How to get there -
Get a map with driving directions to
start (enter the postcode of your starting point at A)
Suggested Launch Site - There is a concrete slipway and a small car park next to the river
General
Description - This part of the Parrett, as it crosses Aller Moor, was scene to the earliest known dispute between those navigating the river and a riparian landowner seeking to restrict navigation - in 1280 ‘The burgesses of Bridgwater complained that Acton had stopped them “towing their boats on the waterway of Peret, along the moorlands and meadows between Bruewat’ and Langport.” ’ The court ruled in favour of those using the river.
In the 19th century the river formed part of the Parrett Navigation with locks to facilitate passage by larger craft but in 1878, following competition from the railway, the navigation was transferred to the ownership of the Somersetshire Drainage Commissioners.
The
Somerset Waterways Develoment Trust actively campaign for the restoration of this navigation and believe
"A “Highway” Right of Navigation exists on the Rivers Parrett, Isle and Yeo where formerly navigation improvements were made but there is no liability or responsibility on the current management body, ie The Environment Agency to maintain navigation structures such as locks, even though the locks at Middleney and Thorney appear structurally sound and could easily be reinstated."
The trip to Oath Lock (now a weir) is 3.4 miles (6.8 return) with no portages.
