The Essex & Suffolk
River Stour
Meandering gently through the landscapes that inspired some of the nations biggest names in art, in the 'footsteps' of history and through the habitats and homes of some of the nations best loved wildlife - the River Stour, which forms the county boundary between Essex & Suffolk, is a paddler's paradise.
Approximately 115km in length from its source at Wattling (near Newmarket) to the estuary mouth at Harwich / Felixstowe the River Stour offers a range of paddles for canoers, kayakers and paddleboarders of all ability and interests throughout the seasons.
A Paddler's River
Canoe it, Kayak it, Paddleboard it - the glorious River Stour is a paddlers dream offering twenty six miles of non-tidal navigation flowing gently through five distinct landscapes and with 'navigation rights' protected by an Act of Parliament (1705) and X miles of breathtaking tidal estuary scenery.
'Stour Descent - The Ultimate Paddlers Guide' offers eighteen different adventures with illustrated, easy to follow route guides, for paddlers of all ability, ranging from an hour to four days in duration.
A Nature Lover's River
Flowing through and alongside designated nature reserves and protected habitats, paddlers on the River Stour are in for treats.... just stop listen and look:
Kingfisher, Otter, Reed Warbler, Red Kites, Mandarin Crested Duck, Water Vole, Black Swan are among the rarer sightings we experience as Stour Paddlers whilst more common spots include Dragonflies, Moorhen, Heron, Mallard and Mute Swan - the Stour really is a nature lover's river.
Learn all about it in the Nature & Wildlife Chapter - an informative and illustrated guide.
An Historian's River
Boudica, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Cromwell, Kings Cross, King Edmund, Archbishop of St Albans, Downing Street, Matthew Hopkins, Hitler and have all either left their marks or otherwise drawn on this tranquil riverscape.
Be inspired to explore in the wake of some of histories intriguing and fascinating characters.
An Art Lover's River
The rolling landscapes, weeping willows and varied 'life' of the river have inspired artists of many genre: John Constable, Alfred Munnings, Thomas Gainsborough, John Nash, Cedric Morris and John O'Connor lead the way as visual artists. Whilst Ronald Blyths 'Akenfield', Dodie Smiths' '101 Dalmations' , Henry Williamsons 'Tarka the Otter' all share moments and inspiration with the river.
An Adventurer's River
With 35 miles (115km) to explore between the head of the Statutory Navigation at Sudbury and the estuary mouth at Harwich / Felixstowe, the Stour offers a diverse range of paddles to enjoy .
The 26 miles of non-tidal river, between Sudbury and Cattawade offering one-way paddles, various Paddle'n'Pub routes, canoe camping and various nature and wildlife focused adventures.
While the 9 miles of classic East Coast Estuary from Cattawade to the mouth at the North Sea offer secluded beaches, wildlife galore and the odd pub stop for refreshments.
Whatever your denomination; paddleboarder, kayakers or canoer - the calm and tranquil waters of the Essex & Suffolk Stour offer adventures throughout the seasons - enjoy detailed guides to 16 of the best in Stour Descent.