Description
An incredible multi-day canoe camping adventure paddling the glorious and tranquil Essex & Suffolk Stour as it meanders through quintessentially English countryside and the landscapes that inspired some of the nations favourite artists including Constable, Munnings and Gainsborough.
The river is a haven for wildlife, beyond the stunning landscapes and tranquil waters you might come across kingfisher, otter and
Your adventure starts on afternoon / evening one at the riverside campsite which is located approximately halfway down the river near Nayland where you'll find a local deli and fabulous pub. Set your camp up, settle in and enjoy a good nights sleep ahead of tomorrows paddling.
Scheduled transfers will collect you from the campsite on day two and whizz you up to the start of your paddling adventure in Sudbury. On arrival, you'll be issued your kit (canoe, paddles and buoyancy aids) then participate in a safety and trip briefing before hitting the water.
The first days paddling is approximately 14 miles and takes you through beautiful countryside with plenty of quiet stretches all the way back to the campsite at Nayland - passing through Bures at lunchtime where you'll find both a pub and deli. Expect approx 6 hours paddle time - excluding stops. For dinner, choose from your self-catered camp food or head to the village pub for gastro feed before heading to bed.
The second days paddling is approximately 12 miles from Nayland, through Boxted and onward through the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lunch can be self-catered or visit a riverside pub at Stratford St Mary.
Your afternoon will take you to Flatford Mill where a tearoom might entice you to walk in Constables footsteps and explore the National Trust site before paddling on through RSPB Cattawade Marsh Nature Reserve (RAMSAR & SSSI) to the end point at Brantham where the tidal barrier separates the non-tidal river from the tidal estuary and from where a scheduled transfer will collect you and return you to the campsite. Expect approximately 5 hours paddle time for day two.
Get a flavour of the journey by checking out the wonderful 'Simon, a bloke in the woods' vlogs of his two day canoe camping adventure on the glorious Stour:
Part 1 - Sudbury to Nayland: https://youtu.be/SWpVkX191wA
Part 2 - Nayland to Cattawade: https://youtu.be/NMnu_cRfUrU
Payment Options:
For bookings made within 3 months of your trip date, the full trip price is payable on booking.
For Advance Bookings being made more than 3 months before your trip date, you have two options:
Option 1) Pay by two instalments, one non-refundable deposit of 30% on booking with your second payment of 70% due 90 days before your trip date. Please use the following code at Checkout: StourDescentDeposit
Option 2) Pay in full on booking and we'll share the administrative saving with you by providing a 5% discount. Please use the following code at Checkout: StourDescent5
Requirements
What to bring
Camping Gear: tent, sleep kit, cook kit, etc. Please contact us if you are unsure of what specific kit is appropriate.
Food: Two x each of Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast per person. Water and Snacks.
Firepits / BBQ points are available for use at the campsite.
There is a pub 15 mins walk from the campsite for dinner and you will pass pubs / delis at lunchtime on both paddle days.
Clothing: please dress for the weather. It's best to avoid denim and heavy cottons as they get cold when wet. Synthetics or lightweight outdooor / sports wear are best.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive at campsite from 3pm. Set up , settle and explore.
Day 2:
Scheduled transfer from the campsite will whisk you to the start point in Sudbury where you'll be issued with your canoe, paddles, buoyancy aids and map and then participate in a trip / safety briefing before hitting the water at approx 10am.
Expect to pass Bures at approximately 1pm where you find picturesque picnic spots if self-catering or a village pub and deli if you'd prefer to buy lunch.
Aiming to be back on the water for 2pm should see you arrive back at the campsite for approx 5pm. Settle in for bbq's and firepits.
Day 3
After packing you tent away you'll hit the water for 09:30, Stratford St Mary will be your lunchtime stop where there are a couple of pub options.
Expect to pass through Flatford Mill at about 3pm where there is a tea-room and WCs before the final 2 miles / 1 hour through RSPB Cattawade Nature Reseve to the finish at Cattawade Picnic Site where we'll meet you and take possession of your canoe / kit.
A scheduled transfer will then whizz you back to your car at the campsite.