Hewelsfield and Brockweir put-in (Forest of Dean)
Brockweir sits at the head of the River Wye's tidal reach, the highest point on the river that a normal tide reaches on its way up from the Severn Estuary. Downstream from here the river broadens into a tidal channel, and Tintern lies about a mile downstream.
The weir that gave Brockweir its name is first recorded around 1120 as a gift to Monmouth Priory, and was held by Tintern Abbey by 1331; its remains survive today as shallows under Brockweir Bridge. The east bank at the put-in is the restored stone landing of the village's former quay, once a working transhipment port where cargoes from sea-going vessels of up to 90 tonnes were transferred onto barges bound upstream. Brockweir Bridge itself, built in 1906 and Grade II listed, carries raised stone abutments designed to give clearance for the tall-masted river vessels that once used the crossing.
The whole reach lies within the River Wye Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest, among the most protected river systems in the UK, designated for migratory fish including Atlantic salmon and sea lamprey. Twaite shad, also part of the designation, often spawn at or just above the tidal limit that this launch sits beside. The reach also falls within the Wye Valley National Landscape.
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Conditions to check
This reach is tidal, with high water occurring at approximately the same time as high water at Sharpness. The Severn Estuary, which the tidal Wye joins, has the second largest tidal range in the world, and the rise, fall and current in the river are significant.
SourceIn many places the river banks on this reach are steep-sided with very deep, soft mud that cannot be crossed safely on foot.
SourceThe remains of stone weirs cross the river at intervals, causing a significant reduction in water depth in these areas.
SourceThe weir that gave Brockweir its name is recorded from around 1120 and was held by Tintern Abbey by 1331; its remains survive as shallows under Brockweir Bridge.
SourceThis reach has no visual surveillance at any time, and marine VHF communications are poor or non-existent due to geographical features.
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