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 closed to canoeing during the fishing season from March to October inclusive. Please do not canoe on this section during the closed period (this applies to all canoeists not just club members). It is a major fishing river whose Clubs and Members pay a high level of subscription for fishing rights and abusing this closed period may affect future access during the winter period.

During the winter, there is a 5.5 mile stretch for which access has been agreed outside the fishing season. 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 BCU access officer John Martell, whose contact details are in the document below (to download select the icon):