River Yeo

The river has been canoed from SHERBORNE (6516) to its junction with the River PARRETT at HUISH Bridge (424263). Between YEOVIL (5716) and ILCHESTER (5222) there are four weirs which can be shot in most conditions. The river is narrow and local anglers are reluctant to have an access agreement. The weir at 581196 has a good chute and a 'short' slalom competition was held there in the 1970's. Car parking and access to this point is difficult. From ILCHESTER to HUISH Bridge there is good paddling with three weirs. That at LONG LOAD Pumping Station (469238) has to be portaged. The other two can be shot but the sluice at PIBSBURY (441261) is sometimes closed and the weir can be portaged on either bank.

The gradient of the river bed steepens for 200 metres downstream of BICKNELLS BRIDGE and provides a short rapid with haystacks and eddies small in certain water conditions. There is plenty of room for beginners and improvers to experience rather faster water.

ACCESS.
From LONG LOAD to BICKNELLS BRIDGE is accessible except on competitions days.
HUISH Bridge (424263) Car parking.
LONG LOAD (467238). Restricted to limited roadside parking and permission needed.
ILCHESTER. LAY-BY at 524232. Permission required.