COUNTRYSIDE lovers will have a unique way of seeing 25 miles of the River Stour thanks to a group of retired friends.

The voluntary River Stour Boating Community Interest Company, was set up in 2007 in order to improve access to the river and to launch organised trips in two-man Canadian constructed canoes. This is non profit making company returns all excess finances into improving the river navigation.

River Stour Boating, based in the Suffolk village of Bures St Mary, provide a variety of small craft services on the river including two day guided trips by Canadian canoe along the navigable length of the river from Sudbury in Suffolk to Cattawade near Manningtree on the Essex coast. An overnight stop is made at Wissington alongside the banks of the river The journey of some 25 miles meanders through some of the most beautiful and famous Suffolk scenery including Stratford St Mary and Dedham in Constable country. There is much to see on the quiet stretches of river including Heron, Kingfisher, Coot, Swans and many varieties of Duck. The fields along the route in most cases are not accessible to the public and apart from the occasional fisherman, the journey along the river by canoe is peaceful and tranquil.   Sudbury Quay to Wissington Leaving Sudbury at 9.00am you will be retracing the route of the barges (lighters) which once travelled between Sudbury to Mistley carrying all types of cargo from bricks, coal and grain. Your first portage will be Cornard Lock which was reconstructed on the site of a former lock in 1997. Further downstream you will navigate along the quiet stretch of the river, passing Henny, Pitmere and Lamarsh before arriving in Bures. Here you will take a break for lunch and a well earned rest. The final leg of the first day will take you passed Bures Mill, Wormingford Mere to Wissington arriving at approximately 4.00pm

Mid-way at Wissington Both the one day and two day trips stop at our official campsite at Rushbanks Farm on the River Stour. It is a working farm and it is located between Bures and Nayland at Wissington. An old jetty has been completely renovated by River Stour Boating along the river bank, which makes access on and off the river very easy. Toilet facilities are available here. Here is where crews on the River Stour Boating two day trips will spend the night. All the tents will be erected in readiness and the RSB team will be on hand to greet you and to provide your evening meal. After spending the night and enjoying a hearty breakfast you will now be prepared for the final part of your journey.

 

Wissington to Journeys End Leaving the camp site on Sunday morning, you pass through Nayland, Boxted and Langham before stopping for lunch at The Swan Inn on the banks of the river at Stratford St Mary. After lunch at "The Swan", you set off on your final leg of the journey to Brantham, adjacent to the Cattawade Bridge. This part of the journey is idyllic, taking you through the heart of John Constable country. Firstly you will pass Dedham Mill, then along the river surrounded on either side by meadows to Flatford. From a vantage point that no footpath can offer, you will pass by Flatford Mill and Willy Lotts Cottage, all owned by the National Trust. This will surely make your journey a time to remember. Just over another mile and the Cattawade Bridge comes into view. This is journeys end, where the River Stour becomes tidal. The RSB crew with their minibus and boat trailer are waiting ready to whisk you back to Bures or Sudbury so that you can continue your journey home. For most new visitors this is a life changing event that in many cases will result in them continuing canoeing the River Stour experience. One of our very first pair of customers enjoyed the trip so much within a few weeks they had purchased their own canoe and subsequently joined our team as river guides.

More information about the River Stour trips or details on becoming a volunteer for the boating team visit their web site, or speak personally to a member of the RSB on 01787 375377.
One day & two day guided trips are available during weekends or midweek, commencing April to mid September 2008 with a maximum of eight people per trip
NOTE:- To enjoy these trips you must be reasonably fit to paddle the distance and to be able to lift a canoe, with assistance, out of the water to portage around the many weirs en route.

(Please mention this web site when making enquiries)