There are many great rivers in the UK for rowing, some with rich history, some with beautiful views. In this article, we will take a look at 5 of the best rivers in the uk for rowing. Each river has its own unique history and features that make it an excellent place to row. We will also discuss the length and difficulty of each river, as well as any rowing clubs that are associated with it. So if you’re looking for a new place to row, be sure to check out these five rivers!
The River Thames
The River Thames has been a site of recreation and transportation for centuries. It is 215 miles long, making it the second-longest river in the UK after the River Severn. Originating in a series of springs and streams near Oxfordshire, the Thames flows through London before emptying into the coastline east of Essex. For enthusiasts of outdoor sports such as paddling and rowing, The River Thames offers excellent opportunities to take part in these activities around England. In particular, rowing clubs are popular along its waters; one of them being The Royal Thames Rowing Club which was founded in 1873 as one of England’s oldest sporting establishments.
From April to October, there are large rowing events held on The River Thames that attract participants from all around the world to compete in various categories and divisions. There is no shortage of opportunities for those wishing to experience a classic British pastime on this charming river.
The River Thames has a long and storied history, flowing from Gloucestershire all the way to the North Sea some 346 kilometres away. It is one of the busiest rivers in the United Kingdom, and its importance to England’s history dates back centuries to when it allowed various trading vessels access to London. During the Industrial Revolution, it had become one of the most polluted stretches of land in the country, though due to recent improvements to water quality and infrastructure, it has transformed into a vibrant habitat for urban wildlife.
The River Severn
The River Severn is the longest river in Great Britain, with a total length of 220 miles that runs through England and Wales. Along its banks lies numerous history and folklore, as buildings such as Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire were once crucial to the Industrial Revolution. It also runs through Worcester, where the rowing club is still popular today. The Worcestershire County Rowing Club is a household name on the river, but other clubs that have been established along this watery highway include The Worcester Amateur Rowing Club, Evesham Rowing Club, and The Hereford City Rowing Club. All of these clubs have a long-running tradition of organising inter-club regattas for both beginners and advanced rowers alike.
The river has a deep connection with British history; it was used as an important trade route from early times up until the 19th century when it changed to being mainly industrialised. There are also rowing clubs partnered with the Severn, some of which have been running since the 19th century. During this time frame and further onto modern-day society, these rowing clubs have seen many successes both regionally and at national level. Allowing people to come together to experience the beauty and peace of the mighty River Severn while also pushing themselves beyond their own limits is just one way that these rowing clubs have had an impact on British culture.
The River Tyne
The River Tyne is a spectacular river located in the North East of England. Historically, the River Tyne was an important venue for freshwater and manufacturing during the industrial revolution. Today, its length rivals some of Europe’s greatest rivers at over 103 miles long and it remains the centre of many forms of activity from pubs to rowing clubs. Newcastle Waterfront and Durham Rowing Club are two well-known clubs for rowing along the river.
There are also countless other smaller, local clubs that offer competitive rowing on a casual basis as well as educational experiences such as “Learn to Row” programs that many locals take advantage of. The River Tyne holds a deep cultural and social significance for those in the area and serves as an integral part of life in northern England.
Historically, the River Tyne was an important venue for freshwater and manufacturing during the industrial revolution. Today, its length rivals some of Europe’s greatest rivers at over 70 miles long and it remains the centre of many forms of activity from pubs to rowing clubs. Newcastle Waterfront and Durham Rowing Club are two well-known clubs for rowing along the river. There are also countless other smaller, local clubs that offer competitive rowing on a casual basis as well as educational experiences such as “Learn to Row” programs that many locals take advantage of. The River Tyne holds a deep cultural and social significance for those in the area and serves as an integral part of life in northern England.
The River Trent
The River Trent is a vital part of British history and culture and traverses four counties. Its winding path covers a total length of 185 miles, and it begins as two distinct streams near their source in Biddulph Moor, Staffordshire. It flows eastwards until its mouth at the Humber Estuary and has long been used for transportation, with railways made alongside it in the 19th century.
In more modern times, rowing clubs have sprung up along its banks, such as the Burton-upon-Trent Rowing Club who uses its waters for training young athletes in the sport of rowing. Among other activities, tourists can hire boats to cruise along its surface and observe wildlife in abundance due to the rich habitat that exists there. The river is an important asset to our country’s past and present heritage and continues to be appreciated by millions of visitors every year!
As well as an iconic landmark, the river is also popular among rowing enthusiasts — there are numerous rowing clubs on the river, such as Trent Rowing Club in Nottingham, founded in 1894 which takes advantage of the tranquil stretches between Derwentmouth and Cromwell Weir. It is a great spot for competitive rowing or recreational cruising and allows rowers to savour the unique beauty of this historic river while staying fit at the same time.
The River Clyde
The River Clyde is a 110-mile-long river located in Scotland, making it the 9th longest river in the United Kingdom. Its source is the Lowther Hills, high up in the Scottish Highlands, and it empties into the Firth of Clyde near Glasgow. The few early records of its history reveal that it has been part of ancient trade routes and was used by Celts going as far back as 500 BC to 400 AD. Later, as industrialisation began to creep across Britain in the 19th century, the River Clyde gained notoriety for the ship-building industry that developed around its banks and resulted in near historical expansion of cities along its lower bank such as Glasgow.
With time rowing clubs also began to materialise along its banks; nowadays an impressive 11 member clubs have their own base located on this noble river. All these facts clearly demonstrate how valuable this river is for Scotland’s social and economic development over centuries.
Come on, Louis. I think you can do far better than that. I agree that there are some great rivers to row on in the UK but please get your facts right.
River Severn;
There are seven major clubs ALL established in the 19th Century. Pengwern Boat club (1871), Ironbridge Rowing club (1870), Bridgnorth RC (1868), Bewdley RC (1877), Stourport BC (1876), Worcester RC (1874), Upton RC (1835). In addition, there are many school, college, and university clubs.
Evesham row on the Avon and Hereford on the Wye.
So…. I think you got the length of the river correct. Good ol’ Wikipedia.