Description
An incredible GUIDED multi-day canoe camping adventure for families with younger child passengers (suggested 6-12 yrs).
We'll paddle 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. Settle into your pre-pitch bell tents, cook supper on the bbq 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 Bures. 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 6 miles and takes you through beautiful countryside with plenty of quiet stretches all the way back to the campsite at Nayland. Expect approx 3 hours paddle time - excluding stops (we'll build lots of breaks in to make the day work for our little adventurers so expect to be 'adventuring' on the water for 5-6 hours.
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 6 miles from Nayland, through Boxted and onward through the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Stratford St Mary where we'll end the paddling at the local pub and from where a scheduled transfer will collect you and return you to the campsite. Expect approximately 5 hours paddle time for day two.
For clarity: Each canoe requires two 'active paddlers' to share the work (from experience that means aged 13+) and have space for up to 2 under 12 year olds or one teen as passengers on the floor in the middle of the boat (we organise a soft option). These are group guided paddles where our guide to guest ratio is max 1:6 canoes or 12 guests eg where 3 canoes each have 4 guests (two paddlers and two passengers) = 1 guide.
Requirements
What to bring
Camping Gear: Tents are pre-pitched and complete with air mattress - you will need a SLEEPING BAG. 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.