Summer of fun and adventure paddles
This summer saw a full calendar of leisure paddling adventures. Along with our annual camping trip which offered an exciting opportunity for some sea kayaking. lots of new members joined us out and about exploring unchartered waters.
Our paddlesport courses were in high demand, supported by Garry's weekly evening paddle to help build confidence and skills, developed further by monthly day trips further afield led by Alice and Alex.
With the blazing summer weather, turnout has been fantastic and involved lots of laughs, icecreams and cake along with mindful moments taking in stunning scenery, serene waters, spotting kingfishers, herons, cormorants and much more. It provided the opportunity to chat, make new friends and let all of our worries and 'life stuff' clear out of our minds whilst facing new challenges.
Burghfield Swing bridge to Aldermaston Wharf
Saturday 25th April
The ultimate weekend reset, and the first of our Summer Adventure paddles, we took a leisurely cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal from Burghfield Swing Bridge to Aldermaston Wharf. This picturesque stretch showcases historic locks, charming lift bridges and beautiful countryside views, with the highlight being a stop at Aldermaston Wharf’s Tea Rooms to watch the narrowboats drift by while enjoying a well-earned pot of tea and a generous slice of homemade cake before the return trip.
Oxford Colleges from Donnington bridge
Sunday 17th May
A rare immersive and cultural opportunity to view and absorb the history of Oxfords architecture from it's foundations
Starting from Donnington bridge headed downstream towards Oxford, taking a swift exit into the backstreams beforee the team eyed up the 'head of the River pub' ahead. we took. These pictureqsue backstreams took us directly past the botanical gardens and under Magdelen bridge. This section took some navigating around the rather precarious punters. After stopping for a picnic at the parks we headed back out onto the Thames downstream where the college rowing 8's powered past us.
Basingstoke canal
Saturday 20th June
A fully immersive green therapy experience along the Basingstoke canal, based from a thriving and busy Basingstoke canoe club who were running regular courses throughout the day. Completely away from any towns, people or buildings this was a much more relaxed experience.
Lechlade
Saturday 18th July
Having based ourselves at The Trout Inn, where a small charge of £5 gave us access to the jetty, this was one of our more 'adventurous' paddles as we had to navigate a very high portage from the offset. Not so very rare pink flamingo's were spotted along the way along with geese, swans and horses,
Dundas Loop, Bradford on Avon
Saturday 5th September
Our peak of adventure was a joint trip with the clubs K-boat paddlers. Some members camped out the night before on the picturesque grounds of Bradford on Avon canoe club, across from Tithe Barn. The K-boaters left from Bradford on Avon whilst the leisure paddle started with a 400m trek with pulling their boats to Dundas Basin. We paddled over the Dundas aquaduct, stopping for lots of cake before lifting the boats down onto the river which at times was rather shallow and overgrown. We navigated a wier for the first time under the supervision and guidance of Alice and Alex. After spotting numerous kingfishers, the last trek with the boats was back up onto the canal. Great exercise, nature and cake!
St Patricks Stream, Wargrave
Saturday 10th October
Starting out from the St George and Dragon car park in Wargrave we headed upstream, towards St Patrick's Stream. Gliding through St Patrick’s Stream is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the tranquillity of the Thames Valley. This beautiful backwater offers a peaceful kayaking route sheltered from the busier main river, winding through lush riverside scenery, overhanging trees, riverside meadows and picturesque waterside homes. Then returning to the St George and Dragon for a well earned lunch before tackling the Hennerton Backwater. The gentle pace, stunning scenery and sense of seclusion make this a perfect adventure for all.