Axe (Devon)

The River Axe, Grade 1 in normal conditions, is a narrow river which winds through beautiful countryside. It is a major fishing river whose Clubs and Members pay a high level of subscription for fishing rights. It is therefore closed to canoeing during the fishing season March to October inclusive. It has a 5.5 mile stretch for which access has been agreed.

Canoeing is restricted mainly to Saturdays/Sundays, although exceptions may be possible by prior arrangement. There is no right of way or access over farmland through which the river flows, except in emergency.

The river at Axmouth village (GR 258 912), becomes an estuary, with adverse wind conditions, this can become very choppy. The estuary is an important wildlife habitat. At low water the estuary becomes muddy flats - keep off!!.

Beyond the 2 Axmouth Bridges the river flows into the sea. On the ebb tide the flow can be 6 - 8 knots, so caution is needed. The mouth of the estuary is a dangerous place due to the ever changing nature of the gravel bank just off the entrance. This is not a place for the novice canoeist.

At all times you are advised to go ashore on the right hand gravel bank and reconnoitre the entrance before attempting to run it.

Please contact the B.C.U. Local Access Officer to book your access and to check on the up-to-date river conditions as the river is subjected to severe flooding after prolonged rainy periods and is then HAZARDOUS.

  1. Ingress is at Whitford Bridge which is one half mile from the village of Musbury, south of Axminster town (GR 263 953). Parking is not a problem but PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON THE BRIDGE.
  2. Egress is 200m before the Axmouth Bridges on the left bank, a small low wall juts out into the estuary. There is a car lay-by on the opposite side of the road (GR 253 901).
  3. The only other road access point for emergencies is under the Colyford Road Bridge on the right hand bank. (GR 259 926).
  4. From Axmouth village church the road runs parallel to the estuary and therefore there are plenty of opportunities to disembark in emergencies.
  5. There are no access points between the bridges and the sea unless you wish to pay a harbour fee for launching and parking.
  6. PLEASE CONTACT THE B.C.U. LOCAL ACCESS OFFICER TO BOOK YOUR ACCESS and include a stamped self-addressed envelope with your postal enquiry.

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Pete Lacey
4 Fairfield Park
Lyme Regis
Dorset
DT7 3DS

Tel: 01297 443630