River Deben: Waldringfield to Wilford Bridge Paddle Trail

2.5-5 hours

Duration

10 miles

Distance

Out and Back

Moderate

Difficulty

IP12 4QL

Start Postcode

IP12 4QL

End Postcode

(Using the tides effectively will greatly assist this paddle – aim to reach Wilford Bridge at about high tide.)

A. From Waldringfield, once clear of the foreshore and boatyard, bear towards the left and follow the river upstream.

B. As you clear the point choose your track across the wider part of the river according to conditions – strong winds over tide can prove challenging so a more sheltered route through the salt marshes on the left might be advisable.

C. As the river narrows again you will pass Methersgate Quay on the right and track through a number of moorings on route towards Kyson Point ahead of you.

D. At Kyson Point you will pass Martlesham Creek on the left and swing right through the New Cut towards Woodbridge. You should see Tide Mill ahead of you.

E. Near Woodbridge Railway Station and adjacent a number of ‘live-aboard’ boats there is a small beach area where it is good to stop for five minutes, end your paddle and be picked up or turn around back to Waldringfield. There is also a great café on the quayside.

F. Continuing the trail upstream follow the river through the moorings as it winds around the entrance to the Tide Mill Yacht Harbour.

G. Then head up river past a myriad of small boatyards taking a turn to the left then the right as you approach the wetlands nature reserve.

H. From here Wilford Bridge is ahead of you – pass underneath at about the top of the tide to say you made it, take a breather, then head back on the ebb.

Discover More

This trail works very well as an out and back trail or one way, if collection can be arranged, with breakouts in Woodbridge and the turnaround point at Wilford Bridge.

A flexible ‘out and back’ tidal route starting and ending at Waldringfield, Suffolk following the river upstream past Woodbridge to Wilford Bridge.

Winter Warmer: The Maybush Inn is a busy riverside pub with panoramic views across the river and beyond. A varied menu offering locally sourced meat, game, seafood, and vegetarian options. www.debeninns.co.uk/maybush

This versatile trail is a tidal open water part of the upper River Deben in Suffolk being well suited to touring craft, sea kayaks, and canoes. It is recommended that paddlers set out 90 minutes before high tide to get the best of traveling upstream on the flood and back on the ebb.

The Deben Estuary is designated under various national and local schemes as a Site of Special Scientific Interest; Special Protection Area; under the Ramsar International Convention on Wetlands and as part of the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Over the 12km covering the tidal stretch of the Deben between Felixstowe Ferry at the mouth of the river and Wilford Bridge north of Woodbridge, the landscape of the estuary ranges through coastal levels, saltmarsh, and intertidal flats to estate sandlands.

Depending on the time of year you may see a fantastic range of wild birds including Avocet, Redshank, Curlew, Lapwing, in addition to Common, Herring and Black-headed Gulls, Little Grebe, Dunlin, Grey Heron, and Little Egret. Another treat for paddlers is the occasional sighting of a seal as it pops its head above the water.

Further information can be found on the following websites:

Tide Times

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

JOIN PADDLE UK

Safety Information

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.