Biss

Map: O.S. S.T 85/95

A tributary of the Wiltshire Avon rising just west of Salisbury Plain between Warminster and Westbury. It has been paddled quite regularly from Trowbridge by Frome Canoe Club for some years without incident.

Normal access point in Trowbridge (GR 862 577), Clarendon Avenue off West Ashton Road.
Distance 4 1/2 miles.

Summary of Obstructions

• 0.25 miles downstream: small sloping weir.
• 0.5 miles downstream: small vee weir. Good playspot.
  
• 100 metres downstream: Town weir immediately above town bridge. Small single drop. Centre shoot through central arch of bridge. From here on the river becomes overgrown. Overhanging trees can be a problem for novices.
  
• 1.5 miles downstream: Laydydown Mill. Dogleg weir. Looks horrendous. A stopped weir on a 90 degree bend. Easier than it looks. Shoot right under low bridge. Ask permission from owner to shoot through Mill. (Bob Alexander: Tel: 01225 766211).
  
• 2.5 miles downstream: Confluence with River Avon.
  
• 4 miles downstream: Bradford on Avon weir. 6ft single drop. Has been shot at most water levels without problems, in kayaks and open Canadians. Best shot left of centre through small vee in low/moderate levels, or far right in spate.
  
• 4.5 miles downstream: Egress left hand bank under railway bridge, Bradford on Avon (GR 824 607).

Maximum group size 10

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Michael Hill
12 Ash Drive
North Bradley
Trowbridge
Wilts
BA14 0SQ

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