River Parrett, Somerset
The River Parrett winds its 37 mile course from its starting point in Dorset through hills and fields and across the Somerset Levels before it flows into Bridgwater Bay on the Bristol Channel near Burnham-on-Sea. The rate and direction of flow on the Parrett is very dependent upon the tide on the River Severn so it's subject to a tidal bore; a fall of just one foot per mile between Langport and Bridgwater makes the Levels prone to flooding in the winter and during particularly high tides. It's beautiful in parts, flowing through some areas very rich in wildlife and the 50 mile Parrett Trail takes you along its banks through Kingsbury Episcopi, Burrow Mump, Muchelney and Langport.