Difference between revisions of "Flatwater trip ideas"
m (restructure) |
(update british canoeing links) |
||
| (22 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | This page lists suggestions and resources for flatwater [[Club trips|trips]]. | + | This page lists suggestions and resources for flatwater and gentle moving water [[Club trips|trips]]. It looks to cover some easy to access rivers and navigations that are easy to get to from London and the south east of England, as well as covering a few favourites further afield. We have a separate guide for [[South East England Sea and Tidal River Access|local tidal waters]]. |
| − | =General resources for flat water trips= | + | __TOC__ |
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==General resources for flat water trips== | ||
* [http://www.riverspublishing.co.uk/pub-paddles/ Pub Paddles] is a great resource for planning flatwater trips in the south of England, though the trips are quite short. | * [http://www.riverspublishing.co.uk/pub-paddles/ Pub Paddles] is a great resource for planning flatwater trips in the south of England, though the trips are quite short. | ||
| − | * [http://www. | + | * [http://www.paddlepoints.net/ Paddle points] a grat reference by paddlers for paddlers |
| − | * [ | + | * [https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/go-canoeing/trails-challenges/ British Canoeing Canoe Trails] |
* http://www.canoedaysout.com/ has lots of good recommendations | * http://www.canoedaysout.com/ has lots of good recommendations | ||
* http://www.canoetrips.co.uk/ looks to be a lovely site with lots of well photographed and described trips | * http://www.canoetrips.co.uk/ looks to be a lovely site with lots of well photographed and described trips | ||
| − | = | + | ==The Thames== |
| + | ===Non-tidal Thames=== | ||
| + | The non-tidal Thames offers many paddling opertunites and trips. Using the various backwaters you can make looping trips. It can be a beast when the river is in flood, its always worth checking the [http://riverconditions.environment-agency.gov.uk/ conditions] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Henley to Marlow ==== | ||
| + | Considering that the Thames is navigable from at least Devises to Westminster, with portages over/around the locks, you just need to choose a section. This section comes through Henley, site of the famous regatta and always busy with rowers either practicing or racing in their own sectioned off strip of the Thames. | ||
| + | * '''Trip blogs:''' Here's a blog from [[Henley_to_Marlow_-_Jul_2016|2016]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ====St Patrick's Stream, The Loddon and Hennerton backwaters==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | A favourite trip of the club, paddling from Wargrave, we get to paddle a figure of 8, using the backwaters of the Thames. Getting to paddle the wide areas of the thames, some faster flowing backwaters and some of the prettiest bits of the area. | ||
| + | * '''Trip blogs:''' We've paddled there most years, and there are great blogs from [[2_Star_trip:_The_Thames,_St_Patricks_Stream_-_14_April_2012|2012]], [[2_star_training_trip:_St_Patricks_Stream_and_the_Thames_backwaters_21st_March_2010|2010]], [[2_star_trip:_Thames_Backwaters,_6_June_2009|2009]] and [[St._Patricks_Stream_-_Sun_26_Jun_2016|2016]] | ||
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Oxford_backwaters.jpg|right|240px]] | ||
| + | ====The Thames at Oxford and the Oxford Circuit==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Thames at Oxford offers easy parting and access at a couple of locations. [http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/our-sport/where-to-paddle/oxford-circuit/ The Oxford Circuit] is great paddle with an easy get on that allows you to loop down the Thames and back up the Oxford canal. | ||
| + | There are also some great backwaters in the area that can be explored and looping trip created. | ||
| + | * '''Trip blogs:''' A small group explored the backwaters in [[Exploring_Oxford_backwaters_and_the_Thames_-_10_July_2011|2011]] | ||
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Other areas==== | ||
| + | There are lots of opportunities all along the Thames. We've hired boats from [http://www.thamescanoes.com/ Thames Canoes] for a few trips on the Thames between Henley and Marlow, and a number of padders have done 3 star Open Canoe assessments at different points down the river, as well as racing and training. | ||
| + | * [http://www.marsport.co.uk/Main%20site/canoe%20hire.html Marsport] hire out Canoes for the day, as do [http://www.thamescanoes.com/ Thames Canoes] | ||
| + | * '''Trip blogs:''' We hired boats and padded [[Henley_to_Marlow,_open_boating_on_the_Thames:_17_April_2010|from Henley to Marlow]] in 2010 | ||
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Upper reaches of the Tidal Thames=== | ||
| + | Putting in at Kew Bridge (good parking if you are early and easy access to the water), its possible paddle with the tide either up or downstream. There are lots of potential stops either way. Its a tidal river, so needs [http://www.pla.co.uk/display_fixedpage.cfm/id/11 planning], and central London traffic can slow down journey to and from the river, but its well worth it to paddle one of the quieter sections of the tidal Thames | ||
| + | * '''Trip blogs:''' We had [[Kew,_River_Thames,_26_September_2009|a great trip]] way back in 2009 | ||
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
==Local Navigations== | ==Local Navigations== | ||
| + | |||
===Lee and Stort Navigations=== | ===Lee and Stort Navigations=== | ||
| − | |||
| − | ' | + | The [http://canalboat.org.uk/CanalMap.pdf Lee and Stort] Navigations offer easy flat water paddles - some are pretty, some are a little grim. Griff Rhys Jones' book & TV series [http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6839646-rivers Rivers] has a chapter/episode on the Lee Navigation and tells its history. There are lots of maps & leaflets of the navigation available, Lee and Stort Navigations map covers the whole area (and includes parking and pubs): ISBN 0-86351-131-7 |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ====Paddling from Limehouse Basin (The Limehouse loop)==== | |
| − | + | ||
| + | A paddle that is local to the club with a few portages. You can walk boats over in about 10-15 minutes if you have strong shoulders or do a quick car shuttle. You can then paddle a loop though the navigation and the river, with lunch in Victoria Park. Its an urban paddle and the water in the Limehouse Cut can be a bit dirty and smelly. Route (in either direction) is Limehouse Cut, the Lea, east through Hertford Union Canal then south on Regent's canal back to Limehouse Basin. | ||
* A hire option is [http://www.moocanoes.co.uk MooCanoes] | * A hire option is [http://www.moocanoes.co.uk MooCanoes] | ||
| − | + | ''Hire boats on the Lee at Broxbourne''' | |
| + | |||
| + | This paddler offers a prettier area of the Lee Valley, outside the M25. There are backwaters that can be explored offering a nice loop back to the hire centre as well as a number of riverside pubs. Its connected to public transport, on a train from Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale. | ||
* [http://www.lvcc.biz/ Lee Valley Canoe Hire] are situated in Edmonton, (a little north of Lee Valley WW Centre) | * [http://www.lvcc.biz/ Lee Valley Canoe Hire] are situated in Edmonton, (a little north of Lee Valley WW Centre) | ||
| − | * | + | * '''Trips blogs:''' We paddled a nice circuit in [[2_star_training_paddle_on_River_Lea_-_21_April_2013| 2013]] |
| − | + | <br style="clear:both" /> | |
'''Hire boats on the Stort''' | '''Hire boats on the Stort''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | A pretty paddle, that runs alongside a train line means its well connected to public transport, on a train from Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale. It also allows one way trips - shuttling back on the train or having the hire company pick up boats. | ||
* [http://www.whooshexplore.co.uk/canoe-hire-1 Whoosh Explore] are situated in Bishops Stortford. | * [http://www.whooshexplore.co.uk/canoe-hire-1 Whoosh Explore] are situated in Bishops Stortford. | ||
| − | * | + | * '''Trips blogs:''' We explored the river in [[River_Stort_Paddle_-_8_July_2013|2013]] |
| − | + | <br style="clear:both" /> | |
'''Hertford and the Lea North of Enfield''' | '''Hertford and the Lea North of Enfield''' | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | A lovely section of the Navigation, with beautiful scenery with lots of options for trips. Looping trips are possible using the river and the canal, starting at Hertford, parking and putting in near the leisure centre. | |
| − | + | Note that this section has a couple of generally canoe safe weirs, but may require helmets. | |
| − | + | * '''Trips blogs:''' from Hertford in [[Two_star_training_paddle,_river_Lee_-_20_March_2011|2011]] and [[River_Lee_2_star_trip_-_21_July_2012|2012]] | |
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Basingstoke Canal=== | ||
| − | + | A fairly urban canal but has wooded sections and easy access. | |
| − | + | * '''Trip blogs:''' We paddled [[Basingstoke_Canal,_14th_November_2009|here]] when the Wey was flooding and we had to re-plan a trip. | |
| − | * | + | <br style="clear:both" /> |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | === | + | ===River Wey and Godalming Navigations=== |
| − | |||
| − | + | [http://weyriver.co.uk/theriver/wey_nav_1.htm River Wey] is a nice bit of water. It [http://weyriver.co.uk/theriver/Wey_Navigations_Map.htm links] to the Thames from the south. | |
| − | + | * canoes can be hired: http://www.farncombeboats.co.uk/rowing.htm | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | * | ||
| − | |||
| − | === | + | === Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation=== |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | You can hire canoes to paddle on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation: http://www.papermilllock.co.uk/canoe.htm | ||
==The River Medway== | ==The River Medway== | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | A well known and paddled [http://medwaycanoetrail.co.uk/ canoe trail], it offers a growing number of canoe passes around the locks that allow some fun paddling and playing. | ||
| + | [http://www.kentcanoes.co.uk/ Kent Canoes] hires boats on The Medway - we've used them a few times now. | ||
| + | * '''Trip blogs''': A day from Tonbridge to Yalding [[2 star trip - River Medway - 27 July 2013|in 2013]] and [[River_Medway_2_star_paddle_-_26_November_2011|2011]]. To and from Yalding in [[2_Star_trip_on_the_Medway_-_29_September_2012|2012]] and a weekend trip from Tonbridge to Maidstone in [[Medway_canoe_trip:_15-16_May_2010|2010]] | ||
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
==Norfolk and Suffolk Broads== | ==Norfolk and Suffolk Broads== | ||
| − | * | + | |
| − | + | The Broads offers many opportunities for flatwater paddling, and many places to hire canoes, though sections can be windy or busy with other watercraft. | |
| − | + | * A map : http://www.richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk/media/img/common/area_map.jpg | |
| − | |||
===River Waveney=== | ===River Waveney=== | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | The lower parts of the Waveney are mildly tidal and more than a little windy, its a beautiful and remote area. its never runs dry which makes planning a doddle. A branch leads to Oulton Broad, offering a trip with different types of water to paddle in. The [http://www.waveneyrivercentre.co.uk/ Waveney River Centre] offers camping and other accommodation, and good put-ins (and might have a few canoes to hire). | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | The upper parts are a different river completely. You can start near the top, where it starts as a narrow river and paddle past mills to where it branches and flows past Bungay and the loop. It can run out of water though. | |
| − | * | + | |
| + | * '''Trip blogs''': the club has had great trips to the lower parts of the river in [http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?30671-A-weekend-on-the-Waveney-and-Oulton-Broad 2011 (Song of the Paddle blog)] , [[2_Star_/_touring_trip_to_River_Waveney_and_the_Norfolk_Broads_-_12-13_May_2012|2012]] and [[River_Waveney_trip:_May_2009|2009]] | ||
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
===Rivers Ant and Bure=== | ===Rivers Ant and Bure=== | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | == | + | The Ant and Bure make up big sections of the rivers connecting the broads - paddling them can provide multiday tours passing through different waters such as Barton Broad. Like the Waveney, the upper sections are more scenic and less windy, but more water dependant. |
| − | + | * [http://www.thecanoeman.com/ The Canoe Man] hires out canoes and a few kayaks and recommends wetsuit friendly B & Bs (who also might drop you off at the starting point) | |
| + | |||
| + | ==The Fen Rivers== | ||
| + | |||
| + | === River Cam=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Running through Cambridge makes this river easy to get to by either train or car and offers a few different paddles. Parking and access is easy at Barton Road where paddling upstream takes you to a more secluded but canoe friendly Byron's Pool and Granchester and a tea shop. Down river runs through Cambridge and then out to Ely, on the way opening out to be a windy fenland river. | ||
| + | * '''Trip blogs''': a paddle [[2_Star_paddle_on_the_Cam_-_16_June_2012|to Granchester and back]] on 2012. | ||
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===The Great Ouse=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Ouse is more of a navigation than a river, but this means access is easy. What it does offer is some interesting backwaters to go with the easy access | ||
| + | * The BCU have a [http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/our-sport/where-to-paddle/ouse-river/ guide to the river] that detail the back waters | ||
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==River Stour (Sussex) == | ||
| + | |||
| + | A favourite paddle of many, offering some simple run-able weirs and a camp site halfway along. The river runs away from towns and roads for a lot of its length. Its a well supported canoe trail with managed portages and passes being improved. An Environment Agency [http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/StourNavigationGuide.pdf guide] presents the river well, and an excellent canoeist written [http://www.paddlesporteast.org/image/Suffok_Stour_guide_2011.pdf guide] gives from detailed guidance for portages and weirs. | ||
| + | * '''Trip blogs''': [http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?37777-Stealing-one-last-summer-day-on-the-Stour on Song of the Paddle]. Plus reports from [[River_Stour,_17_-_18_July_2010|2010]] and [[2_star_or_so_trip:_River_Stour,_20%2B21_June_2009|2009]] | ||
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==River Arun== | ||
| + | |||
| + | A mildly tidal river, means planning is needed. Offers pretty bridges and a castle or two. | ||
| + | * '''Trip blogs:''' A [[River_Arun_(Sussex)_touring_trip,_1-2_August_2009|family paddle]] back in 2009, where we got the tides a little wrong but had a lovely weekend | ||
| + | <br style="clear:both" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==River Wye== | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Symondsyat.jpg|right|240px]] | ||
| + | It's not in the south east and not quite flat water touring, but the Wye is wonderful river for trips. It offers some of the most beautiful touring as well as simple riffles and basic rapids (with the exception of Monnington falls and Symonds Yat which require a little care). There is a well written [http://a0768b4a8a31e106d8b0-50dc802554eb38a24458b98ff72d550b.r19.cf3.rackcdn.com/gemi1011bujd-e-e.pdf guide to the river] that lays out many of the camp sites and access points and acts as a great guide the river. | ||
| + | * '''Trip blogs:''' We've paddled somewhere on the Wye pretty much every year, sometimes as a [[River_Wye,_May_Bank_Holiday_(family_friendly):_1-3_May_2010|touring river]], sometimes combining touring and some training at Symonds Yat ([[Open Boating River Wye / Symonds Yat - 13-14 April 2013|2013]], [[White_Water_Open_Canoe_trip_-_3-4_March_2012|2012]], [[Canoeing_on_the_Wye_and_Symonds_Yat_-_22-23_October_2011|2011]],[[Touring_and_white_water_canoeing_-_River_Wye_-_6-7_August_2011|2011 again]]) | ||
Latest revision as of 22:19, 26 July 2017
This page lists suggestions and resources for flatwater and gentle moving water trips. It looks to cover some easy to access rivers and navigations that are easy to get to from London and the south east of England, as well as covering a few favourites further afield. We have a separate guide for local tidal waters.
Contents
General resources for flat water trips
- Pub Paddles is a great resource for planning flatwater trips in the south of England, though the trips are quite short.
- Paddle points a grat reference by paddlers for paddlers
- British Canoeing Canoe Trails
- http://www.canoedaysout.com/ has lots of good recommendations
- http://www.canoetrips.co.uk/ looks to be a lovely site with lots of well photographed and described trips
The Thames
Non-tidal Thames
The non-tidal Thames offers many paddling opertunites and trips. Using the various backwaters you can make looping trips. It can be a beast when the river is in flood, its always worth checking the conditions
Henley to Marlow
Considering that the Thames is navigable from at least Devises to Westminster, with portages over/around the locks, you just need to choose a section. This section comes through Henley, site of the famous regatta and always busy with rowers either practicing or racing in their own sectioned off strip of the Thames.
- Trip blogs: Here's a blog from 2016.
St Patrick's Stream, The Loddon and Hennerton backwaters
A favourite trip of the club, paddling from Wargrave, we get to paddle a figure of 8, using the backwaters of the Thames. Getting to paddle the wide areas of the thames, some faster flowing backwaters and some of the prettiest bits of the area.
- Trip blogs: We've paddled there most years, and there are great blogs from 2012, 2010, 2009 and 2016
The Thames at Oxford and the Oxford Circuit
The Thames at Oxford offers easy parting and access at a couple of locations. The Oxford Circuit is great paddle with an easy get on that allows you to loop down the Thames and back up the Oxford canal. There are also some great backwaters in the area that can be explored and looping trip created.
- Trip blogs: A small group explored the backwaters in 2011
Other areas
There are lots of opportunities all along the Thames. We've hired boats from Thames Canoes for a few trips on the Thames between Henley and Marlow, and a number of padders have done 3 star Open Canoe assessments at different points down the river, as well as racing and training.
- Marsport hire out Canoes for the day, as do Thames Canoes
- Trip blogs: We hired boats and padded from Henley to Marlow in 2010
Upper reaches of the Tidal Thames
Putting in at Kew Bridge (good parking if you are early and easy access to the water), its possible paddle with the tide either up or downstream. There are lots of potential stops either way. Its a tidal river, so needs planning, and central London traffic can slow down journey to and from the river, but its well worth it to paddle one of the quieter sections of the tidal Thames
- Trip blogs: We had a great trip way back in 2009
The Lee and Stort Navigations offer easy flat water paddles - some are pretty, some are a little grim. Griff Rhys Jones' book & TV series Rivers has a chapter/episode on the Lee Navigation and tells its history. There are lots of maps & leaflets of the navigation available, Lee and Stort Navigations map covers the whole area (and includes parking and pubs): ISBN 0-86351-131-7
Paddling from Limehouse Basin (The Limehouse loop)
A paddle that is local to the club with a few portages. You can walk boats over in about 10-15 minutes if you have strong shoulders or do a quick car shuttle. You can then paddle a loop though the navigation and the river, with lunch in Victoria Park. Its an urban paddle and the water in the Limehouse Cut can be a bit dirty and smelly. Route (in either direction) is Limehouse Cut, the Lea, east through Hertford Union Canal then south on Regent's canal back to Limehouse Basin.
- A hire option is MooCanoes
Hire boats on the Lee at Broxbourne'
This paddler offers a prettier area of the Lee Valley, outside the M25. There are backwaters that can be explored offering a nice loop back to the hire centre as well as a number of riverside pubs. Its connected to public transport, on a train from Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale.
- Lee Valley Canoe Hire are situated in Edmonton, (a little north of Lee Valley WW Centre)
- Trips blogs: We paddled a nice circuit in 2013
Hire boats on the Stort
A pretty paddle, that runs alongside a train line means its well connected to public transport, on a train from Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale. It also allows one way trips - shuttling back on the train or having the hire company pick up boats.
- Whoosh Explore are situated in Bishops Stortford.
- Trips blogs: We explored the river in 2013
Hertford and the Lea North of Enfield
A lovely section of the Navigation, with beautiful scenery with lots of options for trips. Looping trips are possible using the river and the canal, starting at Hertford, parking and putting in near the leisure centre. Note that this section has a couple of generally canoe safe weirs, but may require helmets.
Basingstoke Canal
A fairly urban canal but has wooded sections and easy access.
- Trip blogs: We paddled here when the Wey was flooding and we had to re-plan a trip.
River Wey is a nice bit of water. It links to the Thames from the south.
- canoes can be hired: http://www.farncombeboats.co.uk/rowing.htm
You can hire canoes to paddle on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation: http://www.papermilllock.co.uk/canoe.htm
The River Medway
A well known and paddled canoe trail, it offers a growing number of canoe passes around the locks that allow some fun paddling and playing. Kent Canoes hires boats on The Medway - we've used them a few times now.
- Trip blogs: A day from Tonbridge to Yalding in 2013 and 2011. To and from Yalding in 2012 and a weekend trip from Tonbridge to Maidstone in 2010
Norfolk and Suffolk Broads
The Broads offers many opportunities for flatwater paddling, and many places to hire canoes, though sections can be windy or busy with other watercraft.
River Waveney
The lower parts of the Waveney are mildly tidal and more than a little windy, its a beautiful and remote area. its never runs dry which makes planning a doddle. A branch leads to Oulton Broad, offering a trip with different types of water to paddle in. The Waveney River Centre offers camping and other accommodation, and good put-ins (and might have a few canoes to hire).
The upper parts are a different river completely. You can start near the top, where it starts as a narrow river and paddle past mills to where it branches and flows past Bungay and the loop. It can run out of water though.
- Trip blogs: the club has had great trips to the lower parts of the river in 2011 (Song of the Paddle blog) , 2012 and 2009
Rivers Ant and Bure
The Ant and Bure make up big sections of the rivers connecting the broads - paddling them can provide multiday tours passing through different waters such as Barton Broad. Like the Waveney, the upper sections are more scenic and less windy, but more water dependant.
- The Canoe Man hires out canoes and a few kayaks and recommends wetsuit friendly B & Bs (who also might drop you off at the starting point)
The Fen Rivers
River Cam
Running through Cambridge makes this river easy to get to by either train or car and offers a few different paddles. Parking and access is easy at Barton Road where paddling upstream takes you to a more secluded but canoe friendly Byron's Pool and Granchester and a tea shop. Down river runs through Cambridge and then out to Ely, on the way opening out to be a windy fenland river.
- Trip blogs: a paddle to Granchester and back on 2012.
The Great Ouse
The Ouse is more of a navigation than a river, but this means access is easy. What it does offer is some interesting backwaters to go with the easy access
- The BCU have a guide to the river that detail the back waters
River Stour (Sussex)
A favourite paddle of many, offering some simple run-able weirs and a camp site halfway along. The river runs away from towns and roads for a lot of its length. Its a well supported canoe trail with managed portages and passes being improved. An Environment Agency guide presents the river well, and an excellent canoeist written guide gives from detailed guidance for portages and weirs.
- Trip blogs: on Song of the Paddle. Plus reports from 2010 and 2009
River Arun
A mildly tidal river, means planning is needed. Offers pretty bridges and a castle or two.
- Trip blogs: A family paddle back in 2009, where we got the tides a little wrong but had a lovely weekend
River Wye
It's not in the south east and not quite flat water touring, but the Wye is wonderful river for trips. It offers some of the most beautiful touring as well as simple riffles and basic rapids (with the exception of Monnington falls and Symonds Yat which require a little care). There is a well written guide to the river that lays out many of the camp sites and access points and acts as a great guide the river.
- Trip blogs: We've paddled somewhere on the Wye pretty much every year, sometimes as a touring river, sometimes combining touring and some training at Symonds Yat (2013, 2012, 2011,2011 again)
