - B1      
  • In Flood - B2

Maisemore Weir & Gloucester Docks entrance Boxbush:

  • Ebb Tide - B2      
  • Flood tide, no bore - B3     
  • Flood tide with bore - A

Pre-cautions:

If you intend to reuse your canoeing equipment on trips to different UK waters or abroad and there will be less than a seven-day gap between your trips, your clothing and equipment has been properly sterilised through one of the following methods.

  • METHOD A

Drying to a minimum of 20 deg C for at least 2 days.

  • METHOD B

Heating to above 60 deg C for at least one hour.

  • METHOD C

Deep freezing for at least one day.

  • METHOD D

Immersion of materials in a solution of, or addition of one of the following chemicals to the concentration indicated for a minimum of 10 minutes:

Virkon 1%

Wescodyne 1%

Sodium chloride (common salt) 3%

Sodium hydroxide 0.2%

Class C water

  • Grand Union Canal; unless classified otherwise. Paddlers should exercise extreme caution whilst paddling near the outfall at Copper Mill Lock. Novice paddlers are advised to avoid this area.

Class B1 water

  • River Thames; Putney Bridge to Richmond Half Tide Lock. There is danger for several days after heavy rain upstream. Beware of moored and moving boats. This stretch of river is tidal
  • Grand Union Canal; Brentford Gauging Lock to River Thames. The Thames and Brentford Locks are opened for up to two and a half hours either side of high water. Beware of moored and manoeuvring boats.
  • Brent Reservoir; all water
  • Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre; all water
  • Welsh Harp Activity Centre; all water
  • Bedfont Lakes; all water

Class B2 water

  • River Thames; Putney Bridge to City of London Bar. This stretch of river is tidal. Beware of commercial traffic on this part of the river.

Class B3 water

  • No water identified

Class A water

  • No water identified

Notes

  • The currents on the River Thames can change very quickly after heavy rainfall and the classifications should be assessed to suit the river conditions at the time of the activity.
  • The weirs at Richmond Half Tide Lock are opened two hours before high water and closed two hours after high water. Caution should be exercised whilst navigating in this area.

Updated by – County Support Team - 03/12/24

C

  • All waters not otherwise classified

B1

  • River Lea Navigation
  • All reservoirs in the Lea Valley, April to October inclusive

B2

  • All reservoirs in the Lea Valley, November to March inclusive

Notes

  • Not suitable for water activities: a) River Lee and tributaries due to sudden changes and bank conditions b) concrete-sided flood relief channels
  • Some waters may be owned and operated by authorities who have their own regulations

C

  • Public boating ponds where it is possible to wade ashore. County Programme Team should be contacted for details of use and permission needed.

B1

  • All Lea Valley reservoirs
  • Royal Dock Group
  • Lea Navigation
  • River Lea, River Roding, River Ingrebourne (lower end)

B2

  • River Thames – estuary of River Lea Navigation to Essex boundary, including Barking Creek and Rainham Creek

B3

  • Radio control zone of Woolwich Barrier

C

  • All waters unless otherwise classified

B1

  • River Thames (Putney Bridge to Beverley Brook)

B2

  • River Thames (Putney Bridge to Cross Ness)

C

  • Dawson Park Lake
  • Thamesmead Lakes

B1

  • River Thames (Cross Ness to Darent River)

C

  • Beverley Brook
  • River Hogsmill (only suitable in vicinity of Southwood Activity Centre)
  • River Longford (not suitable for navigation)
  • Pinewood, Queensmere and Wimbledon Park Lakes
  • River Wandle

B1

  • River Thames (Beverley Brook to Platts Ait except at weirs under normal conditions and up to yellow alert)
  • River Thames Teddington Lock to Richmond Half Tide Lock
    There is a danger for several days after heavy rain upstream. Beware of moored and moving boats. This stretch of the water is tidal. 

B2

  • River Thames (under amber, red or strong stream alert. The river shall only be used after assessment by an RYA or British Canoeing senior instructor.

B3

  • River Thames (Teddington Weir)

Notes

  • The classifications stated above are under 'normal' conditions. The currents on the River Thames can change very quickly after heavy rainful and the classification should be upgraded to suit river conditions at the time of activity.
  • The weirs at Richmond Half Tide Lock are closed two hours after high water and opened two hours before high water. Caution should be exercised while navigating in this area. For further advise contact the County Programme Team. 

C

  • Compstall Lake
  • Chorlton Water Park (care is needed particularly in windy conditions)
  • Canals (unless otherwise stated).
  • Marple Locks and Pounds (No canoeing in the locks and pounds between Brabyns Brow (grid ref: 962891) and the canal junction near Marple Marina (grid ref: 962884)

B1

  • Etherow River (no right of passage in Etherow Country Park)
  • Goyt River (west of Manchester Canoe Club Site to junction with River Mersey)
  • Doverstones Reservoir
  • Combs Reservoir
  • Torside Reservoir (Woodhead)
  • Debdale Park
  • Mersey River (otherwise than B2)

B2

  • Goyt River (east of Manchester Canoe Club Site (grid ref: 952900).
  • Mersey River (within 100 metres either side of the weir at Northenden (grid ref: 831905)

Notes

  • Weirs on rivers in Greater Manchester East must not be 'shot' without local advice from the county Programme Team

C

  • Crompton Lodges (Farnworth Grid Ref: 742068; Moses Gate) River Tonge
  • Burrs Training Pool (Burrs, Bury)

B1

  • Elton Reservoir
  • Jumbles Reservoir
  • Dovestones Reservoir
  • Hollingworth Lake – April to September inclusive
  • River Irwell (in normal water conditions excluding from Ramsbottom to Summerseat)
  • All other rivers in the County in normal water conditions
  • Bury and Bolton Canal (disused) and Rochdale Canal (disused) (Both have areas of, underwater obstructions mainly metallic, dumped refuse which cannot be seen from the surface)
  • Star Mount Lodge (Radcliffe), River Tonge

B2

  • Hollingworth Lake – October to March inclusive
  • River Irwell (in normal water conditions from Ramsbottom to Summerseat)

B3

  • All rivers in the county in high water conditions

Notes

  • here are many unclassified mill lodes that could be used for training, care should be taken over unknown depths and high walls causing exit problems from the water. All rivers in the county, the River Irwell especially, are interspersed with many weirs, some large and/or vertical, care and vigilance is thus required when the water level is normal and extreme caution and consideration is necessary in high water conditions. The Paddle UK publication Canoeing Waters in the North West gives more detail on the various rivers in this area.

C

  • Ashton and Lower Peak Forest canals (except Marple Locks)
  • River Bolin (from Valley Lodge Hotel to Heatley Bridge (A6144) except 100m either side of rapids at Ashley and the weir at Bollington)
  • Bridgewater Canals (from Leigh to Lymm Bridge, including the Machester Spur)
  • Bryn Pond
  • River Douglas (from Adington Park to Appley Bridge, except the weir)
  • The Glazebrook (from the Greyhound Motel to Cadishead, except the weir)
  • Hilltop Lake, Walken
  • Leeds and Liverpool Canal (from Appley Lock to Adington, including the spur from Ince to Leigh, except from the Town Basin to the top lock at Wigan)
  • River Mersey (under normal summer conditions; from the B5095 to 100m above the weir at Northenden and 100 metres below. Northenden weir to 100 metres above the weir at Little Ees, Aston-upon-Mersey to 100 metres below the weir at Little Ees to B5158)
  • Pearsons and Middlewood scout camp lakes

B1

  • River Bolin (100 metres either side of rapids at Ashley and Weir at Bollington)
  • Higher End Reservoir, Orrell
  • Leeds and Liverpool Canal (from the Town Basin to the Top Lock at Wigan)
  • Leigh Flash (in winds up to force 5)
  • River Mersey (in winter, that part is classified C when the river is not in spate, ie less than 1.22 metres on gauge at Northenden)
  • Scotsman's Flash

B2

  • River Irwell (from Radcliffe to the Crescent at Salford, except when in spate)
  • River Mersey (100 metres each side of the weir at Northenden, in summer; those parts normally classified C above when in spate)

B3

  • River Irwell (Radcliffe to the Crescent, Salford when in spate)
  • River Mersey (those parts classified B2 above in winter or when the river is in spate)

A

  • River Mersey (100 metres either side of the weir at Little Ees)

Water classifications map of Guernsey

C

  • Model yacht pond
  • Les Maingy Activity Centre Reservoir

B1

  • St Peter Port Harbour and Queen Elizabeth II Marina including a 50metre corridor between the Marina Mouth, Harbour and Havelet Bay for the purposes of moving craft between these areas.
  • St Sampsons Harbour, west of a line running from the Northern Old Harbour Pierhead and the bottom of the South Side slipway.
  • Rocquaine Bay: Inside (east) of a line from the end Beacon at Portelet Harbour to Fort Grey & from the outer edge of Fort Grey to L’Eree Slipway.
  • Cobo Bay: Inside (east of a line from Le Guet Slipway to the outermost channel marker buoy (white cone) to Cobo village Slipway.
  • Havelet Bay: West of a line from Castle Cornet Slipway to the Bathing Pools.
  • Grande Rocque: From the Nipple Rock at the Saline Slipway to Grande Rocque Kiosk. NB. The current on a rising tide is strong outside this line
  • Grande Harve: East of a line linking Rousse Pier to Amarreur Car Park.
  • Petit Bot: Keep line of sight with the beach.

B2

The following bays, inside the headlands:

  • Perelle Bay
  • Vazon Bay
  • Grande Havre
  • Pembroke Bay
  • Port Grat
  • Rocquaine & L'Eree Bays
  • Little Russell, West of a line from St Martin’s Point to Vivian Beacon
  • Cobo, Long Port& Saline Bays, East of a line from Houmet headland to Grosse Rock to Grandes Rocques headland

B3

  • North of line from Point La Moye to Icart Point to Pea Stacks
  • West of line from St Martins Point to Lower Heads buoy to Herm (Pt Sauzebourge to Oyster Point) to Bordeaux Harbour

A

  • All coastal waters not otherwise classified

Notes

  • The above areas have been classified, but conditions vary considerably with wind direction, strength and tide. A dynamic risk assessment MUST be made before venturing on the water as to the prevailing conditions and the suitability of the area for the activity being undertaken. Activities running under Class B1 water rules are restricted to Onshore Wind force 3, Offshore Wind force 2.
  • There are strong tides all round this coastline, local knowledge should be sought. A leaflet showing the sea area is available from the local association

C

  • Basingstoke Canal
  • Canoe Lake, Southsea
  • Eastrop Park, Basingstoke
  • Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre
  • Hawley Lake - Includes the area known as The Topper Pool and the beach area on the northern shore bounded by a line drawn from the club house to the nearest island and then from that same island to the northern shore just south of the beach area. If unfavourable winds conditions prevent the activity from staying in this area then it is classified as Class B1 water.
  • Horsea Lake, Portsmouth
  • Lyons Copse Lake, Shedfield
  • Rother River in Summer conditions in areas clear of overhanging trees
  • Salterns Sailing Club Lake, Lymington
  • Stoke Lake, Gosport
  • Walpole Park Lake, Gosport
  • Wey River in Summer conditions in areas clear of overhanging trees

B1

  • Beaulieu River
  • Chichester Harbour (North of a line from Black Point to Longmere Point)
  • Hamble River
  • Haslar Lake, Portsmouth Harbour
  • Hawley Lake - The remainder of the lake, outside the Class C area, under favourable wind conditions. In unfavourable wind and weather conditions consideration should be given to postponing the activity. (See C above)
  • Itchen River north of Itchen Bridge and the area from Weston Jetty to Itchen Bridge which lies to the east of the line of Beacons
  • Keyhaven River and adjacent creeks
  • Langstone Harbour (North of the Ferry)
  • Lymington River except Salterns Sailing Club Lake (Class C)
  • Portsmouth Harbour north of a line drawn from the Shell Pier on the Gosport side through the south cardinal posts marking the approach to the Continental Ferry Port and includes an area up to 100 metres south of this line when taking passage to and from Whale Island or Rotten Row Lake.
  • Southampton Water (the area between the buoyed channel and the shore)
  • Test River west of buoy
  • Petersfield Town Lake (classified as B1 due to the external requirements of the Town Council for those using the waters to have qualifications to support their competence)
  • Workhouse Lake, Portsmouth Harbour

B2

  • Chichester Harbour (North of a line from East Head to Black Point and east of a line from Black Point to Longmere Point)
  • Langstone Harbour (south of the Ferry)
  • Portsmouth Harbour south of a line drawn from the Shell Pier on the Gosport side through the south cardinal posts marking the approach to the Continental Ferry Port
  • Solent between a western limit of a line from Hurst Point to Sconce Point and an eastern limit of a line from Foreland to Selsey Bill via Warner buoy, except shipping channels.  The shipping channels may be crossed with caution, heading as near as practicable at right angles to the direction of marked channel
  • Southampton Water (inside the buoyed shipping channel but not including the dredged deep water channel). The dredged deep water channel may be crossed with caution, heading as near as practicable at right angles to the direction of marked channel.

B3

  • Christchurch Bay, (the area enclosed by lines drawn from Hurst Point to Sconce Point and Needles Light to Handfast Point).
  • Solent (buoyed shipping channels)
  • Southampton Water (dredged deep water channels)
  • Chichester Harbour (south of a line from East Head to Black Point)
  • Portsmouth Harbour (south of a line from the Semaphore Tower to the Oil Fuel Jetty)

A

  • Open Sea more than three miles from the shore unless classified under B1 – B3 above.

Unclassified Waters

  • Where waters are not classified for any reason, the leader responsible for the activity should assess and classify the waters in accordance with the guidance given in POR Rule 9.44 (b).

Herefordshire and Worcestershire

  • All water classified as in normal summer conditions unless stated

Non-moving water

C

  • All Canals
  • All minor pools and ponds not list below

B1

  • Top Barn Activity Centre Lake (near Hallow, Worcester)
  • Arrow Valley Lake (Redditch)
  • Aztec Lake   (Lower Moor near Pershore)
  • Upton Warren Lake (near Bromsgrove)

Rivers and moving waters

B1

  • River Avon (see notes 2 and 4 below)
  • River Lugg (see note 4 below)
  • River Severn (see notes 2, 3 and  5 below)
  • River Teme (see note 4 below)
  • River Wye (see note 3 below)

B2

  • River Arrow (see note 6 below)
  • River Rea (see note 6 below)
  • River Stour (see note 6 below)
  • All other rivers and brooks not mentioned above
  • All Rivers when water is in winter condition

B3  

  • All rivers in spate or flood conditions.

Notes

1. Assessing Normal Summer Condition -. Leaders should take into account water levels, water temperature and the flow rate of the water when assessing the water conditions. Read the guidance on river conditions.

2. On canals and canalised rivers care should be taken during the summer months due to the use by power craft.  At Stourport, where the River Stour and a canal join the River Severn, special care is needed at all times of the year.

3. Monnington Falls Rapid (River Wye), Symonds Yat Rapid (River Wye) and Folly Point Rapid (River Severn) should all be inspected prior to shooting.

4. All weirs should be inspected before shooting, as there are a number that cannot safely be shot. If you're unfamiliar with the water then local advice should be taken before shooting any weirs.

5. There is a by-law prohibiting the shooting of weirs on the River Severn downstream of Stourport.

6. Local knowledge should always be sought before attempting to canoe the River Rea, River Stour and River Arrow if you are unfamiliar with these Rivers.

7. The Scout County has agreed with other river users that Scouts will attempt to avoid interfering with the many special events held on these waters.  Please check for events: River WyeRiver SevernRiver Avon.

8. Pikes Pool at Blackwell Court Campsite (Blackwell Adventure) is considered part of Birmingham Scout County and classified by them.

Further Information on the River Wye - Important information for paddlesports leaders:

  • All river users benefit from a healthy aquatic environment.
  • Clothing and equipment that has not been thoroughly dried or disinfected can carry invasive species and diseases that can infect water bodies, often with devastating effects.
  • Crayfish plague is just such a disease. Another potentially damaging plague is Gyrodactylus salaries (GS) which affects salmon and could be brought in from the continent. It has devastated rivers in Norway.  Another, more recent threat has come from the killer shrimp destructive species that has arrived in UK waters from Eastern Europe.
  • It too could have a devastating effect on wildlife and fish. They can easily be transported in the webbing and water in the bottom of canoes and kayaks. To reduce the risk of Crayfish plague, GS and killer shrimp spreading in UK waters it is important to take the following.

Pre-cautions:

If you intend to reuse your canoeing equipment on trips to different UK waters or abroad and there will be less than a seven-day gap between your trips, your clothing and equipment has been properly sterilised through one of the following methods.

  • METHOD A

Drying to a minimum of 20 deg C for at least 2 days.

  • METHOD B

Heating to above 60 deg C for at least one hour.

  • METHOD C

Deep freezing for at least one day.

  • METHOD D

Immersion of materials in a solution of, or addition of one of the following chemicals to the concentration indicated for a minimum of 10 minutes:

Virkon 1%

Wescodyne 1%

Sodium chloride (common salt) 3%

Sodium hydroxide 0.2%

Class C waters

  • No Water identified

Class B1 waters

  • Bury Lake, Rickmansworth; all water
  • Herts Young Mariners, Cheshunt; all water
  • Fairlands Valley, Stevenage; all water
  • Stanborough Lakes, Welwyn Garden City; all water

Class B2 waters

  • No Water identified

Class B3 waters

  • No Water identified

Class A waters

  • No Water identified

Notes

  • No Notes Added

Last updated – County Programme Team – 05/12/24

C

  • Pocklington Canal, Stainforth and Kneadby Canal Nafferton Mere (all from the 1 April to 31 October)
  • Beever Sailing Club at Cowick
  • Barmston Drain
  • Cleethorpes Boating Lake
  • Cleethorpes Country Park
  • Driffield and Leven Canals
  • River Foulness
  • Kidby Canal
  • Three Rivers Land Drainage Canals
  • 7 Lakes Water Sports Park but not main lake
  • Boating lake East Park Hull

B1

  • Pocklington Canal, Stainforth and Kneadby Canal, and Nafferton Mere (all from the 1 November to 31 March)
  • Bridlington Bay (inshore of lines due south from Bridlington Breakwater Light and due east from Wilsthorpe)
  • River Hull upstream from Hempholme lock
  • Brandesburton Lakes; Southfield Reservoir
  • Aire and Calder Navigation Canal.
  • Beaches: Cleethorpes Pier to Humberston, Hornsea (May to September). Due regard to local weather conditions up to 400 metres from shore
  • Grimsby Docks
  • Tetney Lock/ Louth Navigation Canal
  • All waters not otherwise classified
  • Welton Water (all year)
  • North Lincolnshire and Humberside Sailing Club (Barton-upon-Humber)
  • River Ancholme

B2

  • Bridlington Bay (north of Burmston and west of Southsea up to one mile offshore unless otherwise classified)
  • River Ouse (Goole Docks to Naburn Lock, Keadby Bridge to Cromwell Lock)
  • River Hull down stream from Hempholme Lock to Beverley

B3

  • All tidal streams running into the Humber (except the mouth of the River Derwent)
  • Bridlington Bay (north of a line from Burmston to south end of Smithic Bank, inshore of Smithic Bank and west of North Smithic buoy)
  • River Derwent (below a point 100 metres upstream of tidal locks)
  • Dutch River
  • Leeds Canal
  • River Hull (from Beverley to River Humber)
  • Market Weighton Canal (tidal sections)

A

  • River Humber
  • River Trent (Trent Falls to Keadby Bridge)
  • River Ouse (Trent Falls to Goole Docks)
  • Coastline unless otherwise classified

Notes

  • Bridlington Bay is cold and not suitable for boating from 1 October to 30 April

C

  • Peel - River Neb Downstream of the Mill
  • Ballasalla - Silverdale Glen Boating Lake (Permission needed)
  • Onchan Leisure Park (Permission needed)
  • Ramsey - The Mooragh Lake  
  • Castletown - Impounded water above weir through to Poulsom Park
  • Ramsey Harbour

B1

  • Injebreck Reservoir (Permission required)
  • Ramsey Harbour and Sulby River. Paddling not permitted below the Swing Bridge and above the Weir at the head of the River.
  • Ramsey Bay Inshore of a line between the end of the Pleasure Park and Gob ny Rona
  • Port St Mary Chapel Bay in an area bounded by a line from the outer Breakwater to the Carthure Perch and Gansey Point.
  • Bay ny Carrickey (Gansey Bay) inshore to the West of a line between the Carthure Perch and Shore Hotel.
  • Port Erin Bay to shoreward of a line from the Sker Stack beneath Milner’s Tower and the lower beach lighthouse and Bradda Glen Restaurant and the Raglan Pier.
  • Derby Haven Inshore of a line between the Farm buildings to the North and the Golf Links tower to the South
  • Castletown Inshore of a line between the Harbour Breakwater and the Lime kilns at the visitor centre to the South West and inshore of the line  North East from the Harbour towards King William’s College.
  • Laxey Bay inshore of a line from the Laxey Pier Head to Clay Head.
  • Peel Fenella Beach: east of a line between the castle and the Southern shore.
  • Peel Beach: South of a line between the groyne and the Eastern end of the Promenade
  • Port Mooar Inshore of a line from the west beach to the outcrop on the NE side (approx. 075°)
  • Port Soderick Inshore of a line from ‘the cave’ to the Brooghs (approx. 075°)
  • Fleshwick Bay Within the headlands of the bay. No further than 250m from shore

Please request a detailed, mapped explanation of these classifications from Scouts.im before accessing these waters.

C

  • Corf Lake, east of and 20 metres west of jetty (from 1 April to 31 October)

B1

  • Newtown Creek (from 1 April to 31 October)
  • Corf Lake (from 1 November to 31 March)
  • Western River Yar, south of road bridge A3054
  • Gurnard Bay, inshore of line from outfall marker off the Marsh at western end to outfall marker at eastern end of bay (from 1 April to 31 October)
  • River Medina, south of Whitegates
  • Wootton Creek, west of Royal Victoria Yacht Club
  • Ryde Harbour to Bembridge Harbour, up to ½ mile offshore of HW
  • Bembridge Harbour
  • Sandown Bay, Yaverland Sailing Club to Shanklin Chine, up to ½ mile offshore of HW (from 1 April to 31 October)

B2

  • Newtown Creek (from 1 November to 31 March)
  • Yarmouth Harbour, north of road bridge A3054
  • Cowes Harbour, north of Whitegates
  • Solent – north coast of Isle of Wight between a western limit of a line from Hurst Point to Sconce Point and an eastern limit of a line from Foreland to Selsey Bill via Warner buoy, except main shipping channels.  The shipping channel in the Western Solent, west of a line from eastern limit of Gurnard Bay to Stone Point, may be crossed with caution, heading as near as practicable at right angles to the direction of marked channel
  • Sandown Bay, inshore of a line between Dunnose Point and Culver Point (from 1 April to 31 October, restricted to maximum of onshore wind force 3)

B3

  •  Solent – buoyed shipping channels
  • West, south and east coastline, north of a line from Handfast Point to Selsey Bill through a point three miles offshore of St Catherine’s Point (excluding B2 waters listed above)

A

  • English Channel (offshore of B3 limit)

Note

  • The above areas have been classified but conditions vary considerably with wind direction, strength and tide.  A dynamic risk assessment MUST be made before venturing on to the water as to prevailing conditions and the suitability of the area for the activity being undertaken.  Activities running under B1 water rules are restricted to maximum of onshore wind force 3.

C

  • West Park Bathing Pool (with appropriate permissions)
  • Havre des Pas Bathing Pool (with appropriate permissions)

B1

  • St Aubin's Bay – inshore of a line from the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club to St Aubin's Fort to La Haule Slipway
  • St. Brelades Bay - Inshore of a line from St. Brelades Pier, to Rocquet, to point Le Grouin to La Cotte Point

B2

  • St Aubin's Bay – inshore of a line from Noirmont Point, to the Diamond Rock Buoy, to the end of Elizabeth Castle Breakwater to Elizabeth marina entrance
  • St Brelade – inshore of a line from La Moye Point to La Fret Point
  • St Catherine's – inshore of a line from Archirondel Tower to the end of St Catherine's Breakwater

B3

  • St. Ouen's Bay
  • Coastline up to three miles offshore (longer trips with permission of sea activities committee)

A

  • Coastline (over three miles offshore)

Notes

  • Sand Pit, St. Ouens, should not be used for Scouting activities. For guidance on alternative sites, please contact the County Programme Team.
  • Shipping lanes from St. Helier to Corbiere are classed as B2 waters for Power Boats only.
  • In view of difficult local waters, strong currents and a large tidal range visiting groups are urged to contact the Jersey Scout Association for guidance.
  • All beaches and shoreline not listed should be classed at B1 or higher

C

  • Moat Park   
  • River Darent - To the tidal barrier, access permission required.
  • River Eden - Access permission required.
  • River Beult - Excluding weirs.
  • Royal Military Canal - Sea Brook outfall to West Hythe dam.
  • Barton’s Point - Canal Only.
  • River Medway - Summer Conditions from the bridge below Leigh barrier to Eldridges Lock, with local guidance/ information.
  • Ramsgate Harbour - Inner Marina when gates are closed.
  • Ham Road Lake Faversham,  Basin & South Western arm to lake widening, with local guidance

B1

  • Royal Military Canal - West Hythe Dam to East Sussex boarder.
  • Chipstead Lake   
  • Denge Marsh Gravel pit       
  • Redlands Lake (River head)
  • Stonar Lake   
  • West Hythe Lakes       
  • Dover Harbour - Summer Conditions, Inshore of yellow boys marking small craft anchorage.
  • Folkestone Inner Harbour       
  • River Stour - From A28 Sturry bridges to Sandwich Toll bridge.
  • River Medway - Eldridges Lock to Halling, section from Allington to Halling with additional local guidance/ information.
  • River Medway - Local area of the strand Leisure Park, from slipway, out to the point on Nor Marsh, East to Horrid Hill.
  • River Rother       
  • Barton’s Point - Main Lake.
  • Haysden Lake       
  • Ham Road Lake Faversham, Main lake area
  • Leybourne Lake   
  • Bough Beech Reservoir   
  • Conningbrook Lake   
  • River Thames - South of mooring buoys from Worcester causeway to Everards Slipway at Greenhythe.
  • Ramsgate Harbour - Inner Marina when gates open, Outer Harbour inside East & West Pier’s. Operating in accordance with any restrictions issued by the Port Authority.

B2

  • River Thames - County Boundary to Mucking flat point.
  • River Medway - Halling to Estuary Entrance. Outside of main shipping channel.
  • Ramsgate Harbour       
  • The Swale and Isle of Sheppy   
  • Kent Coast - Up to one mile from shore.

B3

  • River Medway - Main Shipping Channel from Darnet Fort.
  • River Thames - Line from Mucking flats to Lower Hope point.
  • Dover harbour/Port - Prohibited - No access outside yellow buoys.
  • Offshore - From one to three miles offshore.

A

  • Offshore - Over 3 miles offshore.

Notes

  • Whilst the classification of a stretch of water is a guide to its potential difficulty or danger, it does not list isolated dangers or hazards. It remains the responsibility of the Leader in charge of the activity to make careful enquiries about the specific hazards that may exist.
  • The class given to each river/area is made under ideal conditions, the weather and environmental situation will affect these classifications, and the Leader in charge should re-evaluate the waters class before commencing any activity.

C

  • All waters not otherwise classified

B1

  • River Soar and Canal
  • River Trent (except Kings Mills and weirs when in spate)
  • Rivers Wreake and Welland
  • Lakes: Ashfordby, Wanlip, First Goscote and Staunton Harold
  • River Eye, except for a short section near Melton Mowbray town centre which remains C-class, from the rear of car park, Wilton Road, M.R. 749.192, to the second bridge, M.R. 740.190, clockwise
  • All lakes in the Wanlip Park development

B2

  • River Trent (Kings Mills and weirs when in spate)

C

  • All unnamed drains (fishing interests preclude all boating on many of these waterways)
  • All rivers unless otherwise classified
  • Sudbrooke Park Lake and Pool (access required from Camp Warden)
  • Riseholme Hall Lake
  • Skegness Boating Pond

B1

  • All gravel pits, reservoirs and quarries (rescue boats must be available, no access to many)
  • River Witham above Boston Sluice gates
  • River Welland (above lock gates at West March Road)(River level often rises to B2)
  • River Steeping (above pumping station)
  • Brayford Pool, Lincoln
  • Rivers Ancholme, Bain, Eau, Glen, Nene (above Sutton Bridhe, Lyme, Slea and Wearing)
  • Whitewater reservoir
  • Canals Coronation, Fossdyke, Horncastle, Maud Foster, Louth (above tide barrier)
  • All named drains

B2

  • Coastline except entrance to Boston Harbour (up to one mile offshore, from 1 April to 31 October)
  • Covenham Reservoir
  • River Steeping (below pumping station, from 1 April to 31 October)
  • River Welland (below lock gates at West March Road)
  • River Trent (except below weirs and in spate)
  • River Welland in spate
  • Tetney Haven (from 1 April to 31 October)

B3

  • River Trent (below weirs and in spate)
  • Coastline up to three miles offshore unless otherwise classified (from 1 April to 31 October)

A

  • River Witham (below Boston Sluice and Boston estuary to the entrance to Boston
    Port)
  • River Steeping (below pumping station, from 1 November to 31 March)
  • Tetney Haven (from 1 November to 31 March)
  • Coastline (unless otherwise classified)

Notes

All Wash marshes are out of bounds for scout water activities. Marshes are defined as between MHWS and MLWS excluding areas around tidal havens

Class C waters

  • Leeds and Liverpool Canal; all water
  • St Helen's Canal; all water

Class B1 waters

  • Birkenhead/Wallasey Docks; all water
  • Crosby marine lake; all water
  • Liverpool Docks; all water
  • New Brighton marine lake; all water
  • Raby Mere; all water
  • Southport marine lake; all water
  • Tawd Vale Adventure Centre; the Delph
  • West Kirby marine lake; all water, operation is stopped when tide comes over the sea wall
  • White Man's Dam; all water

Class B2 waters

  • Dee Estuary; Heswall to Hilbre
  • Liverpool Bay; up to one mile offshore
  • Liverpool Bay; Southport to Formby up to half a mile offshore

Class B3 waters

  • River Dee; Northwest of Hilbre
  • River Mersey; all water

Class A waters

  • Liverpool Bay; unless otherwise classified

Notes

  • No Notes Added

Last updated – 21/11/2024, County Programmes Team

Class C waters

  • Mike Thurston Centre Lake; all water
  • North Walsham and Dilham Canal
  • River Ant; above Wayford Bridge
  • River Bure; above Horstead Mill
  • River Glaven; up to sluice at Coast Road, Cley
  • River Nar; all water
  • River Thet; all water
  • River Tudd; all water
  • River Wissey; all water
  • River Waveney; above Geldeston Lock
  • River Yare; above junction with River Wensum
  • Sandringham Lake; all water (Grid Co 693 280)
  • Wolterton Lake; all water

 

Class B1 waters

  • All mills, weirs and sluices; from 50 to 200 metres above, and 25 to 100 metres below
  • Barton Broad; all water
  • Decoy Broad; all water
  • Filby Broad; all water
  • Fritton Lake; all water
  • Hickling Broad; all water
  • Horsey Mere; all water
  • Hoveton Little Broad; all water
  • Heigham Sound; all water
  • Martham Broad; all water
  • Ormesby Broad; all water
  • Rollesby Broad; all water
  • Ranworth Broad; all water
  • Rockland Broad; all water
  • River Ant; below Wayford Bridge
  • River Bure; from Horstead Milll to Acle Bridge
  • River Chet; from Loddon to River Bure
  • River Delph; Old Bedford River
  • River Great Ouse, 'Hundred Foot Drain' or 'New Bedford River'; above junction with Little Ouse River
  • River Thurn; to junction with River Bure
  • River Waveney; between Somerleyton Bridge and Geldeson Lock
  • River Wensum; all water
  • River Yare; from Bishop Bridge to Cantley
  • Waxham New Cut; all water
  • All harbours; up to 450 metres on the landward side of bar or entrance - unless otherwise classified
  • Blakeney Harbour; to Par Point including Ager Creek.
  • Cley Channel; all water
  • The Pit; all water
  • Morston Creek; all water
  • Stiffkey Creek; all water
  • Wells Habour; to Lifeboat Station

Class B2 waters

  • All mills, weirs and sluices; within 50 metres above and 25 metres below
  • Coastlal; up to 100 metres offshore unless otherwise classified)
  • Gt Ouse; from Kings Lynn Harbour to junction with River Wissey
  • New Cut; from River Yare to River Waveney
  • River Bure; from Acle Bridge to confluence with River Yare
  • River Waveney; from Breydon Water to the Somerleyton Swing Bridge
  • River Yare; from Cantley to the confluence with River Bure and including Breydon Water
  • Wells Harbour; between open sea and Lifeboat Station

Class B3 waters

  • No Water identified

Class A waters

  • Coastline; Beyond 4800 metres offshore

Notes

  • No Notes added

Last updated - County Support Team - 27/11/24

C

  • Carlton Lodge Lake
  • Glasshouses Mill Dam

B1

  • River Aire (excluding all weirs)
  • River Derwent (including all tributaries but excluding all weirs
  • River Esk (Castleton to Houlsyke Bridge; Lealholm to Glaisdale; Egton Bridge to top of Ruswarp weir, excluding all weirs)
  • River Nidd (Below Knaresborough High Bridge, excluding all weirs)
  • River Ribble (below Settle, excluding all weirs)
  • River Rye (above Nunnington)
  • River Swale (Great Langton Bridge to Swale Knap)
  • River Ure/Ouse (Hawes to top of Aysgarth Falls, bottom of Sleningford rapid (MR 2844780) to Naburn Lock, excluding all weirs)
  • River Wharfe (excluding all weirs but including pools and flat stretches in upper reaches, low weir at Addingham to Tadcaster. NB: river can rise almost two metres in ten minutes)
  • Leeds and Liverpool Canal
  • Selby Canal
  • Embsay Reservoir
  • Thornton Steward Reservoir
  • Ellerton Lake
  • Ripon Race Course Lake
  • Wykeham Lakes
  • Semer Water
  • Farnham Quarry Knaresborough
  • Thruscross Reservoir (if rescue boat is operating)
  • Givendale Lake

B2

  • River Wharfe (Bolton Abbey to Low Weir at Addingham.Tadcaster to Ouse Confluence (tidal)
  • Grimwith Reservoir
  • Coast (up to one mile offshore)
  • Rivers (all weirs unless otherwise classified)
  • River Esk (Glaisdale to Egton Bridge, top of weir at Ruswarp to Whitney Harbour)
  • River Nidd (Pateley Bridge to Knaresborough High Bridge)
  • River Ouse (below Naburn Lock)
  • River Swale (Muker to Great Langton Bridge)
  • River Tees (Gainford to Yarm)
  • River Ure (Masham to Ripon excluding Hackfall, Slenningford Rapid Weir MR276787 to MR284780)

B3

  • Coast: one to three miles offshore
  • River Esk (Houlsyke Bridge to Lealholm Bridge)
  • River Ouse (weir and fish ladder at Linton Locks
  • River Ure (below Aysgarth Falls to Bolton Hall Bridge, Hackfall and Slenningford Rapid)
  • River Wharfe (Beckermonds Bridge to Bolton Abbey. Note: Beware of Appletreewick Falls)
  • River Washburn (below Thruscross Dam to A59 Road Bridge)

A

  • Coast: more than three miles offshore
  • River Ribble above Settle is only for very experienced white water canoeists. Beware Stainforth Force and do not shoot very dangerous weir at Settle
  • River Swale (when in spate)
  • Richmond Falls at all times – not recommended
  • River Ure 
  • Aysgarth Falls (SE000288 – SE022888) – not recommended
  • River Wharfe, strid at Bolton Abbey – prohibited

Notes

  • With regard to canoeing, there are several problems over access to Yorkshire rivers, even though Paddle UK has been trying to negotiate access with landowners and anglers. If you have not made your own access arrangements with landowners etc, you should contact the county Programme Team who will put you in
     touch with the Paddle UK local river adviser for the river in question who is usually an invaluable source of help, advice and information
  • Where a Paddle UK access agreement is in force it must be observed by members of The Scout Association unless the permission of every individual landowner and angling club over whose water it is proposed to canoe has been obtained

C

  • Corby Boating Lake (no more than 76.2cm deep, drained in winter)
  • Grand Union Canal
  • Abington Park Boating Lake

B1

  • Deene Lake, Nene Park
  • River Nene, from Northampton to Wainsford Bridge. Slow flowing river with locks, except for weirs
  • Thrapston Gravel Pit (sailing club, restricted use)
  • Pitsford Reservoir (from control station up to and including 'E' buoy)

B2

  • Pitsford Reservoir (unless otherwise classified)
  • River Nene (weirs) offshore from Easter to 31 October unless otherwise classified)
  • Nene White Water Centre

C

  • Killingworth, Bolam and Cresswell Lakes
  • Derwent Reservoir
  • River Coquet (above tidal barrier)
  • River Wansbeck (above tidal barrier)
  • River Tyne (above Scotswood Bridge unless otherwise classified)

B1

  • Blyth, Amble and Seahouses Harbours within the piers
  • Buddle Bay (within the entrance)
  • River Wansbeck, (from tidal barrier to two cables inside the entrance)

B2

  • Cullercoats, Seaton Sluice, Alnmouth and Holy Island Harbours within the piers
  • Whitley Bay, Blyth, Newbiggin, Alnmouth, Newton and Beadnell Bays (within the line across the headlands and up to one mile offshore)
  • River Tyne (from Chollerford to Hexham above Tyne Green)

B3

  • Coastline up to three miles offshore unless otherwise classified

A

  • All waters more than three miles offshore

Notes

  • For details of the tidal parts of the River Tyne refer to Durham classsifications. For details of classifications of Kielder Water, check with the manager, Hawkhirst Scout Adventure Camp, Northumberland, NE48 1QZ (01434 250217)

C

  • All canals
  • Holme Pierrepont Regatta Lake (within 100 metres of the boat house pontoons)
  • Holme Pierrepont Winfield Ponds
  • Kings Mill Reservoir (within 100 metres of the jetties)
  • Walesby Lake
  • Rivers Meden and Maun and Idle (not weirs or sluices)

B1

  • River Trent (except weirs and when in spate)
  • Holme Pierrepont Regatta Lake (except within 100 metres of the boat house pontoons)
  • South Mushkam Gravel Pits
  • Walbeck and Thorsby Park Lakes
  • Kings Mills Reservoir (except within 100 metres of jetties)
  • Church Wilne Reservoir
  • River Soar

B2

  • River Trent (when in spate, all weirs from 1 April to 31 October except when in spate)
  • River Soar (all weirs from 1 April to 31 October)

B3

  • River Trent (all weirs from 1 November to 31 March and when in spate)
  • River Soar (all weirs from 1 November to 31 March)
  • Holme Pierrepont white water course

Notes

Cromwell Weir on the River Trent is very dangerous and should not be used in any conditions – leave well alone.

B1

  • Banbury Reservoir, Brimsbury Reservoir, Farmoor Reservoir, Heythrope Park Lake. Rivers Cherwell, Evenlode, Windrush and other small rivers providing not in flood and excluding weirs. All from 1 April to 31 October.
  • At all times, Queensford Lake, Dorchester Lagoon, Linch Hill, Oxford Canal.

B2

  • Banbury Reservoir, Brimsbury Reservoir, Farmoor Reservoir and Heythrop Park Lake. Rivers Cherwell, Evenlode, Windrush and other small rivers providing not in flood and excluding weirs. All from 1 November to 31 March.

B2

  • Rutland Water, but B1 for sailing dinghies from Rutland Sailing Club and observing the club rules and flags in club water area 1 and the western section of area 2 and only in wind strengths 1-4 inclusive.

C

  • All ponds (non-moving water) which are less than 100 metres wide at any point
  • All canals

B1

  • Rivers: Severn, Teme, Clun, Morda, Onny, Perry, Roden and all tributaries of these rivers, except as detailed under class B2 (below)
  • All lakes greater than 100 metres wide

B2

  • River Severn 50 metres either side of Shrewsbury Weir
  • All rivers in spate or flood conditions

C

  • All canals (except within 25m of any lock or weir)  

B1

  • All canals (within 25m of any lock or weir)
  • All other waters unless otherwise classified

C

  • Bridgwater to Taunton Canal
  • Westport Canal
  • River Exe above Bleadon Bridge
  • All waters not otherwise classified

B1

  • River Brue (one mile above and below Cow Bridge, Glastonbury)
  • River Huntspill (Burtle to Sea Sluice two miles west of West Huntspill)
  • King Sedgemoor Drain - Somerton Moor to Greylake
  • River Tone (Wellington to Knapp Bridge)
  • River Parrett (Kingsbury to Oath Lock)
  • River Isle (Junction of Westport Canal to confluence with River Parrett)
  • River Yeo (Mudford, Yeovil to confluence with River Parrett)
  • River Frome (Frome to confluence with River Avon)
  • Chilton Trinity Ponds
  • Hawkridge, Sutton Bingham, Axbridge, Reservoirs

B2

  • River Brue (tidal length)
  • River Axe (tidal length)
  • River Parrett (from no. seven buoy to Oath Lock)
  • River Tone (from confluence with River Parrett to Knapp Bridge)
  • Minehead Harbour and up to two miles radius from Harbourmouth
  • Watchet Harbour and up to two miles radius from Harbourmouth
  • Porlock Weir and up to two miles radius from Harbourmouth
  • Wimbleball Lake
  • Rivers Parrett, Tone, Frome and Yeo (after heavy rain when thet are in spate)

B3

  • River Barle (Withypool to confluence with River Exe)
  • All tidal waters up to two miles offshore from Brean Down to the western limit of the two-mile radius round Porlock Weir (unless otherwise stated)

A

  • East Lynn River (Waters Meet to Lynmouth)
  • All other tidal waters

C

  • Hesley Wood, Whitely Woods, Whirlow Park and Millhouses Dam
  • Sheffield Canal (City Basin to head of Tinsley Locks)
  • River Don – Oughtibridge (for 100m downstream from the Football Club Changing Room Steps)

B1

  • Hatfield Marina, Thrybergh & Rother Valley Country Parks
  • Rivers Don & Dearne (excluding all weirs) – in normal water level
  • Manvers Lake, Dam Flask, More Hall, Underbank & Ulley Reservoirs (from 1 April to 31 October)

B2

  • Rivers Don & Dearne (excluding all weirs) – in moderate water level

  • Manvers lake, Dam Flask, More Hall; Underbank & Ulley Reservoirs (from 1 November to 31 March)

B3

  • Rivers Don & Dearne (excluding all weirs) – in high water level.

Notes

The above reservoirs are controlled by Sailing Clubs from whom permission should be sought.

C

  • All canals and rivers (except within 25m of any lock or weir) 

B1

  • All canals and rivers (within 25m of any lock or weir)
  • All other waters unless otherwise classified

B2

  • River Churnet (from Consall Forge to Froghall Weir)
  • River Dove (from 1 November to 31 March)

Notes

  • The rivers Churnet and Dove have several short stretches of a higher classification than shown. Detailed information can be obtained from the County Programme Team

C

There can be circumstances where water usually classified as Class C, on the day of the activity, would no longer remain Class C, for example in high water or wind conditions. 

  • River Stour: Clare Country Park; Sudbury Quay & Friars Meadow old railway bridge to Lady Island; Gt Cornard- River Stour Trust Jetty to 100m downstream; Dedham Mill Pool; Cattawade Picnic area, length of water at Bures HQ.
  • River Lark (Mill Stream): Mildenhall Scout HQ upstream to footbridge
  • River Brett
  • River Waveney (above Geldeston Lock)
  • Boxford Spinney pond
  • Thorpeness Mere
  • Fritton Lake - Campsite bay. Within the marked bay.
  • Oulton Broad from the public slipway at Colemans Dyke to the Yatch Basin. Stying under 50m from the bank.
  • Southwest corner of the reservoir at Hazlewood Hall Farm in Friston, with a boom in place.
  • River Deben - stretch bordering Orchard Farm campsite in Wickham Market, up to 100m downstream of the A12 road bridge
  • Little Ouse at Hockwold Common, from TL737873 to 50 metres above the cut-off channel sluice, from May to September, if the sluice gates are down.

B1

(Excluding the sections usually considered Class C, stated above)

  • Lackford Lake
  • River Ore (from Orford Quay to western side of Dovey’s Island)
  • River Alde (below Snape Bridge)
  • River Blythe (above footbridge by Harbour Inn)
  • River Butley (below Butley Mill)
  • River Deben upriver from No9 Buoy at Kyson through Woodbridge and Melton
  • River Deben downriver from No9 buoy at Kyson to Green Point (between Ramsholt and Felixstowe Ferry)
  • River Orwell (below Stoke Bridge, Ipswich to Levington Marina)
  • River Stour 
  • Lowestoft Inner Harbour- Lake Lothing
  • River Lark
  • River Gipping
  • River Waveney (between Somerleyton Bridge and Geldeson Lock)
  • Reservoir at Hazlewood Hall Farm in Friston
  • Little Ouse

B2

  • Harwich Harbour- from Levington Marina to Erwarton Ness and outside the main shipping channel
  • Woodbridge Haven - from Haven Buoy to Green Point (Extreme care should be exercised when paddling on ebb tides)
  • River Ore - Dove Point to Haven Buoy (Extreme care should be exercised when paddling on ebb tides)
  • Southwold and Walberswick Harbour entrances (on flood tide)
  • Coastline (up to half a mile offshore unless otherwise classified)

B3

  • Harwich Harbour- to Languard Buoy
  • Southwold and Walberswick Harbour entrance (on ebb tide)
  • Coastline (between half a mile and one mile offshore)
  • Coastline (near Lowestoft. Landward of a line from Lowestoft North Pierhead to a point 100 metres east from Claremont Pier to South East Newcombe Bouy, hence to East Barnard buoy and Walberswick Harbour)

A

  • Coastline (Over one mile offshore)

C

  • River Wey from Rail Bridge, Godalming (SU 96729 44147) to the start of Wey Navigation at Godalming Wharf (SU 97556 44028) - From 1st April to 30th September
  • Wey Navigation (man made canal sections only) from Godalming Wharf to Millmead Lock, Guildford (SU 99653 49033) -  From 1st April to 30th September
  • River Wey; Guildford to the Wey Thames Lock - From 1st March to 31 October

B1

  • River Wey from Rail Bridge, Godalming (SU 96729 44147) to the start of Wey Navigation at Godalming Wharf (SU 97556 44028) - From 1st October to 31st March
  • Wey Navigation (man made canal sections only) from Godalming Wharf to Millmead Lock, Guildford (SU 99653 49033) - From 1st October to 31st March
  • River Wey - Any sections not otherwise stated.

B2

  • River Wey (all weirs unless otherwise classified)
  • Wey Navigation (all operational locks)

B3

  • Walsham Weir

C

  • The Grand Union, North Oxford, Stratford and Coventry canals except for in or near a lock or overflow.
  • Lakes at 5 Ways Lakes.

B1

  • The River Avon
  • The River Leam
  • The River Stour
  • The River Anker
  • The River Arrow
  • Draycote Water (with DWSC provided safety cover)
  • Kingsbury Water Park
  • Leamington Reservoir
  • Shustoke Reservoir (with SSC provided safety cover)
  • Ragley Hall lake.

B2

  • Within 20 metres above or 10 metres below any weir

Notes

  • For water-based Scouting activities within Warwickshire, on waters not detailed above, the County Programme Team for Warwickshire should be contacted for a water classification assessment before any activity takes place.
  • Assessing Normal Summer Condition -. Volunteers should take into account water levels, water temperature and the flow rate of the water when assessing the water conditions.

C

  • All canals
  • Reservoirs: Lancaster, Chorley and Ulverston
  • Fairhaven Lake

B1

  • Glasson Bay (May to September)
  • River Keer (from the road bridge at Mill Head upstream)
  • River Lune (upstream of line Sunderland Point to Chapel Hill)
  • River Ribble (upstream of Arm Hill, Fleetwood Power Station)
  • River Crake

B2

  • River Ribble (London Road Bridge to Wall End buoy)
  • River Wyre (from Power Station, Arm Hill to Rossal Point)
  • Glasson Bay (October to April)

B3

  • Morecambe Bay (inshore of line from Rossal Pont to Walney Island via Line Buoy, May to September)
  • Coastline (up to three miles offshore)

A

  • River Ribble (beyond Wall End buoy)
  • Coastline (more than three miles offshore unless otherwise classified)

C

  • All canals except within 25m of a lock

B1

  • All canals within 25m of a lock
  • Quarries and flooded earthworks
  • Walsall Arboretum Lakes
  • Stubbers Green, Aldridge
  • Sneyd Reservoir, Bloxwich
  • Swan Pool, Dartmouth
  • Rocket Pool, Bradley

C

  • Wey & Arun Canal
  • Ifield Millpond
  • Chichester Canal
  • Petworth House ponds

B1

  • River Adur
    • all North of the Railway Bridge (TQ210052)
    • North of A259 Norfolk Bridge (TQ212050) to the Railway Bridge (TQ210052), when wind force is 3 or below, and two hours either side of high water
  • River Arun
    • all north from 100 metres up stream of Arundel Town Bridge (TQ020070)
  • River Rother- except for 100 metres below each of the following;
    • Moorland Farm, (SU925213)
    • Coultershaw Mill, (SU972194)
    • Fittleworth Mill, (TQ009184)
    • please portage from 100 metres below Hardham Weir
  • Ardingly Reservoir
  • Weirwood Reservior
  • Southwater Lake
  • Tilgate Lake
  • Knepp Castle Lake
  • Chichester Harbour
    • north and west of a line from Marker Point on Thorney Island (SU747024) to Black Point (SZ751991) on the West Sussex/Hampshire border.
    • North of a line due East from West Thorney (SU769021)
    • North of a line due East from Cobnor House (SU794023)
    • North of a line due West From dell Quay (SU835028)
    • Pagham Harbour (except entrance)
  • Shoreham Harbour
    • north of a line from the Middle Pier (TQ235048) to Wharf End (TQ239049).
    • Prince Philip Lock to Aldrington Basin Portslade
    • Southwest of a line from the southern bank of the Adur Ferry Bridge (TQ218048) to TQ214049
    • Southwest of a line from the western bank of the A259 Norfolk Bridge (TQ212050) to TQ212049
    • Western bank, outside Shoreham Sailing club, between the two withy poles.
  • Coastline - Kayaks within quarter mile of mean low water (MLW) in winds not exceeding force 3, and below half tide. Boats up to half mile when wind force is 3 or below
    • From SZ885964 to SZ978991
    • From SU995003 to TQ028011
    • From TQ033013 to TQ230044

B2

  • River Adur – south of The Railway Bridge (TQ210052) unless otherwise stated;
  • River Arun – north of Fishermans Hard (TQ027019);
  • River Rother - for 100 metres below each of the following; Moorland Farm, (SU925213), Coultershaw Mill, (SU972194), Fittleworth Mill, (TQ009184)
  • Chichester Harbour unless otherwise classified
  • Coastline from SZ885964 to TQ028011 and TQ033013 to TQ230044 up to one mile out to sea unless otherwise classified

B3

  • Chichester Harbour (south of a line from Black Point, (SZ751991) to East Head, (SZ767994)
  • Pagham Harbour entrance (quarter mile radius of SZ880961)
  • River Arun (south of Fishermans Hard, TQ027019)
  • Coastline up to three miles offshore unless otherwise stated

A

  • Coastline more than three miles offshore

Notes

  • There are two charts depicting these classifications:

Class C waters

  • Redcar Tarn; all water; no public access
  • Shibden Hall Lake; all water; no public access
  • Wibsey Park Lake; all water; no public access
  • Reva Reservoir; A rectangle 36 metres by 59 metres bounded by floating lines between the Yorkshire Water Tower, the Dam Wall and the shore. This will be accessed via a strip of water extending 5m out from the northern shoreline, from the slipway. This strip is included solely for the purposes of entering and leaving.

Class B1 waters

  • Calder and Hebble Navigation; Sowerby Bridge to Central Yorkshire Scouts County Boundary.
  • Doe Park, Denholme Reservoir; all water
  • Green Withens Reservoir; all water
  • Huddersfield Broad Canal; all water
  • Huddersfield Narrow Canal; Huddersfield to West Yorkshire Scouts County Boundary, Marsden. Note the passage of Standedge Tunnel should only be undertaken with the explicit approval of the Canal and Rivers Trust.
  • Leeds Liverpool Canal; Kildwick to the Central Yorkshire Scouts County Boundary
  • Redbrook Reservoir, Marsden; all water
  • Reva Reservoir; unless otherwise listed
  • River Aire; excluding weirs, West Yorkshire boundary to Central Yorkshire boundary
  • River Calder; except weirs and Sowerby Bridge slalom site; navigation  below Sowerby Bridge is polluted
  • Rochdale Canal; West Yorkshire Scouts County Boundary to Sowerby Bridge
  • Sparth Reservoir, Marsden, Huddersfield; all water
  • Warley Moor / Fly Flats, Halifax Reservoir; all water

Class B2 waters

  • River Calder; slalom site at Sowerby Bridge

Class B3 waters

  • No Water identified

Class A waters

  • No Water identified

Notes

Last updated – County Water sports Team - 02/12/2024

 

C

  • Kennet and Avon Canal
  • Liden Lagoon
  • Coate Water
  • Warminster Boating lake
  • Corsham Lake
  • Stanton Fitzwarren Lake
  • River Avon Salisbury

B1

  • River Avon, (Malmsbury to Bath)
  • River Thames (Cricklade to Lechlade)
  • Rivers Nadder, Frome, Ray, Cole, Kennet, Murdent, Wylye
  • Wellow Brook
  • Westbury Sailing Lake
  • Trowbridge-Biss
  • River Avon (Bradford to Bath)
  • All Aston Keynes Gravel Pits
  • Bowood Lake
  • Tockenham, Braydon Pond Lakes

B2

  • Wiltshire section River Frome

Waterways Directory

This directory provides an indication of the classification of waters in the United Kingdom in normal summer conditions.

  • Current conditions must be considered before use. 

  • Water levels can rise and fall rapidly, it is strongly advised that local knowledge is sought. 

  • Water grading gives no guarantee that an access agreement is in existence. There are several problems concerning river access.  

  • Where access agreement is in force it must be observed by members of The Scout Association, unless the permission of every individual landowner over whose water it is proposed to paddle has been obtained. 

  • The Scout counties or areas concerned have provided the information contained in this directory. If an area of water is not listed in this directory, please contact the local Scout County or area for up-to-date advice.