Sunday May 19th - Brightlingsea to Rowhedge and back on the River Colne

The River Colne makes its way through Colchester. Going through Rowhedge, Wivenhoe and Alresford, to join the River Blackwater as it passes East Mersea and Brightlingsea.
Using the tide we have a gentle day’s paddle, starting at two locations, arriving at Rowhedge for a lunch stop and refreshments before our return to your starting point.
Being a Tidal paddle the conditions can change quickly, so it’s important that all paddlers are suitably experienced, have the correct equipment, to be able to cope with this environment.

We will paddle this open tranquil area past the Fingringhoe Nature reserve and through the Wivenhoe Tidal Barrier. For Sea Kayaks, if time permits, a trip up the Roman River to Fingringhoe Mill. Arriving at Rowhedge for Lunch. Here you will find a Café, Pub and Toilets. As the tide starts to Ebb we make our way back to our start location.

Note: There are two starting locations:

  • Sea Kayaks only. Batemans Tower Car Park, Promenade Way, Brightlingsea CO7 0HH. Charge applies. Meet at 09:30hrs for 10:00hrs briefing, paddle to start at 10:30hrs. Trolleys will be useful for the short portage to waterfront. Subject to weather conditions on the day. Toilets, Café.
  • Touring Boats. (no playboats) Alresford Creek, Ford Lane, Alresford CO7 8BB. Park on roadside, no charge. Meet at 10:15hrs for briefing, start at 11:00hrs. No facilities available and it can be a bit muddy on launching.

The paddle is organised by Tendring Canoe Club for clubs within the Region. Once on the water, Clubs will be responsible for their paddlers and will be expected to provide Leaders as if it was their own Club Trip.

Details of the Trip are available here.