Five of Britain's best rivers to explore, from Yorkshire's Esk to Wales's river sources

A recent Guardian feature brings together five writers describing their favourite river routes across Britain, each highlighting the landscape and activities that make their chosen waterway special.

The Esk, North Yorkshire

Jo Moseley describes paddleboarding along the 28-mile River Esk near Whitby, the only major Yorkshire river to flow directly into the North Sea. She recounts a peaceful journey past leaping salmon, grazing Highland cattle and gliding swans, along with practical tips on hiring boats and where to stop for food along the route.

The Dart, Devon

Sian Lewis writes about wild camping beside the 47-mile River Dart in Dartmoor National Park, the only place in England where wild camping is officially permitted. She describes sleeping by the riverbank, swimming in clear pools, and encounters with wildlife, including a possible glimpse of an otter.

The Dove, Peak District

Andy Pietrasik recounts fly-fishing on the River Dove, considered the spiritual home of fly-fishing due to its links to 17th-century writers Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton, who built a small fishing house beside the river in 1674. He describes the dale's scenery and catching and releasing small wild brown trout.

The Severn and Wye, mid-Wales

Kevin Rushby describes a hike to the sources of the Severn and Wye rivers, which rise just a couple of miles apart on a Welsh mountain ridge. While the Severn begins as a seemingly well-tended stream, the Wye, despite being regarded as one of Britain's most beautiful rivers, suffers from declining water quality linked to historic mine pollution and agricultural runoff.