Location: Snowdonia National Park, Wales

The Afon Tryweryn River is dam-controlled with regularly scheduled releases, allowing for commercial rafting trips during the summer months. From it’s headwaters in Snowdonia National Park, to where it meets the Dee River, the Class III Afon Tryweryn River is 19 km. Rafting on the Afon Tryweryn is managed by the Welch Canoe Association which runs the Welsh Canolfan Tryweryn National Whitewater Centre. The whitewater run is naturally occurring, not man-made, although many of the rapids have been modified and boulders have been moved in several spots along the river.

Level of Difficulty: Class II-IV / Beginner – Intermediate

The Afon Trweryn is divided into three sections, the Upper, Middle, and Lower. The Upper is rated Class II-III at normal flows, the Middle is III-IV, and the lower is Class II-III. There are several weirs on the run that create fun playspots and holes.

Upper Section: Class III

The Upper Section is a nice, short, Class III run that begins at the Tombstone Weir, an old broken weir with a big stopper wave. Below Tombstone, Tryweryn whitewater rafters face Factory Falls, a 15 meter Class III rapid that ends with a final plunge into Big Berth, the hole at the bottom of the falls.

Middle Section: Class III & IV

The rapids on the upper section of the Afon Tryweryn are Class III and IV, but there is a good Class II warm-up before rafters enter the Graveyard, a fun Class III+ rapid. The Graveyard has been modified with the addition of a few boulders that make the rapid more exciting. After the Graveyard rapid, rafters enter Ski Jump rapid, a steep drop into a big, sticky hole. The rapid is followed by a long, calm pool, so rafters have plenty of time to recover after their run. Rapids such as International Wave, Fedwr Gog Falls, Fingers Rapid, and NRA Wave require good paddling skills and teamwork. Cafe Wave is the most popular playspot on the river and is aptly named because of the cafe that overlooks the rapid. The grand finale of a Afon Tryweryn River rafting trip is Chapel Falls, an exciting Class IV drop.

Lower Section: Class II-III

The lower Afon Tryweryn River is a wilderness run with classic Class II-III rapids, so it a great beginner run. Although the rapids are not incredibly challenging, they are continuous and require some skilled maneuvering. Bala Mill Falls, the last drop on the Lower Section is a short and technical Class IV waterfall just above take-out.

Season: May – September

Rafting on the Afon Tryweryn River is offered during the summer months.

Most rafting in Wales is just outside of Snowdonia National Park on the Afon Tryweryn River. Rapids range from Class II to Class IV, depending on the section of river.

Afon Tryweryn River Rafting Trips (Class II-IV):
A dam-controlled run with three creatively-named sections: The Upper, Middle, and Lower.

Dee River Rafting Trips (Class III):
Water is only released on the Dee River a few days each year, however, when it runs, the river has some fun rapids.

Location: Nottingham, England

The whitewater course is located at Holme Pierrepoint near the charming and well-known town of Nottingham.

Level of Difficulty: Class II-III / Beginner

Water is directly diverted from the Trent River into the a man-made whitewater run designed specifically for rafting excitement. It is one of the largest-volume courses in the UK. A whitewater course is the only way to raft on the Trent River because there are no natural whitewater rapids.

Season: Year-round

Rafting is available on the Trent River throughout the year, but it is more popular during the warm summer months. Flows on the Trent River are 28 m3/s and trips generally last 1/2 day.

Location: Exmoor National Park, England

Located in Exmoor, the Barle River provides the only naturally occurring whitewater rafting run in England. The river flows into the Exe River which has a challenging kayaking and canoeing run.

Level of Difficulty: Class II / Beginner

The Barle River has a 7-mile long Class II section with modified rapids.

Scenery: Oak Woodlands and Rolling Hills

The Barle River Valley winds through rolling green hills with beautiful scenery near Exmoor National Park. The area is nestled in a Sessile Oak ancient woodlands full of wildlife including birds, 20 species of butterflies, otter, and red deer.

Season: May – August

Rafting trips on the Barle are available during the summer months when the weather is warmer.

With the exception of the River Barle, there are very few natural whitewater rapids in England. However, speedo-clad tourists and natives alike enjoy river rafting on the many man-made whitewater courses.

Barle River Rafting Trips (Class II-III): Located near Exmoor National Park, the Barle is the only naturally occurring whitewater rafting in the country.

Trent River Rafting Trips (Class II-III): An artificial rafting course on water diverted from the Trent River, this is a good introduction to rafting.

More About Rafting in England

Although some of the rapids and courses in England are completely artificial, many of the courses are either on a diverted stretch of the river, or they are natural rivers with modified rapids (boulders are placed in the river to create rapids). England whitewater rafting courses require a certified guide or instructor who calls out commands and directs the raft through the rapids. The rapids offer plenty of thrills on challenging whitewater from Class II to Class IV. Whitewater rafting trips in England are typically two to four hours long and participants get to raft several times through the courses. If the paddlers are up for the challenge, the rapids get more difficult with each attempt on the course.

Location: Rhone Alps in Southeastern France

Doron de Bozel river rafting trips take place in the Rhone-Alps region of Southeastern France. This region is famous for world-class skiing in places like Val d’Isere, host of the 1992 Winter Olympics. Whitewater rafters are also drawn here to experience the beauty and challenge of rivers like the Doron de Bozel.

Level of Difficulty: Class IV-V / Intermediate

Doron de Bozel river rafting trips are very rigorous, earning a rating of class IV-V, with continuous whitewater. The high adventure of Doron de Bozel river trips makes them appropriate only for those with previous rafting experience or newcomers who are very athletic and looking for a challenge.

Scenery: Narrow, Tree-lined Canyon

The Doron de Bozel is sourced high in the French Alps before winding its way into the River Isere. Though they are close relatives, the tree-lined and narrow canyon of the Doron de Bozel creates much more challenging rapids than those on the River Isere.

Season: Specific Dates in May and August

One day trips are available only at very limited times of the year. Commercial rafting outfitters typically offer only one or two dates in May and August so it is crucial to plan ahead to see this beautiful French river.

Location: French Alps neaer the Val d’Isere

Running through the Rhone-Alps region of Southeastern France, the River Isere is near famous Val d’Isere, the beautiful host of the 1992 Olympic Winter Games.

Level of Difficulty: Class II-IV / Beginner or Intermediate

There are two white water rafting sections on  the River Isere. Introductory whitewater rafting is perfect for families on the class II-III section. People with previous experience or those looking for a challenge can consider the intermediate, class III-IV section.

Scenery: Tarentaise Valley backed by the Snowcapped Alps

The source of the River Isere is snowmelt from the Graian Alps. From this lofty source the river flows in the Upper Valey called Tarentaise and then continues on to the Rhone River, of which it is a tributary.

Season: May – September

Dam controls make River Isere rafting trips are available May into September. Most trips are short, lasting from half to full day trips.

Location: Massif Mountains in South-central France

The Ardeche River flows through the Ardeche department or region of South-central France and is sourced in the Massif mountains. The river has a striking canyon—it is known as the “Grand Canyon” of the Ardeche, popular with hikers, rock climbers, and other athletes.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Intermediate

Rafting trips on the River Ardeche are rated class III-IV, making it an intermediate river with challenging sections of whitewater. It is possible to raft sections of the l‘Ardeche that are solely class III, so families can consider this river as well.

Scenery: Limestone Cliffs and Stunning Rock Formations

One of the most famous features of the Ardeche River canyon is the natural rock bridge called the Vallon Pont d’Arc that spans 60 meters over and across the river. In other places, limestone cliffs rise hundreds of feet above the water, creating a dramatic backdrop for Ardeche River rafting trips.

Season: April – October

The Upper section of the River l’Ardeche can only be run in the spring and fall, while the main gorge section can be run all season long. Both half and full-day whitewater rafting trips can be arranged.

Location: Southeastern France

The Verdon River winds its way through Southeastern France. Its source rises from high in the Les Trois Eveches Mountain range. The canyon is isolated and wild and wasn’t fully explored until the early 20th century. Before 1905, visitors to the deepest parts of the Verdon gorge were limited to the rare woodcutter.

Level of Difficulty: Class II-III / Beginner

River rafting trips on the Verdon River take place on two different section of the river. The Middle Verdon is class II-III with rapids like La Degoulinante, Barre St. Jean, and Solitaire. The Upper, or “Haut” Verdon runs through the Fontgaillarde Gorge and is rated class II-III. Both sections are family friendly although some companies have lower age limits on the Middle Verdon.

Scenery: Beautiful Rock Formations

The Verdon River canyon is characterized by sweeping layers of rock which line the canyon walls and create a dramatic backdrop of curving lines and patterns. In other sections of the river sheer rock walls contrast with lush vegetation and rocky gravel bars lining the river banks.

Season: April – June

Half and one day river rafting trips are available on the dam-controlled Middle Verdon from April into September. The Upper Verdon is a spring-run river so one day trips are available only during the spring snow melt—typically April into June. Many companies operating on the Verdon River offer longer packages combining whitewater rafting with fun-yaking (“hot dogging” in France!), canyoning, and other adventure sports.

Location: Ubaye Valley

France’s Alpes de Haute Provence department, or region, is home to the Ubaye River, which flows through the remote and beautiful Ubaye valley. The region is an interesting blend of Mediterranean and Alpine scenery and culture.

Level of Difficulty: Class II, IV, or V / All Levels

Given the length of the Ubaye River, commercial outfitters offer several different itineraries depending on season and rapid class. For example, the Condamines-Jausiers run is class II-III and recommended for families with younger children. A good trip for families with older kids is the Thuiles-Fresquiere run, which is also class II-III. Two intermediate III-IV runs are the spring-only Riou Sec-Condamines and Martinet-Lauzet sections. The most challenging Ubaye River whitewater rafting trips are found on the Fresquiere Rapids and the Royal Gorge sections, which are class V to V+. These extremely challenging trips are only appropriate for adults with previous rafting experience.

Scenery: Ubaye Valley

Running through the lovely Ubaye valley, the Ubaye River is one of France’s best whitewater rivers. The river offers over 50 km of whitewater and varies dramatically according to season. In the spring, when there is more water from snow melt in the river the rapids are accordingly large and powerful. In the summer they change with the decreased flow, becoming more technical and requiring tighter maneuvering.

Season: March – October, depending on the run

Ubaye River rafting trips are available throughout the season although certain sections are only navigable at certain times. For instance, the Riou Sec-Condamines run is only available in the spring, while the Fresquiere Rapids can only be run later in the season after the water has come down to an appropriate level. River trips on the Ubaye River are short, one-day affairs, but some commercial outfitters offer combination trips for those looking for longer or more elaborate itineraries. It is also possible to combine whitewater rafting trips with other water sports like river boarding and kayaking to create longer adventures.