Paddling Worcester to Bevere - a great trip on the River Severn for SUP, kayak or canoe

Ed paddling on the River Severn

This is a paddling trip from Worcester to Bevere on the River Severn - it's a return trip that takes about 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace.

It starts and finishes by the boathouse in Worcester (W3W) and the half way point is just below the weir at Bevere (W3W).

Parking by the boathouse (home of Worcester Rowing Club and Worcester Canoe Club) is on road and it can be busy. There is a pay car park slightly further down the road (W3W).

It's a lovely paddle and is suitable for kayak, SUP and canoe.

As you are paddling upstream for half of the trip, the downstream flow on the River Severn needs to be very low indeed. Anything else and this trip will be very tiring (probably impossible).

Map showing the weir at Bevere and the island above (c) OSMAPS

Paddling upstream from the boathouse, you pass Pitchcroft race course. It's been a site for horse racing since 1718. A great day out in the summer months.

There are some boats moored along this stretched - some fairing better than others...

A boat almost sunk on the River Severn, Worcester

A little further and you see the last of the houses directly next to the river. In the summer a perfect place to live, but in the notorious Worcester floods, it can be knee deep in your lounge!

Ed found some shade under the overhanging trees. As usual, take safety precautions to avoid entrapment and peril.

Ed taking shade under the trees. He's loving it!

The next stretch passes Gheluvelt Park. A great public park with water section, tennis courts and ice cream truck (in the summer).

Ed and Moo used to enjoy going to this park when they were little.

It opened on 17 June 1922 and commemorates the Worcestershire Regiment's 2nd Battalion after their part in the Battle of Gheluvelt.

From the river, there is a tunnel that is fun to kayak into. It doesn't go far, but does get dark!

Kayaking into the tunnel under Gheluvelt Park, Worcester

The landscape opens up now and there are fields on the left and houses with long gardens on the right.

Lots to look at and plenty of wildlife including swans, ducks, kingfishers and herons.

A highlight as you progress is the superb floating house. This is a private house built on a floating hull. As the river level rises, the house rises with it. An absolutely brilliant idea!

You can see the house from the river - access to the basin where it sits is private though.

A floating house that rises and falls with the river level. It's in Northwick, Worcester

Onwards and there are several points to get out and stretch your legs and, of course, refuel with snacks!

The river is wide and meanders nicely as it links to Bevere.

Here's Ed getting back in using a seal launch!

Passing some houses and a pub on the left, the base of Bevere Weir, Worcester appears.

The weir can be very dangerous so take all necessary safety precautions.

Egress can be made on the left hand side of the base of the weir (W3W).

It's onto a small island which is suitable for short stays (eg. lunch stops).

Bevere Weir, Worcester seen in low water from Worcester side of the river Severn

There is a fish pass too to help the local fish population thrive in this river.

The paddle back down to Worcester is usually swifter due to the extra help from the current!

All in all, a great paddle and certainly one to get the arms moving!

Have fun and stay safe.

PS. Paddlesports can be dangerous.
Read our safety disclaimer - here

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