Self-Guided Adventures with River Severn Canoes
Explore the longest river in the UK on a relaxed, self-guided canoe journey. Our multi-day canoe trips on the River Severn combine beautiful scenery, historic towns and peaceful overnight stops, with all logistics, equipment and local knowledge provided. We have 40 years of canoeing experience, have won two Tripadvisor Awards for our customer service, run canoe trips every day on the River Severn during the season and are fully insured.
👉 All trips can be booked online or you can call/WhatsApp us on 07904 646162
👉 Camping or B&B options available throughout
Choose Your Trip Length
2 Day Canoe Trip
Coalport → Bewdley
Day 1: Coalport → Hampton Loade
Day 2: Hampton Loade → Bewdley
✔ Ideal short break on the River Severn
✔ Great introduction to multi-day canoe trips
✔ Overnight camping at the Unicorn Inn (payable directly to the pub- please book ahead)
✔ Heritage railway return included
Price: £100 per person
(Minimum 2 canoes per booking; max 2 people per canoe for comfort.)
3 Day Canoe Trip
Shrewsbury → Hampton Loade
Day 1: Shrewsbury → Atcham (11 miles)
Day 2: Atcham → Buildwas / Ironbridge (15 miles)
Day 3: Buildwas / Ironbridge → Hampton Loade (14 miles)
✔ Shorter distances
✔ Perfect introduction to multi-day canoeing
Price: £150 per person
(Minimum 2 canoes per booking; max 2 people per canoe for comfort.)
4 day Canoe trip
Crew Green / Montford Bridge → Hampton Loade
Day 1: Crew Green (20 miles) or Montford Bridge (10 miles) → Shrewsbury
Day 2: Shrewsbury → Atcham (11 miles)
Day 3: Atcham → Buildwas / Ironbridge (15 miles)
Day 4: Buildwas / Ironbridge → Hampton Loade (14 miles)
✔ A balanced adventure with varied scenery
✔ Popular choice for long weekends
Price: £200 per person (Minimum 2 canoes per booking; min & max 2 people per canoe)
5 Day Canoe Trip
Crew Green / Montford Bridge → Bewdley
Day 1: Crew Green (20 miles) or Montford Bridge (10 miles) → Shrewsbury
Day 2: Shrewsbury → Atcham (11 miles)
Day 3: Atcham → Buildwas / Ironbridge (15 miles)
Day 4: Buildwas / Ironbridge → Hampton Loade (14 miles)
Day 5: Hampton Loade → Bewdley (10 miles)
✔ Camping or B&B each night
✔ Ideal for a complete River Severn journey
Price: £250 per person (Minimum 2 canoes per booking; min & max 2 people per canoe)
wHERE YOUR CANOE TRIP BEGINS
For all of our multi-day canoe trips, we recommend starting at The Unicorn Inn, Hampton Loade. From here, we will organise your transport to the start point.
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Campsite and B&B accommodation available
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Secure long-stay parking (including overnight stays)
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Ideal mid-river base for shorter or longer itineraries
This makes trip logistics simple and stress-free.
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
Crew Green / Montford Bridge → Shrewsbury
A historic stretch where the River Severn meets the Vyrnwy. Paddle past Shardwadine Castle remains and under Montford Bridge, rebuilt in 1792 by Thomas Telford.
Lunch options include picnicking or stopping at the Wingfield Arms. Overnight camping at West Midlands Showground or local B&Bs.
Atcham → Buildwas / Ironbridge
The river widens and matures, winding through meanders and open valleys. Pass St Eata’s Church (consecrated 678 AD) and Cressage Bridge. Overnight wild camping at Buildwas or B&Bs in Ironbridge. Boat storage can be arranged at the rowing club.
Hampton Loade → Bewdley
A beautiful final section passing riverside pubs and the village of Arley. Paddle beneath Victoria Bridge, opened by Queen Victoria, before finishing at Bewdley. Return via the heritage steam railway to Hampton Loade.
Shrewsbury → Atcham
A relaxed day beginning in the heart of Shrewsbury, paddling past historic buildings and Shrewsbury School (founded 1552). One short portage around a weir (trolley provided). Lunch at the Corbett Arms in Uffington or picnic.
Overnight at Paradise Meadows (wild camp) or Mytton and Mermaid.
Ironbridge → Hampton Loade
Paddle through the Ironbridge Gorge, passing beneath the famous Iron Bridge.
A Grade 2 rapid at Jackfield (we recommend portaging). Continue through secluded countryside to Hampton Loade.
Lunch in Bridgnorth or picnic en route.
Coalport → Hampton Loade
The river narrows after Coalport with gentle riffles as you paddle toward Bridgnorth.
Pass through the town and continue into a quieter, more secluded stretch of river.
Lunch in Bridgnorth or picnic en route.
points of interest along the river severn
Upper Severn Routes
Crew Green / Montford Bridge → Shrewsbury
(4-day & 5-day trips only)
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Melverley
Stop for a peaceful walk to admire this picturesque village and the historic St Peter’s Church, known for its beautiful timber frame and serene riverside setting. -
Crew Green
Take a short break to stretch your legs, enjoy wide river views, and watch for local wildlife. -
Montford Bridge
An ancient River Severn crossing and optional start point. A great photo stop with a fascinating history and surrounding countryside to explore.
Middle Severn Routes
Shrewsbury → Atcham → Ironbridge
(3-day, 4-day & 5-day trips)
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Shrewsbury
Explore this historic market town with its medieval streets, riverside parks, and Shrewsbury Castle. Small cafés in the park are ideal for a takeaway coffee before paddling on. -
Atcham
A tranquil riverside village at the site of the original English bridge. Enjoy a meal overlooking the river at the Mytton and Mermaid. -
Ironbridge
Home to the world-famous Iron Bridge, an 18th-century engineering landmark. The surrounding gorge offers small shops, cafés, and a strong sense of industrial history.
lower Severn Routes
Ironbridge → Hampton Loade → Bewdley
(Hampton Loade is the finish for 3- & 4-day trips)
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Bridgnorth
A charming riverside town famous for its steep funicular railway, historic buildings, and independent shops. Ideal for a short stroll and lunch stop. -
Arley (2 & 5 day trips only)
Pause near the colourful gardens of Arley Arboretum for a short walk, or stop for a drink at the riverside Harbour Inn. -
Bewdley (2 & 5 day trips only)
The finishing point for longer trips. Enjoy a relaxed walk along the river or a quick refreshment in town before returning via the heritage steam railway.
who are these trips for?
Experience & Group Requirements
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Suitable For: Groups of friends, colleagues, or families with children aged 14+ (under 18s must share a canoe with an adult).
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Experience Required: At least two days of prior paddling experience and confidence steering a canoe.
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Swimming Ability: All participants must be able to swim at least 50m and feel confident around water.
what's included?
We provide everything you need to enjoy your canoe trip safely and comfortably.
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Gear: Dry bags (60L per person), waterproof barrels, paddles, canoes, and buoyancy aids.
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River Guides: Maps, campsite locations, and daily updates on weather and river conditions.
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Transport: Secure parking and transfers to and from your start and end points (for multi-day trips).
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Support: 24/7 phone assistance throughout your adventure.
What You’ll Need: Personal clothing, camping gear, food, and cooking equipment. Campsite bookings are recommended in advance.
You'll need to arrange your own campsite or b&b bookings separately as these are not included to enable you the flexibility to choose, based on your preferences. However we will assist you with the best options on booking your canoe trip (please ask).
why book with river severn canoes?
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Award-Winning Shropshire Business- Winner of Traveller's Choice TripAdvisor Award 2024 & 2025
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Over 40 years of canoeing experience
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On the river daily from April - October
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Routes paddled and updated every year
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High-quality equipment
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Real people — published phone numbers, email & text support
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Fully insured with Activities Insurance Mutual (AIM)
Ready to Paddle the River Severn?
Plan Your Multi-Day Canoe Trip Today
Choose your trip length, select your dates, and book securely online — or call/WhatsApp us on 07904 646162 for help choosing the perfect route.
frequently asked questions
Multi-Day Canoe Trips on the River Severn
1. Do I need canoeing experience to join a multi-day trip?
You don’t need advanced experience, but we do require that you have paddled for at least a couple of days previously. All trips are suitable for paddlers with limited experience and include a full safety and coaching briefing on the first day.
2. Are the River Severn canoe trips suitable for beginners?
Yes. The River Severn is generally calm and forgiving, making it ideal for beginners who have some basic paddling experience. We provide route guidance, safety advice, and daily check-ins throughout your trip.
3. Where do the trips start and finish?
Trips typically start at Crew Green, Montford Bridge, or Shrewsbury, and finish at Hampton Loade or Bewdley, depending on the trip length. We recommend parking at the Unicorn Inn.
4. Can we camp or stay in B&Bs?
Yes. All overnight stops offer both camping and B&B options, and you can mix and match during your trip. We provide a full list of recommended accommodation.
5. Is the River Severn safe?
Yes. The River Severn is mostly calm and well suited to multi-day canoe trips. We only operate when the river levels are safe for you to canoe and the weather conditions are appropriate. There is one Grade 2 rapid at Jackfield, which we recommend portaging. We provide full safety briefings and daily check-ins.
