A. Your start is at the Whitegates pontoon off Arctic Road, Cowes. This is on the west side of the Medina River, amongst old and new boatyards, with many moored yachts on both moorings and pontoons. 

B. Don’t bother turning north (left) to the mouth of the river, as it becomes even more congested, and there are also the busy ferries to run you down. Instead turn right and inland. 

C. The first mile or so remains busy, with many ‘trots’ of moorings, and boatyards, but a much quieter scene awaits those with the patience to paddle upriver. 

D. The east side of the river is especially crowded up here before the boats give way to oil tanks on both sides, and then greenery. 

E. The east bank has open fields, the west bank one of the interesting little inlets into which you can poke your craft, followed by a wooded stretch. 

F. Bird life is always abundant, with lapwings in the fields at the right season, little egrets feeding in shallow water, oystercatchers busy and noisy in the spring, and kingfishers on the quieter parts of the river.

G. After the boat activity quietens down, there is another near mile before the Folly Inn on the east bank, a welcome stop, with its own steps and pontoon. 

H. You can go as far up the river as you like, with an old shipwreck to paddle around and the east side widening out, with more shallows and inlets. 

I. The Island Harbour Marina is set into a large inlet on the east bank, and if going further, the Medina Valley centre on the west bank has a landing-stage. 

J. Then simply turn around and enjoy your paddle back with the outgoing tide.