‘Currents flow inland almost half the time’
The River Severn is a textbook tidal river. Connected to the sea by the vast Severn Estuary (home to the third-biggest tides in the world) its muddy waters rise and fall by the height of a multi-storey building twice a day. Travelling along the river at low tide, hanging trees towering high above indicate this extraordinary semi-diurnal transformation by a thick layer of silt on their leaves, several metres above the water.
The Severn is best known as the home to Britain’s biggest bore, a wave that grows over two metres high and travels all the way past Gloucester before crashing into Maisemore Weir. Typical of other man-made structures in Britain’s tidal rivers, this marks a key point; above it there are no tides, while below the obstruction the river is an extension of the coast and you should expect both a vertical rise in the tide and horizontal currents flowing both ways, changing direction at set times before and after high tides.
‘This process of giving yourself over to the rhythm of the river is unlike any other coastal adventure and creates
a wonderful sense of peace’
rivers around Spring Tides unless you want to surf the wave.
SEAS THE POWER
Drifting on a tidal river towards the sea is a particularly cathartic experience. Perhaps it is the simplicity; there is no choice but to go with the flow and resign yourself to the energy of the river. You don’t need to decide upon a route because your course is laid out ahead, marked on a map by the gentle meandering of the river through the landscape. As for timings, it is out of your hands; just go when the water is pouring out to sea and rest on the river bank when the tide is rising. This process of giving yourself over to the rhythm of the river is unlike any other coastal adventure and creates a wonderful sense of peace, complimented by the satisfaction of reaching your destination, the open coast, with its striking horizon.
My favourite method to travel in this way is by Canadian canoe. The very essence of their design shouts exploration, harking back to the days when rugged explorers set forth into the North American wilderness. While these canoes were perfectly adapted to that environment and time, they are equally practical in Britain today. The sheer volume of carrying capacity makes them ideal for multi-day trips as you can pack all your essential camping kit, plus some luxuries too. Although best on rivers, modern canoes come with spray decks and have been proved to be safe on whitewater rapids, so can handle inshore coastal waters when used sensibly.
Above all, what I love about the canoe is the way it allows you to travel in harmony with the environment, as though you are a part of it. The sweeping lines seem to be belong to a natural organism, blending in with your surroundings so that wildlife relaxes around you. This one-ness with the river is enhanced by the seating position and single paddle that inspire a relaxed technique. Instead of battling the currents, the paddle is simply there to guide you along through the best sections while the power of the river propels you towards your destination – the open sea. Just make sure you time your tides right.
Next month: William will look at headlands in this series exploring the geography of the coastline.
TIDE SCHOOL
You can book William for an event to boost your knowledge of the sea, increasing safety and performance. For more details email William@tidalcompass.com