River Frome (Somerset)

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Map: O.S. S.T. 65/75

The River Frome is a major tributary of the Wiltshire Avon, rising some 10 miles south of Frome, running north to join the Avon just east of Bath. A heavily weired river which does help to retain good water levels longer than many other local rivers. A popular coarse fishing river also some trout fishing takes places especially below Farleigh Hungerford. The river has been paddled as far up as just east of Frome Town but the most popular section is described below.

A Summary of Obstructions on the River Frome between Shawford Bridge and Iford: Distance 5.5 miles.

The river has quite a fast flow especially in spate conditions and fallen trees can always be a hazard.

WOOLVERTON, SHAWFORD BRIDGE, is the main upstream access point, on the A36 Road, (GR 793535). Enter the field on the right below the bridge via a gate in the lane to Rode. Car-parking in lane only.

SCUTTS MILL WEIR. 0.5m. 6ft almost vertical drop. If you can paddle over the sill without grounding then it is safe to shoot in the centre; in lower conditions take the old mill leat straight on, the rocks half-way down are not a big problem, but watch a low bridge at the end of the leat. If you can shoot the weir in safety don't use the portage which is on the left of the main weir . Can be shot at most water levels but beware of towback in spate.

RODE MILL WEIR 1 mile. Small stepped drop can be shot at all levels, anywhere along its length. Do not use mill leat, it has no exit point. Portage on the left of the main weir between it and the sluice gate. Rode weir.

LANGHAM FARM WEIR 1.5 miles. This is the start of the Langham Farm slalom site (events held in May and October) and cannot be shot unless in flood so take the mill leat straight on, down to the arch on the left, paddle under the arch into the pool below, no need for inspection. This is a sharp left turn and needs care, Do not continue down the leat past the arch as the bridge at the bottom is too low. If the water level is high enough to shoot the main weir do not use the arch. Portage on the left side just above the arch onto the first island and down into the pool below the arch.

LANGHAM FARM SLALOM SITE, (GR 805550) is an emergency access point.

TELISFORD WEIR 2 miles, 4ft sloping drop that can be shot in the centre at most levels except very low water. Do not use mill leat, it has no exit point. Portage on the right of the main weir.

POMEROY FLOOME 2.5 miles can be shot at all levels straight down. There is a large standing wave in flood at the bottom but please do not play in the bottom pool as it contains very large anti-scour rocks just below the surface. Please check the pool for fishermen before going down, this is a popular fishing hole. Portage on the right hand bank

STOFORD MILL WEIR 3.5 miles can only be shot in high flood as the pool contains many gravel banks and large rocks, and the water is very shallow. Do not use the mill leat as this is a working mill. Portage down the weir face or on the right of the main weir.

FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD WEIR 4.5 miles, 5ft near vertical drop is the highest weir on the river and can be shot in the small V in the centre or left of centre in spate. Do not use the mill leat as this leads to a fish farm. Portage on the left by the little foot-bridge.Warning: Farleigh weir is becoming unstable, so inspect right before shooting

FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD BRIDGE (GR 804577), is another emergency access point. Use the left bank below bridge between bridge and first house.

IFORD BRIDGE, (GR 801589) is an access/egress point. Use the left side below the bridge by roadside railings. Car-parking in lane by bridge or in lane towards Freshford.

IFORD WEIR 5.25 miles: 4ft slope can be shot at all levels; just left of centre when low or centre to right at other levels. The mill leat is filled in. Portage on the left by old eel traps.

FRESHFORD MILL WEIR can be shot at all levels in the centre, but beware of steel spikes on start of weir sill, Do not use mill leat as this is a working mill. Portage on the right side of weir. This is the last weir before you join the R. AVON.

FRESHFORD MILL, (GR 786597) is an access/egress point. Use the right bank below bridge on road side. Car-parking by access area.

FRESHFORD INN BRIDGE (GR 791599) is another emergency access point.. L/H into field and out of gate into the road.

If you continue on the river you will join the River Avon which has the following access points.
AVONCLIFF AQUEDUCT, (GR 805600). L/H, looking UP stream under aqueduct, Car-parking, by canal in lane from Avoncliff Village & Westwood.
LIMPLEY STOKE BRIDGE, (GR 783613) L/H above bridge into field and out of gate onto Bradford road, Car-parking in lay-by on Bradford road east of canal bridge. Further details about the R. Avon can be found in the Bath Circuit Tour guide.

Proposed agreement between water users on the River Frome

Concerned Parties.

Avon and Tributaries Angling Association.
Mrs Cartwright-Hignett, Iford Manor. Riparian owner.
Mr Phillip Bryant, Stoford Farm. Tel: 01225 752253.
Mrs E. Quartley, Newlands, Shawford Bridge, Beckington. BA3 6SQ.
Farleigh Hungerford Swimming Club.
Michael Hill B.C.U. L.A.O.

Section of river concerned. River Frome, Somerset - Shawford Bridge to Iford.

  1. ACCESS is as normal at Shawford Bridge on the A 36. O.S.S.T. (GR 794 535). Park as usual in the lane, with consideration. Use the new kissing gate.
  2. EGRESS is immediately downstream left below Iford Bridge (GR 800 589)
  3. The section below Farleigh Hungerford weir has new restrictions put on it, by the A.T.A.A.. This section should not be paddled during the closed coarse fishing season.
  4. No more than 15 paddlers per day.
  5. Permission for egress (GR 805 577) has been granted by Farmer Phillip Bryant of Stowford Farm during this time.
  6. Please beware of swimmers.
  7. Boats are to be carried diagonally across the field towards Farleigh Castle to the gate in the corner of the field opposite the cottage, subject to the further agreement of Phillip Bryant.
  8. Rob Frye of the Farleigh Hungerford Swimming Club has given permission for canoeists to park cars in the field adjacent to the river, subject to payment of £1. per boat. However, this only applies if the field is dry enough to support vehicles.
  9. At least 2 weeks written notice in advance must be given.
  10. The rights and properties of local landowners are to be respected and protected.
  11. Canoeists entering owners premises, do so solely at their own risk.
  12. Canoeists must change in a manner that does not cause offence.
  13. The Local Access Officer must be informed of any incident regarding landowners, fishermen or injury to canoeists.
  14. The individuals or the group leader must have third party liability insurance for any accident that could take place. (B.C.U. Membership provides such cover).
  15. The party leader must ensure that all canoeists are sufficiently experienced to cope with the conditions on the day of the trip.
  16. From the first day of the fishing season, for one calendar month, there shall be no canoeing on the River Frome to allow undisturbed fishing.

This agreement is to run for two years in the first instance, after which it will be reviewed by all parties.

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

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