River Chew

Map: O.S.Landranger 172.

A small river, almost a stream, flowing out of Chew Valley Lake, O.S. (GR 569 616) a reservoir for Bristol and surrounds for about 15 kilometres joining with the Bristol Avon at Keynsham.

There are no rapids of any note except perhaps the spillway from the Lake at Chew Valley, but this looks to be somewhat dangerous and no doubt is illegal! The excitement consists of waves of various sizes and types. The whole thing is beset by overhanging and fallen trees through which you have to fight your way and it could be dangerous when a real flow exists. It does need considerable rain to make this trip worthwhile.

Grade 1 to 3. No agreement exists.

Starting from

  1. 7k. Publow Bridge , near the church, OS (GR 623 643)
  2. 9k. Weir with broken sluices - main shoot - centre Concrete water measuring device - small trees either side. Below is a possible hazard.
  3. 10.5k. Bridge at Compton Dando - river narrows and increases flow.
  4. 12.5k. Chewton Place - unshootable sluice with a leat to the right leading to a 3 or 4 drops weir with fish pass centre. Flows through private gardens about 3 metres from house window. Can be done though. Footpath to left through field for portage if required approx 100m long.
  5. 13.5k. Just outside Keynsham, converted Mill house on left - weirs, straight drop to right downmill Leat to left - further weirs under overhead brick structures - it is wise to duck holding your paddle against the side of the canoe - very narrow but quite exciting!. Small weir follows in 50m - strong towback left - take right.
  6. 14.5k. Weir angled to right at Leisure Centre park in Keynsham. Egress here. Use car park right (pay) OS (GR 656 684). Or free in car park after the
  7. 15k. confluence with the Avon OS (GR 657 691)

B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Quentin Nicholls
23 Seventh Avenue
Filton
Bristol
BS7 0QD

Tel: 0117 9792515