Paddle: The Short Loop (6.5km)

Description

Canoe, Kayak, or Paddleboard is a beautiful circular trip, this may well be the shortest of our circular journeys – however, it’s by no means a lesser journey. Immerse yourself in a mini ‘wilderness’ trip.

Suitable for people with some previous paddling experience and a reasonable level of fitness, this 6.5km journey starts and ends at Canalside Camping (opposite Canalside Farm Shop and Café – well worth a visit before or after your trip for a tasty meal or slab of cake).

You will begin on the canal where you will have some instruction on controlling your boat/board as we follow the Staffs/Worcs canal passed Tixall Wides, with a view of Tixall Gatehouse, until we reach Tixall lock; here we work together to portage the short lock (approx. 50m). A little further up the canal and we reach the aqueduct where we transfer on to the River Sow – this is a beautiful slow-moving river, that has a wonderful feeling of remoteness to it. As we follow the River Sow it’s wise to keep an eye out for wildlife, it’s here we most frequently see kingfishers along with a host of other interesting wildlife.

When we reach the iconic Essex Bridge, we will work together to make the 100m transfer back onto the canal, marking the return point of our journey. There is now just a short leg of the canal to take us back to our original starting point.

 What’s Included:

• 3-hour guided journey (includes kitting up and briefing)
• FREE use of our equipment (where needed)
• FREE use of our long john (sleeveless) wetsuits
• Your Paddle UK ‘Paddle Discover’ Certificate

 What’s Not Included?

• Lunch/Drinks
• Transport: You need to be able to get to and from the venue
• Parking/access fees – this will be advertised when applicable.

 Pre-Requisites:

• Group bookings by arrangement only
• Minimum of 4 people
• Ages 14years +
• Some previous paddling experience
• Reasonable level of fitness
• Reasonable water confidence (non-swimmers welcome)
• Clothing to paddle in, suitable to the weather conditions on the day
• FOOTWEAR to paddle in – footwear is mandatory for all our sessions (no crocs, sliders, sandals or wellies)

Full set of dry clothes, dry shoes and a towel for the end of the session