HAMPTON LOADE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two days down the River Severn: a guided canoe from Coalport to Bewdley based in Hampton Loade
A two-day guided canoe trip that covers Coalport → Bewdley, with expert kit, riverside stopping points and a heritage train return — this guide explains the route, logistics and who should go.
Two days down the River Severn: a guided canoe from Coalport to Bewdley based in Hampton Loade.
This two-day guided canoe adventure follows the River Severn from Coalport downstream to Bewdley, offering long sections of serene paddling, riverside pubs and an overnight stop in the heart of the Severn Valley. The package includes quality canoe kit, transport to the launch, a safety briefing and a nostalgic return on the Severn Valley Railway, making it a compact, well-supported way to experience one of Britain’s most historic waterways.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Coalport to Bewdley: a two-stage river journey
The itinerary takes you from the launch at Coalport, past Bridgnorth and on through quieter river bends to an overnight stop at Hampton Loade or Highley, before a scenic second day under Victoria Bridge and through Arley to finish at Bewdley.
Choice of riverside camping, woodland family camping or a holiday house
Overnight options range from pitching beside the river at The Unicorn Inn (with pub and B&B options), family-friendly Wellness Woodlands with woodland activities, to a six-bedroom holiday house in Highley — all booked separately to suit groups and budgets.
Heritage railway brings you back
The canoe price includes a Severn Valley Railway return ticket, so after finishing in Bewdley you can relax on the steam service back to Hampton Loade or Highley — be sure to check the day’s timetable as service times vary.
What the day feels like
What two days on the Severn feels like
Paddling this section of the Severn is a measured, supported experience: you launch from Coalport with kit and a briefing provided, pick your own pace as the river threads through towns and quieter willow-lined bends, stop for lunch or a pub drink in Bridgnorth, sleep beside the valley and then complete a second day of scenic downstream paddling before a steam train return. The operator supplies canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids and dry bags, and provides transport to the launch and ongoing support throughout the trip.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The operator supplies canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids, a 60L dry bag per person and a 100L dry bag per canoe, transport to the Coalport launch, a full safety and route briefing, and a Severn Valley Railway return ticket; accommodation and food are not included.
Your trip begins from The Unicorn Inn at Hampton Loade or the Highley holiday house depending on your accommodation choice; secure parking is available at both locations and the operator will collect you and your equipment on the morning of departure.
Technical kit is provided, but bring weather-appropriate clothing, personal items and any food or provisions you want between stops — accommodation and meals are arranged and paid for separately.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is included in the package?
Canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids, a 60L dry bag per person plus a 100L dry bag per canoe, transport to Coalport, a full safety and route briefing, ongoing support during the trip and a Severn Valley Railway return ticket are included; accommodation and food are not included.
Where do we start and finish?
The trip launches at Coalport and finishes in Bewdley; the advertised start point for guests is either The Unicorn Inn at Hampton Loade or the Highley holiday house depending on accommodation choices.
What are the booking and group size requirements?
Minimum booking is two canoes (four people). There is a maximum of two people per canoe.
Are there age or experience requirements?
Participants must be at least 14 years old (under-18s must paddle with an adult), have two days of paddling experience and be able to steer a canoe.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes — participants must be able to swim 50 metres.
What about the train back from Bewdley?
A Severn Valley Railway return ticket is included in the package, but timetables vary so check the day’s schedule — some days the last train is around 4pm.