The length of the Ouse in the Yorkshire region is a fascinating area to explore. A succession of historic towns and the city of York are connected by this wide waterway, with expansive water-meadow scenery and a wide variety of wildlife.

The Millennium Bridge, which opened in 2001, creates an interesting two-mile circular walk from the city centre. It joins the north and south banks of the river from New Walk to Terry Avenue and creates a short cut to Rowntree Park and the racecourse. New Walk is a tree-lined avenue created in the 1730s during the reign of George II, following the River Ouse from the Tower Gardens downstream for approximately one mile.

The River Ouse is formed from the River Ure at Cuddy Shaw Reach near Linton-on-Ouse. From here it flows for 55 miles through York, Selby and Goole before reaching the River Trent at Trent Falls to form the Humber Estuary.

The river runs for approximately 13 miles through York stretching from the Parish of Nether Poppleton in the north to Naburn in the south. To improve navigation York Corporation built the first of two locks at Naburn in 1757. Downstream of Naburn Lock the river remains tidal. In 1989 responsibility for the Ouse was transferred to British Waterways. Historic photographs of the Ouse and Foss can be found at www.imagineyork.co.uk.

Each year in July the river plays host to the York Rivers Festival. Events vary from year to year and past events have included rowing regattas, canoe races and displays, dragon boat racing and visits by historic barges.  For details of this year's Festival see www.yorkfestivals.com.

There are a number of guided river trips and self-drive boats operating on the river. Details can be obtained from the York Tourist Information Centre.

Moorings - Visiting boats

48 hour visitor moorings are located between Scarborough Railway Bridge and Lendal Bridge. Boaters need to be aware that parts of this area are also used by tour boats, a seasonal boat based cafe and for Royal Gun salutes. In flood condition the moorings are completely submerged.

Basic toilet, Elsan, refuse disposal and fresh water facilities are available within Yorkshire Museum Gardens from 1st April to 30th September. A British Waterways key is needed to gain access.  Over the next few years these facilities are due for a major upgrade as part of a new restaurant development in the area.

In 1971, to celebrate the 1900th anniversary of the founding of York, the city was granted the privilege of hosting a Royal Gun Salute. These take place from Yorkshire Museum Gardens (Link) and for safety reasons the moorings directly below firing positions are closed from 9.00am until 12.30pm on Salute days. Firing dates are:-

6 February - Accession Day, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne.

21 April - Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

2 June - Coronation Day, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.

10 June - Birthday of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

14 June - Official Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

Moorings - Residential and Private

Residential and private moorings can be found in the Fulford, Bishopthorpe and Acaster Malbis areas. York Marina, which is 4 miles south of the city centre, offers both annual mooring and over night stops. City of York Council does not have any residential moorings.

Rowing

The River Ouse is the home for York City Rowing Club, University of York, University of York St John and St Peters School Rowing Clubs. York City Rowing Club organises four regattas annually:-

March - Yorkshire Head

May - Spring Regatta

June - Summer Regatta

September - Autumn Sprint

November - York Small Boats Head

York Millennium Bridge

The bridge opened in 2001, with funding from the Millennium Commission, City of York Council, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and local businesses. This pedestrian and cycle bridge joins New Walk to Terry Avenue 1 mile south of the city centre creating an interesting two mile circular walk and short cuts to Rowntree Park, York Racecourse and the University of York. New Walk is a tree lined avenue created in the 1730s during the reign of George II, following the River Ouse from the Tower Gardens downstream for approximately one mile.  Details of the walk can be found in the New Walk York's Georgian Riverside Trail leaflet obtainable from the York Tourist Information Centre.

Slipways

There is a public slipway at the bottom of Blue Bridge Lane, Fishergate onto the River Ouse. The slipway is occasionally used for canoes and small boats and has a maximum width of 2.75m (approximately). The nearest car park is St George's Fields.