Trip details
Distance
7.5 miles, 12kmMaps
OS explorer no 232 Nuneaton & TamworthGrid ref
205, 037Water type
Grade 1 (River Tame) for 3¾ miles, 6km and (Birmingham & Fazeley canal) for 3¾ miles, 6kmPaddle time
4 hours at a steady 2 mphParking start
Heading west on the A5 Turn right onto the A51 (Tamworth town centre) At the 1st island continue straight on At the next island take the 3rd exit (no through road) Continue to end, veering first right then left to the public car park, park adjacent to the river, parking charges applyRoute
Head downstream from the car park approx 100 yards and bear left under the bridge. Beware of the weir directly in front of you exit river left and portage boats around the weir. Re-enter the river and paddle 3 ¾ miles to Hopwas wood bridge, portage boats from the river onto the canal and head in the opposite direction you were travelling on the river for approximately 3 miles to the aqueduct. Portage the boats down to the river and re-enter and paddle down stream ¾ mile back to the car park.Hazards
Suggest all portage points are previewed by the leader prior to trip to ensure first hand knowledge of terrain Ensure the river is not in flood and the egress points above and below the weir are safe to negotiate. Ensure the fitness ability of the group is suitable for the boat portages. Suitability The nature of the type of river suggests the route is safe for all grades of paddlers, but because of the longish distance involved it is advisable only for paddlers able to maintain a constant 2 mph paddling speed for several hours.Access
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