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WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?Join like-minded people for an archaeology tour with a difference - it's by canoe! The River Severn has been an incredibly important part of Shrewsbury's history, so it makes sense to explore the town from the water. Enjoy a leisurely three-hour paddle around the outskirts of Shrewsbury town with regular stops to see historical highlights in the river bank or above on the shore. Along the way you'll see evidence of the town's medieval history and the industrial period, you'll learn about the River Severn as a major transport route over time and the many floods that locals have endured. Follow your tour guide from Frankwell boat ramp to the north of Shrewsbury anticlockwise downstream around the historic town and disembark at the Castlefields Weir. After a local lunch (at your own expense) we will have a guided tour of the castle which, together with the river, completes the historic defences of the town.
Canadian/open canoes that can take 2-3 people will be provided and these can be rafted together to provide more stability and reassurance if required. Buoyancy aids will be provided for everyone and a safety briefing will take place at the beginning of the tour.
To make the most of the Bank Holiday Weekend, we're suggesting that you visit the immersive town of Ironbridge, Valley of Invention, on the Sunday-Monday as there is so much to experience in that historic place. This will be at your own cost. If sufficient people show interest in visiting Ironbridge then group tours and discounts can be arranged.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Anyone who's interested in an archaeological experience with a difference or a canoe experience with a difference will enjoy this tour. It will cover multiple time periods and give a good insight to the history of Shrewsbury. It will also be a unique experience for regular canoeists who will learn a bit more about their river surroundings.
When it comes to the physical canoeing part of this tour - it's not necessary to have any experience, as long as you are reasonably confident around water and can follow instructions! Confident canoers can go in a double canoe with someone else and paddle themselves. Those who are less confident can go in two canoes rafted together with at least one experienced canoer - this will provide more stability and reassurance.
Bring friends and family, or come on your own and make new friends!
WHO'S THE EXPERT GUIDE
Dr Nigel Baker is a field archaeologist with more than thirty years’ experience, based in the Shrewsbury area. His day-to-day work includes historic building assessments, desk-based archaeological assessments, watching-briefs and excavations for community groups, and occasional archaeological evaluations. But for more than a decade Nigel has, in association with Drummond Outdoor, led canoe-based guided archaeological tours of the Severn above and below Shrewsbury. The most popular of these, is the Do-the-Loop trip around Shrewsbury from Frankwell to the Castlefields Weir; in 2016 this featured on More4’s Discovering Britain television series.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Frankwell, Shrewsbury, SY3 8, United Kingdom
Tickets
