The most sacred Celtic river in western Europe, the River Dee begins its life in the mountains of Snowdonia, flowing through Bala Lake, on to Llangollen and then Chester before it merges with the sea helping to form the Wirral Peninsula.

It is in these deep flowing waters that Arthurian legend places the 'Fisher King,' guardian of the Holy Grail who fishes the Dee all day, as injury prevents him from ruling his land.

Only the chosen one can heal him, with Sir Percival the man in question. The Fisher King's home was Castle Corbenic.

The Dee is one of the great Salmon rivers in Britain and the same fast flowing waters that attract these kings of fish makes it a prize location for international canoing events as well.

The Dee offers paddling opportunities from Flat water sections, through to grade 3 and 4 rapids, with access on many sections all year round.

The river starts above Bala Lake,flows through the largest natural lake in Wales and soon after is swollen by the Tryweryn.

On the way down to Corwen their are a few simple rapids and other tributaries join including the Alwen, which is fed by Llyn Alwen and Brenig.

The rapid under the bridge provides an gentle surf wave and from here on in the river becomes more attractive to the white water paddler.

Beautiful scenery takes you down to the Horseshoe Falls with a significant Grade 2 rapid a mile or two above.

The Horseshoe Falls is the feeder for the Llangollen Canal, and part of the World Heritage Site. you can hop on the canal here for the trip down to Llangollen or brave the Serpents Tail, Tombstones and Town Falls if you are competent enough.

From the Llangollen Bridge (one of the seven wonders of Wales), the next stretch to Trevor includes the UK's first Canoe Slalom site, and flowing on you pass under Pontcsyllte Aqueduct and through Ty Mawr Country Park. The section from here to Bangor on Dee has a couple of Weirs that can be dangerous at any level. Below Bangor on Dee the river Meanders down to Chester and becomes gradually more tidal.