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River Dee

The River Dee is navigable from Farndon Bridge downstream to the Dee Estuary.

Things to do nearby

Facts & Stats

33 miles

(53.1 km)

The length of the River Dee that is navigable.

0 locks

From Farndon Bridge to the Dee Estuary

The River Dee is navigable from Farndon Bridge downstream to the Dee Estuary. Downstream from Chester, the river is industrial and should only be navigated by sea-worthy craft with crews well-versed in tidal waters. Upstream from Chester is the section administered by Chester City Council. There is a connection to the Shropshire Union Canal at Crane Wharf, Chester.

IWA has proposed improved links between the Shropshire Union Canal and the River Dee..

Downstream of Wilcox Point, the navigation authority is the Dee Conservancy, which the Natural Resources Wales has responsibility for.

Waterway notes

Maximum Boat sizes

There are no locks to restrict length and beam of boats navigating the River Dee, but bridges and the weir at Chester restrict vessels to the following dimensions:

  • Height: 9′ 6″ (2.8 metres)
  • Draught: 3′ (0.9 metres)

Navigation authority

Cheshire West and Chester City Council

 

 

Useful info

The weir at Chester can only be passed at certain states of the tide and local expert advice is required.

Waterway underfunding

Hundreds of miles of waterways – along with their unique heritage and habitats – are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future.

Sustainable Boating

We want boating on canals and rivers to be more sustainable and – even though the current overall contribution to UK carbon emissions is very small – we want to help reduce emissions on the waterways.

Waterways Heritage at Risk

Britain’s canals and rivers are a unique, living heritage. But that heritage is at risk – from urban development, lack of protection, loss of skills and knowledge and climate change.

You can help Save Waterways Heritage.

Waterway restoration

Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.

Local activities