The charity making life better by water
Making life better by water
The pretty River Ure is a great place to escape the crowds, flowing through the remote valley of Wensleydale. When it reaches Swale Nab, it changes its name and becomes the River Ouse.
We look after the River Ure from Ripon downstream. The scenery along the River Ure is spectacular, with waterfalls, wildflower meadows, woodlands and rugged hills. Newby Hall and its splendid gardens are just above Westwick Lock. A long landing welcomes visitors.
All you need to know about boating the Ure Navigation
The mediaeval city of Ripon is home to the Ripon Canal, twisting lanes, and a stunning seventh-century cathedral.
The River Ure was promoted in 1767 as part of plans to improve navigation on the Swale, the Ouse and, by canal, to Ripon. The canal opened in 1773, and was enlarged around 1838, but was taken over by the Leeds and Thirsk Railway in 1845. The canal had effectively closed by 1892, and although its works survived, it was not nationalised in 1948. A new Ripon Canal Company was set up in 1961, with many boat owners involved, and the canal was eventually reopened throughout in 1996.
Find a walking route nearby
Find a place to fish
The River Ure has a rewarding ecology. Many of our endangered river creatures can be found in its waters
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