Junction (Bridgetown Abbey)
 

Distance by road from the Lodge: 22 miles.
Distance by river from the Lodge: Approx. 18 miles upstream.
Beat situation: North side - Left bank
Beat Length: Approx. 1 mile.

Section 1

Beat Map: (click here to view)

Description:

This is one of our most scenic beats. The river flows past the ruins of an Augustinian Priory founded in 1314, through which one actually passes to gain access to the Beat. 

 

The Quarry Pool

This is at the head of the beat. 
Walk through the Abbey & out over the boundary wall.  Walk up to this pool. The boundary is at the corner at the stile into the field above.

The pool under the Cliff which fishes very well with floated shrimp, 
and particularly with worm in rising water.

The river swings left under the Cliff, where the depth is 10 - 12 feet. 
This is best fished with floated shrimp or spinner. 
After the Cliff, the river swings sharp right, 
and continues down towards the Old Weir. 
The flat between the bend after the Cliff and the Old Weir can be spun, shrimped and wormed, but be prepared to lose a few hooks. 
The depth is initially around 10 feet, but shallows up towards the Weir. Concealed on the bottom under the far bank are sunken branches, 
trees and large rocks - in other words, plenty of snags. 
But always remember - where there are snags, there are fish !!


Tail of the Quarry Pool leading into Abbey Stream.

The Head of the Abbey Stream

At the tail of the Old Weir,
the river breaks into fast shallow water,
splitting at the head of the Abbey Island.

The main river veers out under the far bank
in a fast little gully, & then spreads
into a fast streamy water about 5 feet deep
past the head of the Island.

Tail of the Quarry Pool leading into
The head of the Abbey Stream

This is an excellent place for running fish,
especially with spinner or spun shrimp.
It can be fished with fly as well -
more difficult from on the Island itself,
but easier from the shallows below
the tail of the Old Weir.
Fish the head of the stream and then go
out onto the island as the stream
under the head of the island
is too deep to wade.

Continue to Beat 12 - Section 2.