Map: O.S.Landranger 172.
From Winterbourne down to Snuff Mills Grade 1/4 (in flood)
Park at small layby in the end of "The Dingle" at Damsons Bridge OS (GR 658 795).
Ingress below the pipe spanning the river or limbo in low water. This river is small and shallow so a good level is required to successfully run it. Best after some consistent or heavy rain. Overhanging trees may be a problem and some skill may be necessary to negotiate them.
1k. The first rapid occurs just above Mill Road bridge but is straight forward through the centre arch of the bridge - watch out for the odd supermarket trolley, bicycle, etc. Barbed wire has been known to be stretched across the outer arches in the past. There are a number of fastish bibbly bobbly bits before reaching the
1.75k. first weir at the junction with Bradley Brook. There are now a lot of "Private" signs at this weir. It is possible to portage on the right bank just before the Bradley Brook and take the public footpath to the road left and back to the river below the disputed area. The owner of the right bank, who owns the weir, is not unsympathetic to canoeists but the owner of the left bank is not sympathetic. If the weir is shot keep on the true left about halfway from the end into a big pool the river then takes a right turn away against a steep bank facing you as you take the weir, In higher water conditions there can be a reasonable towback at the weir base and quite strong currents in the pool.
1.8k. The river then flows below the M4 road bridge
2k. Under the Avon ring road under where at decent levels there can be a nice little run of rapids. There follows a stretch of tree lined river slowing up somewhat and
2.5k. deepening until you reach a large weir at Millhouse. PERMISSION PRIOR TO SHOOTING THE WEIR IS REQUIRED. There is no access to the land for portage by the weir and the footpath on the right has been diverted so if you wish to portage this has to be effected before you reach the weir. To shoot the weir the best place is to the true right ( but it has been shot left of centre). The problem is that you cannot see what is happening below on the weir face - also there is precious little water depth and numerous boulders in the water just down from the weir itself so you can get pinned or stuck on the bottom if you take the drop square on especially in lower water. It is wise not to attempt egress in the Millhouse garden as there are big dogs!.
2.6k. Cleeve Road bridge. The hazards outlined for Millhouse weir applies to the majority of subsequent weirs except the one coming next at the bottom of Frenchay Hill right next to the metal working business.
3k. Frenchay Hill weir can, in higher water, have a very powerful towback at the base, bank support rescue lines might be a good idea here.If in doubt take the true left away from the building where the water is more shallow and it is easier to rescue. There is a tree on the weir but it is easy to miss 3.25k. Frenchay Road bridge (pedestrian bridge only) Start of Oldbury Court Estate. You now enter the park proper drifting under the bridge and through tree lined banks.
B.C.U. Local Access Officer
Quentin Nicholls
23 Seventh
Avenue
Filton
Bristol
BS7 0QD
Tel: 0117 9792515