Sandy Lane Water Sports
Sandy Lane is the perfect starting point for beautiful paddling in both directions along the river. The specially built boat ramps are an ideal spot to launch your craft and are disability friendly.
The river here is usually calm, but can be affected by strong currents, high winds and overcrowding on certain days and paddlers should exercise caution when deciding whether to go out on the water.
The Route Downstream
As you look at the river, if you follow the flow to the right, it will take you down stream towards Chester city centre. This paddle gives you a chance to see the beautiful and varied architecture along the river, eventually leading to the old city walls and docks. You will pass under a grey suspension bridge and be able to see the stone bridge and three yellow marker buoys in the distance, this is signifying that you are approaching the Chester Weir. This is a great point to turn yourself around and head back to your start point. This paddle will usually take between 30 and 45 minutes each way.
The Route Upstream
If instead you go against the flow upstream from the car park, it takes you up river towards Eccleston. Shortly after leaving the launch the river bends towards the right and opens out to be wonderfully tree lined on both banks and could be mistaken for a much wilder land than just outside Chester. The river meanders its way through the countryside, eventually passing under the A55 and then carrying on for as far as you like. This paddle could realistically be as short or long as you like, just remember the car park is only 4 hours free.
Hazards/What to look out for:
Other River Users- LOTS. Rowers and powered city tour boats are regular occurances but you'll see all manner of other river users. Where possible, pass them on the right, but if in doubt sheltering at your nearest river bank will do fine.
Water Quality- This section has variable water quality. Please check the interactive map created by the action group Surfers Against Sewage, which draws attention to areas where untreated water has been released in the last 48 hours. https://www.sas.org.uk/map/
Tides and Flow- This river is affected by both tides and natural river flow and can be subject to strong currents. In winter there is regularly a flow and in this case users should be sure they're suitably experienced to keep themselves safe. This includes knowledge of tides and paddler rescue skills. The weir acts as a tidal barrier most of the time, but a very high spring tide (a few times a month) will come over the weir and reverse the flow of the river. As the tide then turns again, it increases the speed of the river quite significantly towards the city centre.
Wind - High winds can make paddling very difficult, especially in inflatable water craft.
Chester Weir - This is a man-made weir with a drop-off of around 3 metres. When the river is flowing due to high river levels, real care should be taken to avoid this hazard as very dangerous stopper hydraulics can be created. The weir is a white water feature and approaching by boat should only be attempted by, or under the guidance of, those with knowledge and experience of white water paddling.
Wildlife - Paddlers are likely to encounter wildlife, especially birds. Paddlers should give wildlife a wide berth. You can appreciate its beauty whilst respecting its space.
Facilities
With smooth access ramps down to the water and a disabled toilet, this is the best spot to go for any paddler with mobility issues. The main public toilet facility is open during daytime hours from April to October. Those who arrive and find these closed will be reassured to know the public toilet at The Groves is almost always open. You'll reach this by paddling into Chester and then hopping out shortly after passing beneath the Queens Park Bridge. At the Groves you'll also find restaurants, cafe's and other attractions.
Minimum equipment needed in calm conditions
Your chosen craft (kayak, canoe or SUP) and paddle
Clothing appropriate for the conditions- dress as if you're going to fall in!
Personal flotation device (buoyancy aid)
Mobile phone (easily accessible and waterproofed)
A friend (Paddling independently should only be done if you are very experienced and competent.)
Local Knowledge about Sandy Lane
In summer, this car park can get rather busy, so worth while getting there early. If you are not in a bay, they are likely to give you a ticket. In summer there is usually a ice cream van here but there are convenience stores about 10 minute walk away. The river can be reasonably busy on a warm day, make sure to keep a watch out for other river users and avoid collisions
Source: Dee River Kayaking
Dee River Kayaking offers lessons and guided tours on the river from Sandy Lane for anyone who would prefer to have professional support as they take to the water.