Wales

Class C waters

• Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal; canoeists paddlers must portage around locks, and tunnels in Ashford tunnel display at least one forward-facing bright white light 
• River Usk; Brecon Promenade upstream of boathouse but within 100 metres of boathouse. Permission for boating should be obtained locally, only when wind and river flow are negligible i.e. less than 8mph wind and when the online Brecon Promenade river gauge reads 0.1m or below: https://rivers-and-seas.naturalresources.wales/Station/4286 

Class B1 waters

• Llangorse Lakes; all water, up to 200m offshore and when wind does not exceed Force 3; local permit required, no canoeing when lake is in use by motorboats see https://llangorselake.co.uk/the-lake.html for access arrangements. 
• River Usk; Brecon Promenade upstream of class C section, as far as the bottom of the first small rapid. Permission for boating should be obtained locally. NB Canoeing is not permitted on Brecon Weir, nor downstream of the weir to Llanfaes Bridge in low water boathouse for approx. 1km, as far as the bottom of the first small rapid, only when wind and river flow are sufficiently low for all members of the group to paddle comfortably upstream. 
• Beacons Reservoir; when wind does not exceed Force 3; see notes for paddlesport access arrangements. 
• Pentwyn Reservoir; when wind does not exceed Force 3; see notes for paddlesport access arrangements. 
• Pontsticill Reservoir; all water, up to 200m offshore and when wind does not exceed Force 3. Permission for boating must be obtained locally; see notes for paddlesport access arrangements, https://www.mtsc.org.uk/index.html for sailing information. 
• Usk Reservoir; all water. Permission for boating must be obtained locally up to 200m offshore and when wind does not exceed Force 3; see notes for paddlesport access arrangements. 

Class B2 waters

• River Usk; Sennybridge to Aberbran in low water if all 3 ledge drops are portaged; Aberbran to Talybont and downstream of Crickhowell
• River Irfon; Llanwrtyd Wells to Builth Wells
• River Wye; Llanwrthwl to Builth Wells in low water if both parts of Builth Rocks 'S-bend' rapid are portaged; Builth Wells to Llyswen in low water if Hell Hole is portaged; Llyswen to Hay-on-Wye
• Llangorse Lake; more than 200m offshore, or when wind exceeds Force 3 but does not exceed Force 4; see https://llangorselake.co.uk/the-lake.html for access arrangements. 
• Beacons Reservoir; when wind exceeds Force 3 but does not exceed Force 4; see notes for paddlesport access arrangements. 
• Pentwyn Reservoir; when wind exceeds Force 3 but does not exceed Force 4; see notes for paddlesport access arrangements. 
• Pontsticill Reservoir; more than 200m offshore, or when wind exceeds Force 3 but does not exceed Force 4; see notes for paddlesport access arrangements, https://www.mtsc.org.uk/index.html for sailing information. 
• Usk Reservoir; more than 200m offshore, or when wind exceeds Force 3 but does not exceed Force 4; see notes for paddlesport access arrangements. 

Class B3 waters

• Afon Crai; all water [Suggested deleting these ‘minor’ rivers – none are likely to be paddled by Scouts; and they are instead covered by the general note suggested below]
• Afon Honddu; all water
• Afon Senni; all water
• Afon Taf Fawr; all water
• Afon Tarrell; all water
• Nant Bran; all water
• River Tawe; Abercraf to Ystalyfera. Two weirs at Abercraf and at bridge immediately below Giedd confluence must be inspected before running
• River Usk; upstream of Aberbran, and Talybont to Crickhowell
• River Wye; upstream of Llyswen
• Afon Ysgir; all water

Class A waters

• River Irfon; upstream of Llanwrtyd Wells
• River Tawe; upstream of Abercraf

Notes

• Where a section of water is included in more than one classification, the lower classification applies only in the specific conditions listed.
• For rivers not listed, the classification may be inferred from the grading stated in “The Welsh Rivers: The Complete Guidebook to Canoeing and Kayaking the Rivers of Wales” by Chris Sladden, Tom Laws et al, 2nd edition 2012; where multiple gradings are listed for a river section therein (e.g. “grade 1-2” or “grade 2(3)”), the highest grade must be applied to the whole section; grade 1 & 2 sections must be treated as class B2; grade 2+ & 3 as class B3; and grade 3+ & higher as class A 
• A ‘reservoir passport’ is needed for access to Beacons, Pentwyn, Pontsticill and Usk Reservoirs (only paddlesport permitted), see https://swoapg.com/paddlesport/#CanoeingonReservoirs

Last updated – 04/03/2025 - County Lead Volunteer

Class C waters

• River Thaw
• Barry Old Harbour - inside breakwater
• Cold Knap Lake and Roath Park Lakes
• St Mellons Lake 
• Llanishen Reservoir
• Barry Boat Base No1 Dock, Canoe Polo Pool - Leaders wishing to use the facility should contact the centre manager beforehand.

Class B1 waters

• Cardiff Bay - The harbour master may impose restrictions on immersion sports due to suspect water quality where the Rivers Taff and Ely enter the bay. Canoe training in the bay is limited to Paddle UK Performance Start and Discover Awards . The main part of the bay is prohibited at present for canoes/kayaks by the Bay authority. The presence of high-speed powerboats make it dangerous to cross the bay, however, 50 metres from the northern bank to Mermaid Quay is possible for canoes. Further information may be obtained from the Cardiff Barrage control.
• Cardiff White Water Centre  - Flat Water area B1 (other classifications apply to flow areas).
• Rivers Ely, Rhymney and Taff - above A4232 (access may be gained at the Channel view slipway or at the rear of the national Sports Centre, Sophia Gardens). Applies to CATVOG Boundary eg approx Radyr Weir on Taff.
• Area up to ½ mile offshore south from Penarth Pier to ½ mile south of Penarth Esplanade.
• Whitmore Bay (inside a line between the headlands), Jacksons Bay (defined as inside the line from Nells Point to Barry Harbour Eastern Breakwater), Watchtower Bay (inside a line between the headlands), Sully Bay inside a line from Sully Island to Bendricks Rocks, Porthkerry Bay inside a line between Cold-knap Point and Rhoose Point.
• Cosmeston Lakes Country Park.
• Barry Tidal Harbour & Barry Docks (restricted areas when shipping is using the Lady Windsor Lock - such movement and areas to be checked with lockmasters).
  

Class B2 waters

• Coastline up to ½ mile offshore from area within ½ mile of Nash Point to area within ½ mile of Rhoose Point.
• Coastline up to ½ mile offshore from Penarth Pier to CATVOG Eastern Boundary.
• Area up to ½ mile offshore between Sully Island and area ½ mile off Lavernock Point (St Marys Well Bay).
• Cardiff White Water Centre Course at 4 Cumec flow B2.

Class B3 waters

• Area within ½ mile of Nash Point, Rhoose Point and Lavernock Point.
• Areas up to ½ mile out off Cold Knap Point, Friars Point, Nells Point.
• Cardiff White Water Centre  - Course 8 Cumec flow and over (consult Centre).
• Barry Harbour Eastern Breakwater to Bendricks Rocks. Area adjacent to Nash Point on the east, area south of Sully Island, Ranny Point and Bendricks Rock
• All waters between ½ mile and three miles from the shore, unless otherwise classified

Class A waters

• All waters more than three miles offshore

Notes

• No Notes Added

Last updated – prior to November 2024

Class C waters

• All open non-tidal waters unless otherwise classified
• All rivers above mean HWM unless otherwise classified

Class B1 waters

• Gwendraeth (east of Tanylan)
• Afon Taf (north of Laughame)
• Afon Tywi (north of Ferryside)
• Coastline (Amroth to Pembrey Point up to one mile offshore)

Class B2 waters

• River Loughor, Loughor Estuary (east of a line from Pembrey Point to Burry Holms)
• Coastline (Amroth to Pembrey Point from one to three miles offshore)

Class B3 waters

• River Tawe (Ystradgynlais, Abercrave to Ystalyfera in flood conditions. Stopper wave at road bridge between Ystradgynlais to Cwymgledd must be inspected before using the water)
• River Usk (Taly-y-Bont to Crickhowell in normal conditions)

Class A waters

• Coastline unless otherwise classified

Notes

• No Notes Added

Last updated – prior to November 2024

Class C waters

• There are some small inland waterways. Due to electricity-generating interests, and fishing rights etc it is advisable to get detailed information from the ACC (WA)

Class B1 waters

• River Aeron (upstream from harbour)
• Cardigan and the River Teify (from Cilgerran Gorge upstream. There are some runs of fast water. For more detailed information please contact the County Programme Team)
• River Dovey (upstream from Dovey Junction)
• Rivers Len and Ystwyth
• River Rheidol (current controlled to some extent by Electricity Company compensating dam)

Class B2 waters

• River Dovey Estuary (from a line drawn north/south through Aberdovey to Dovey Junction. The estuary covers a considerable expanse at high water, but at low water it is encumbered by sandbanks with continually shifting channels. The bar is one and a quarter mile south west of Aberdovey and the fairway of the bar is continually shifting; strong south-west wind causes very heavy sea on bar)
• Aberystwyth Harbour (there is always a surface current setting out of the harbour, rate about one knot on the flood to three knots on the ebb)
• Aberaeron Harbour (Piers extend west north-west from either side of the entrance to the river, but with a strong north-west wind there is very little shelter, and there is a very strong run)
• Cardigan Harbour (there is a constantly shifting fairway at the bar. Sudden onshore winds cause the sea to build up rapidly on the bar, making access difficult).
• River Teify (from Patch to Cilgerran Gorge)

Class B3 waters

• New Quay Harbour (protected by the pier, it affords practically no shelter during onshore winds)

Class A waters

• Coastline (from River Teify Estuary in the south to the River Dovey in the north. Generally, there is no shelter to be found on this coastline, except in some small places in an offshore wind. A considerable sea, however, quickly rolls in on a change occurring making it impossible for a boat to enter the estuaries)

Notes

• No Notes Added

Last updated – prior to November 2024

Class C waters

• Hanmer Mere
• Maelor Lake
• Lindisfarne College, Rhuabon
• The Flash Gresford, near Wrexham
• Marine Lake, Rhyl

Class B1 waters

• Llyn Aled
• Llangollen Canal
• River Dee one and a half miles beyond Chain Bridge to Lake Bala (Llyn Tegid), contact Whitewater Centre
• River Dee (Estuary to Chester Weir)
• River Dee (from danger buoys at Chester to Erbistock)
• River Dee (Erbistock to Llangollen)
• Cae Llwyd Reservoir
• Park in the Past (Fagl Lane Quarry)

Class B2 waters

• Liverpool Bay and Dee Estuary (less than one mile from shore)
• River Clwyd (from Railway Bridge to A548 Road Bridge)
• Llyn Brenig Reservoir

Class B3 waters

• Liverpool Bay and Dee Estuary (between one and three miles from shore)
• River Dee (from Llangollen to one and a half miles above Chainbridge)
• River Clwyd (from A548 Road Bridge to estuary)

Class A waters

• Liverpool Bay (more than three miles from shore)

Notes

• No Notes Added

Last updated – 10/07/25 - MAPS

Class C waters

• All canals

Class B1 waters

• Margam Pool Swansea Bay (from West Pier to the Mumbles Yacht Club Slip within half a mile of LWM
• Oxwich Bay (from Nicholaston Pill Stream to the inside of the Oxwich Moorings)
• Rivers Swansea and Neath (from yacht clubs to upper tidal limits)

Class B2 waters

• Coastline (within a line from Oxwich Point to Mixon Buoy and to Port Talbot North Breakwater)

Class B3 waters

• Loughor Estuary, east of a line from Pembrey Point to Burry Holms for canoes only; the use of all other scout craft in this area is prohibited.
• Coastline (shoreward of a line from Port Talbot North Breakwater to White Oyster Ledge buoy and to West Helwick buoy to Worms Head and to Burry Holms to Pembrey Point Coastguard's Lookout)

Class A waters

• Coastline (to the seaward side of a line from Port Talbot North Breakwater to White Oyster Ledge buoy and to West Helwick buoy to Worms Head and to Burry Holms to Pembrey Point Coastguard's Lookout)

Notes

• The following dangerous broken tidal waters are prohibited to all craft:
• Waters on the landward side of a line from Worms Head to West Helwick buoy then East along the 'A' limit line to a point due south from Port Eynon Point and East Helwick buoy
• There is a high danger between Mumbles pier and lighthouse and at Oxwich Point. Due to fast currents. Both of these areas have heavy surf in winds between east and south, and small craft can be blown offshore with winds between the west and east through north

Last updated – prior to November 2024

Class C waters

• Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (paddlecraft should portage around locks, which are otherwise deemed B2 for non-powered craft)
• Cwmbran Boating Lake

Class B1 waters

• River Monnow
• Llandegfedd Reservoir
• River Wye (south of Symonds Yat to Tinterm, from 1 April to 31 October during normal water flow)
• Bryn Bach Parc Lake

Class B2 waters

• Afon Lwyd (from bridge at the HGV Driving Test Station, Edlogan Way, Cwmbran to Railway Bridge at Ponthir)
• River Sirhowy
• River Wye (from Tinterm to Chepstow Railway Bridge)
• River Wye (south of Symonds Yat to Tintern, from 1 April to 31 October, when in spate, and from 1 November to 31 March)
• River Usk (from Newbridge-on-Usk to Newport Railway Bridge)
• River Usk (upstream of Newbridge-on-Usk. Only available from 7 October to 14 February. Contact Paddle UK Area Rep. From Newport Railway Bridge to a line running from Goldcliffe to Bell buoy and from Cardiff East Buoy to Lavernock Point)
• River Wye (from the Chepstow Railway Bridge to mouth of the River Wye)

Class B3 waters

• No Water identified

Class A waters

• Sea (from the mouth of River Wye and beyond limit of line running from Goldcliffe to Bell buoy. Cardiff East to Lavenock Point)

Notes

• There is no access agreement for Newport Docks. Should a new access agreement be negotiated, Scout activities including for adults only, may only be approved where a Activity Assessor is present to oversee, until a classification is confirmed by the Area. Until then, it should be assumed that North Dock is minimum B1, and South Dock is B3.

Last updated – prior to November 2024

Class C waters

• Pools in Aberdare Park
• River Ogmore (above Ogmore Castle)

Class B1 waters

• All waters unless otherwise classified
• Penyfan Ponds

Class B2 waters

• No Water identified

Class B3 waters

• River Ogmore (mouth - Ogmore Castle)
• Ogmore Estuary
• Coastline (up to three miles offshore)

Class A waters

• Coastline (more than three miles offshore)

Notes

• River Taff (Pontypridd - Taff Well) is polluted and should not be used for scout Boating

Last updated – prior to November 2024

Class C waters

• Enclosed waters (less than four hectares in size)
• Enclosed waters other than Lakes Clywedog and Vyrnwy (four or more hectares in size, within 50 metres of the shore or more than 50 metres from the shore for sailing)
• All canals

Class B1 waters

• Enclosed waters other than Lakes Clywedog and Vyrnwy (outside the area more than 50 m from the shore, for canoeing and boating)
• Lake Vyrnwy (from 1 May to 31 October)
• Lake Clywedog (from 1 May to 31 October)
• River Severn (downstream to Pool Quay there is no public right to navigation; Pool Quay downstream, a public right to navigation exists. There are frequent rapids, although these tend not to contain large boulders or hazards. River can rise and fall very quickly due
  to heavy rain or releases of water from Llyn Clywedog. From 1 May to 31 October)
• River Vyrnwy (frequent rapids, the level of river can rise and fall very quickly at all times of year due to releases of water from Lake Vyrnwy. At high water flow can be very fast from 1 May to 31 October)
• Afon Garno (narrow river, overhanging trees, fast flowing in water, frequent rapids, can be very shallow in summer from 1 May to 31 October)
• River Camlad
• Afon Tanat (narrow river, fast flowing in winter, tends to be shallow in summer from 1 May to 31 October)
• Afon Banwy (fast flowing in winter, frequent rapids although not normally any large hazards and can become very shallow in summer, from 1 May to 31 October inclusive)
• River Rhiw (fast flowing in winter - frequent rapids, becomes very shallow in summer, from 1 May to 31 October)
• Afon Cain (small river)

Class B2 waters

• Afon Banwy
• Afon Garno
• Afon Tanant
• River Rhiw
• Lake Vyrnwy, and Lake Clywedog (from 1 November to 30 April)
• River Vurnwy (from 1 November to 30 April)
• River Severn (Pool Quay downstream from 1 November to 30 April)

Class B3 waters

• No Water identified

Class A waters

• No Water identified

Notes

• No Notes Added

Last updated – prior to November 2024

Class C waters

• Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy. Carry over from beach car park
• Pembroke Castle Lower Millpond, all water
• Treffgarne quarry, access permission needed

Class B1 waters

• Afon Teifi at Cilgerran, level less than 1 on the gauge
• Cosheston Pill east of Warrior Way, Llanion slipway, tidal restrictions and tide flow at times near the Llanion
• Caerfai Bay: within the Bay
• Cresswell Quay an hour either side of high tide
• Dale: in the bay between Dale Fort and Musselwick Farm
• Fishguard Lower Town Harbour, tidal restrictions
• Gelliswick Bay: within the bay
• Haverfordwest Riverside Quay to Crow Hill weir, level less than 0.7 on the gauge. Caution dangerous weir below High Street road bridge
• Pembroke River: from Pennar Gut to Pembroke Barrage (tidal restrictions)
• Porthclais: inside the breakwater, tidal restrictions
• Sandyhaven Pill (tidal restrictions)
• Solva Harbour: inside Black Rock, tidal restrictions
• Stackpole Quay: inside the breakwater, tidal restrictions

Class B2 waters

• Abereiddy Bay to Blue Lagoon
• Abercastle Bay; all water
• Angle Bay: between Angle Point and Sawdern Point (tidal restrictions)
• Cleddau Estuary up stream of the Cleddau Bridge as far as the weir at Haverfordwest and Blackpool Mill. (Exclusion around Lawrenny jetties at peak flow on spring tides)
• Coastline between Caerfai and Porthclais
• Coastline between Watwick Bay - Dale Fort and Kilroom
• Freshwater East: within the Bay, all water
• River Teifi: from Cilgerran to Cardigan
• Saundersfoot between: up to 200m from Monkstone Point to Wisemans Bridge
• Sandy Haven Pill and Bay: between Little Castle Head and Kilroom
• St Brides Haven
• Stackpole Quay to Barafundle, all water
• Tenby North Beach: between the lifeboat station and Monkstone Beach, all water
• West Angle Bay to Angle Bay

Class B3 waters

• Around Caldey Island from Tenby or Lydstep
• Coastline between Martins Haven and Little Haven
• Porthclais to Whitesands: close inshore not out into Ramsey Sound and the Bitches

Class A waters

• No Water identified

Notes

• Most of the watersports areas in Pembrokeshire are affected by the tide, either the height of the tide or tide flow. Therefore people taking scouts out on the water need to have an understanding of the tide.
• Many areas would become hazardous in offshore winds or when impacted by swell.

Last updated – 15/04/2025 - Area Lead Volunteer

Class C waters

• No Water identified

Class B1 waters

• Llandrindod Wells Lake; all water

Class B2 waters

• Elan Valley Reservoir: all water, only useable through the Elan Valley Lodge / Elan Valley Leisure organised sessions.
• River Wye; Hay-on-Wye to Glasbury

Class B3 waters

• River Wye; upstream to Glasbury

Class A waters

• No Water identified

Notes

• No Notes Added

Last updated - 09/01/2025 - County Programme Team

Class C waters

• Llyn Padarn Lagoons

Class B1 waters

• Llyn Geirionydd
• Llyn Dinas
• Afon Dwyryd

Class B2 waters

• Llyn Padarn
• Llyn Tegid
• Llyn Trawsfynydd
• Llyn Gwynant
• Llynau Mymbyr
• Llyn Maelog
• Cymyran Straights (Inland Sea)
• Afon Llafar
• Afon Mawddach (Afon Wen Confluence > Penmaen pool)
• Afon Wnion (Lower from Bontnewydd)
• Afon Llafar
• Afon Lligwy (Upper – Plas Y Brenin > Jim’s Bridge / Siabod Café)
• Afon Lligwy (Lower – Pont Cyfyng > Forestry Falls / Ugly House) *With Exception of ‘Forestry Falls’
• Afon Machno (Above Penmachno Mill)
• Afon Conwy (Beaver Pool > Conwy Estuary)
• Afon Erch
• Afon Dwyfach
• Afon Llyfni
• Porth Penrhyn

Class B3 waters

• Menai Straights
• Afon Tryweryn (Bala Mill Falls, Canolfan Tryweryn White Water Centre)
• Afon Prysor (Pont Dolydd Prysor > Trawsfynydd)
• Afon Mawddach (Ganllwyd > Afon Wen Confluence)
• Afon Mawddach Tidal Section (Penmaen Pool > Barmouth)
• Afon Artro
• Afon Tryweryn (Llyn Celyn > Bala) [excluding ‘Graveyard’, Chapel Falls and
• Bala Mill Falls]
• Afon Lligwy (Forestry Falls)
• Afon Conwy (Ysbyty Ifan > Marked Egress below Rhydlanfair Bridge *Excluding Bryn Bras Falls which is A Class)
• Afon Dwyfor
• Afon Gwyfrai
• Afon Glaslyn (Llyn Gwynant >Beddgelert)
• Afon Seiont

Class A waters

• Menai Straights (Overfalls and Tidal Races)
• Afon Glaslyn (Gorge)
• Afon Hirnant
• Afon Twrch
• Afon Lliw
• Afon Wen
• Afon Gamlan
• Afon Gain
• Afon Ededn
• Afon Mawddach (Pont Abergeirw > Ganllwyd)
• Afon Clywedog
• Afon Wnion (Upper to Bontnewydd)
• Afon Cwm Mynach
• Afon Gwynant
• Afon Ysgethin
• Afon Cwm Nantcol
• Afon Lliw
• Afon Tryweryn (‘Graveyard’, Chapel Falls and Bala Mill Falls)
• Afon Nantperis
• Afon Arddu
• Afon Marchlyn Mawr
• Afon Llafar
• Afon Ogwen
• Afon Caseg
• Afon Anafon
• Afon Crafnant
• Afon Nantygwyryd
• Afon Rheadr Fawr
• Afon Lligwy (Middle – Jim’s Bridge / Siabod Café > Below Pont Cyfyng & Forestry Falls > Betws Y Coed)
• Afon Lledr
• Afon Conwy (Bryn Bass Falls & Rhydlanfair Bridge > Beaver Pool)
• Lower Prysor
• Afon Cynfal
• Afon Teigl
• Afon Cwm Y Llan
• Afon Croesor
• Afon Nantmor
• Afon Goedal
• Afon Colwyn

Notes

• No Notes Added

Last updated – prior to November 2024