Boating along the River Dee (Cheshire)

Cruising

The navigable Dee travels 35 miles from Farndon Bridge to the sea, connecting with the Shropshire Union Canal at Chester via the Dee Branch.

The river upstream from Chester is remarkably quiet, with few boats venturing onto it from the main system. This part of the Dee is administered by Chester City Council, from which a licence is required to navigate. There is a towpath to Farndon. Further details from Chester City Council, Grosvenor Park on 01244 325681.

For boats wanting to pass between the non-tidal section and the Shropshire Union, there is a tricky weir passage that can only be made at certain states of the tide. You will also need to book passage through the locks of the Dee Branch. For details, call British Waterways' Wales & Border Counties office on 01606 723800.

An ancient estuarial navigation, the tidal reaches downstream of Chester have been greatly straightened over the years and are now an efficient but featureless navigation. They should only be tackled by seaworthy craft and competent crew.

Canoeing

The Welsh sections of the River Dee have traditionally been very popular with canoeists. The attractive landscape and numerous rapids should make it one of the best canoeing rivers in Britain.

However, the recent failure of the long-standing access agreements mean that, at present, canoeing is not permitted on most of the Dee. There is limited access around Llangollen: see www.welsh-canoeing.org.uk for more information and for information on local access officers.

Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.