River Dee — Local services in Wales

The River Dee is a stunning waterway that flows through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Scotland and Wales. Stretching approximately 110 miles, it originates in the Cairngorms of Scotland and winds its way through the historic city of Chester before reaching the sea at Liverpool Bay.

One of the River Dee's defining features is its breathtaking natural beauty. From the rugged hills of the Cairngorms to the lush, rolling countryside of Wales, the river offers a constantly changing backdrop that makes it ideal for scenic drives, hikes, or boat trips. The Dee is also known for its crystal-clear waters, which are popular with anglers. It's famous for its salmon and trout fishing, drawing fly fishers from around the world.

For those interested in history, the river is a key part of the region's heritage. The city of Chester, with its Roman walls and medieval architecture, sits on its banks, adding a cultural richness to the river's allure. Additionally, Llangollen, a charming Welsh town, sits beside the river and hosts the renowned Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod each year, bringing together music and culture from around the globe.

The River Dee also has excellent opportunities for outdoor activities beyond fishing. Canoeing and kayaking are popular in its calmer sections, while its rapids provide a thrill for more adventurous paddlers. The surrounding areas offer great hiking, with trails that lead through scenic valleys, forests, and along the riverbanks.

One of the downsides is that some areas of the river can become crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, pollution in certain sections near urban areas can occasionally detract from the natural beauty. However, ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect the river's ecosystem and maintain its reputation as one of the UK's most beautiful waterways.

Overall, the River Dee offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and recreation, making it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into the countryside. Its diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and abundant wildlife ensure that it remains a beloved...

Not sure why you'd review a river?

It's wet. The Dee has salmon and trout and, probably, sea trout. Good for boating around Chester. It used to be the main seaport river before the estuary silted up and traffic moved to the Mersey. Park Gate on the Dee estuary is associated with Nelson, and was once a major seaport. Going back further in history, Meoles and Hoylake were also major crossing ports for Ireland.

I've canoed and camped along the Dee from Bangor. It's a Navigation and a right of way. They also bring the huge Airbus wings along the Dee on their way to France, for final aircraft assembly.

Don't forget the saying: you never cross the same...

My husband and I walk down the river with our dogs quite regularly. It's beautiful. We start on the Meadows in Chester and walk for 6 miles along the river to a pub called the Grosvenor in Aldford. The path is well trodden and easy to follow. It can get a little muddy in places after a lot of rainfall but for the most part it's a nice easy walk. We sometimes start the walk in ecclestome at the car park that is right on the river as that is a much shorter walk. We see a lot of wonderful wildlife, birds of prey, deer and stag on the Duke's property, herons, commerants and all manner of other...