White Water Kayaking Devon

There is white water from its source down to Exeter, although the upper reaches beyond Exe Bridge at the confluence with the Barle are usually too shallow and small to run. In the three main sections there is nothing beyond the scope of a beginner so long as there is an experienced supervisor on hand.

The most popular sections are: Exe Bridge (nr Dulverton) to Black Cat or Bolham but with difficult access at Bolham its best to make a long trip down to Tiverton, Tiverton to Bickleigh (with the shorter section of Salmon Ponds to Waldrons within Tiverton being a good action packed short trip) and Bickleigh to Exeter (long but with a shorter option of Four Pynes to Exeter.)

The natural rapids in the upper section are a big draw and the Exe features some well regarded weirs. All weirs small or large should be run with due consideration. High water levels make weirs very dangerous. Inspection is highly recommended if you are unsure.

Access: Anchor Inn, Exe Bridge nr Dulverton. There is a big car park next to the river belonging to the Anchor inn. They are tolerant of paddlers as long as the pub is used.

This is the most natural section of the river and has good salmon fishing during the summer and autumn. There are no real difficulties on this long section. Tiredness and the cold are your biggest challenges. The best thing to do is enjoy the wooded banks and wildlife.

The Black Cat get out is only about 4 miles down stream from the get in so is a short section. Our recommendation is to pack a big lunch, warm kit for stopping and definitely leaving dry gear at the bottom and do the whole lot!

Access at Salmon ponds across the fields from the main road (A369) up the valley. A layby 200mtrs form the roundabout with the North Devon Link road provides enough room for 2-3 cars, Not a big trailer. Some parking can be found at the collage but is liable to clamping. Try enquiring at the collage.

Egress at Waldrons at the end of the river walkway river right just after the weir.

If you want a trip with plenty of excitement, then the run from Tiverton (Salmon Ponds) down to Bickleigh Weir gives you the some of the best white water on the Exe without too long stuck on the flat. If the river levels are up then once you pass the long Salmon Ponds weir you will be into a fun and bumpy ride until you pass the large supermarket on river left. As you round the bend high on the left is Tiverton Castle. Here the river flattens a little but still moves quite quickly. Passing under the bridge brings you to Tiverton Town weir. The first of the large weirs on the Exe. An easy shoot on the left is usual but be careful not to hit the wall at speed. A wave can be found here at certain levels and there is a natural feeling to the white water. Waldrons weir, at the exit of the Tiverton stretch and an easy take out on the right just after the weir provides a good wave if a little tricky to get on to and can be a lot of fun in the right conditions.

White Water Kayaks

White Water
Buoyancy Aids

White Water Paddles

White Water Cags

The Exe then features natural rapids through the Exe valley all the way to the aptly named Broken weir. This weir does demand an inspection before attempting as it is deteriorating. Then it is a short paddle to Bickleigh Bridge and the following weir. Take care in high water as the stopper can be particularly strong. There is a good egress point immediately after the weir if you don't fancy the four miles of fairly flat water to the Thorverton weir.

Parking can be found in Bickleigh Mill or the Fishermans Cott. Both establishments look more favorably to those who use the facilities (have a pint and some food).

Thorverton weir, now a bit broken down possibly requiring inspection is followed by a bridge and a second mini weir with another long and winding stretch. Be careful as there is a railway bridge immediately after a sharp right hander. This can be difficult, especially if the river is high.

Just past the bridge is The Four Pynes wier, which is great for learning white water moves. In the summer months you often find Squirt boaters harnessing their “Charc”. Different stoppers and fish shoots make for the interest here. A mile below Four Pynes is Cowley Steps. Possibly not suitable to beginners, there is an alternative route as well as portage if you don't feel confident to take the steps.

Once you are past Exeter's flood defences, you come to Flowerpots weir. This is a magnet for playboaters whenever the river is up and if they can get away, this is likely to be where you will find most of Exeter's white water kayaking fraternity after heavy rains. The top weir produces a wave on the river right (looking down stream) and a small eddy. Great for some surf fun. The weir below, Flower pots with the big foot bridge Millers Crossing above it is best run on the left avoiding the bigger right handside with is potentially fatal second step. The stopper at the base of the left hand side is the spot for playing, next to the concrete ledge. Parking can be found on the street above or in Mill on the Exe pub car park. Please be considerate and buy a drink or food. The management don’t take to naked paddlers that much! >From here you are through central Exeter, the quay is possibly the most sensible egress point (feel free to pop in and see us). Downstream from the quay there are two more weirs on the river, Trews and St James weir, known as Salmon pool, both of which can be fun but should be examined before attempting.

From here you can either break out and carry across to the canal for a return to the quay or you can continue on out of the city and to the estuary. Be aware that past Salmon Pool weir the river is tidal, so you are likely to face adverse conditions if you time your trip wrong. The journey out of the city is pleasant, but there is no more whitewater.

The Exe from the quay down to Topsham and beyond can be paddled as part of the Exe Circuit. (this is coming, we have it, I just have to find it.)