River Crouch: Hullbridge to Battlesbridge Paddle Trail

1.5-2.5 hours

Duration

5 miles

Distance

Out and Back

Moderate

Difficulty

SS5 6ND

Start Postcode

SS5 6ND

End Postcode

A. Launch from the free public slipway and turn left, upstream, with the rising tide.

B. Be aware of yachts and motorboats from local clubs. Apart from these your journey should be a peaceful one.

C. Look out for the wide variety of wetland birds along your route. You may even spot a common seal!

D. As you paddle along you will see a number of old moored Thames sailing barges, in various states of repair.

E. After just over 2.5 miles you will reach the old tidal mill pool at Battlesbridge.

F. If you like you can carry on up the River Crouch on the rising tide until the tide turns. The river gets very narrow but is fun to explore.

G. Before turning back you can also explore the Battlesbridge Antique Warehouse - the largest in Essex with spectacular view across the salt marshes from its top floor restaurant. The Barge Inn is also a good place for refreshments.

H. When the tide turns paddle back to Woodham Ferrers. Don’t leave it much more than 45 minutes after high water at Battlesbridge to return, or you will have a muddy get out.

Accessibility

A great family trip, when the tides fall right, which is particularly suitable for touring kayaks and canoes. The lower river is quite exposed; check weather and tides before setting off.

Discover More

This trip works on neap tides but is best on springs. Aim to leave Hullbridge an hour before high water(Dover + 1hr 22mins).

The old sailing barges are large,flat bottomed boatswhichwerewell adapted to sailing on shallowwaters.Theywere used fortrade purposes andwere seaworthy vessels.Some have been restored and can be hired fortrips.

BattlesbridgeTidal MillPool:Waterflowed into the pool as the tide rose.When the tide ebbed the lock gates closed and thewaterflowed outthrough thewaterwheel, driving the machinery. Nowthe gates are chained open and the rising and falling tide produces a jet ofwater.

Furtherinformation can be found on the following websites:

http://www.battlesbridge.com/ www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thames_sailing_barge http://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/

Licence Information

The waterways on this trail do not require you to have a licence to paddle on them. However, if you paddle regularly and want to explore more places to paddle, you could consider becoming a member of Paddle UK. You’ll get a whole range of benefits as an On The Water member, including an annual licence to paddle on 4,500km of Britain’s waterways, liability insurance, and great discounts on paddling related products. Join today at www.paddleuk.org.uk

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Safety Information

This route is tidal- Please check tide times to plan your journey. You will not be able to access Newton and Noss creek if the tide is out.

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.