The River Axe, Grade 1 in normal conditions, is a narrow river that winds through beautiful countryside ending in an estuary with abundant bird life.

The river Axe is tidal from the sea at Axmouth up as far as the A3052 road bridge near Boshill cross, Colyford.  This lower part is navigable all year round, though you should be wary of the bird life when they have young (e.g. swans with signets can be aggressive).

North of the A3052 road bridge the river is not good for canoeing/kayaking during the fishing season, from March to October inclusive, as it is very shallow . We recommend and advise you NOT to canoe on this section during the fishing season, please. It is a major fishing river whose Clubs and Members pay a high level of subscription for fishing rights and abusing this fishing season may affect our future relationship with these bodies.

During the winter, with sufficient rain, there is a 5.5 mile stretch on which canoeing/kayaking is possible outside the fishing season (from Whitford Bridge down to the river mouth). Note that there is no right of way or access over farmland through which the river flows, except in emergency.

For more detailed information on access contact the River Adviser John Martell, whose contact details are in the document below (to download select the icon):