River Stour: Cattawade to Dedham Paddle Trail

2-4 hours

Duration

7.8 miles

Distance

Out and Back

Easy

Difficulty

CO11 1QW

Start Postcode

CO11 1QW

End Postcode

A. From Cattawade turn right on launching and follow river towards Flatford.

B. After a few hundred meters pass through an old disused lock pool and continue following the river.

C. On arrival at the weir that marks the start of the tidal River Stour take care as it is slightly overgrown and the river narrows. Navigate round to the right following the river upstream under wonderful canopy of trees.

D. On arrival at Flatford Mill Lock the purpose-built portage point is well sign posted, approximately 100m downstream.

E. Re-join the river via another portage point, above the Lock, in front of the Tea Rooms.

F. Pass under the wooden footbridge and continue upstream for about 1.5 miles until you pass the Boathouse Café and under the B1029 which marks the turning point of this particular trail.

G. Just after the road bridge you will see a landing point on the left adjacent the car park. This is your turning point. Retrace your journey back through the beautiful scenery of the River Stour.

Discover More

This is a very flexible trail in that it is suitable for most paddle craft, including stand-up paddleboards, with options on distance and pickups. It works very well as an out-and-back trail in either direction, with carparks at both ends, or as a one-way if collection can be arranged.

Worth noting is that between the Flatford and Dedham stretch, there is an excellent riverside footpath with coffee shops at either end for family members who may want to accompany you and not paddle.

Starting at the Cattawade Picnic Site, paddlers pass through nature reserves and open farmland before turning right at the weir for Flatford Mill Lock. On the way, look out for herons, kingfishers, moorhens, swans, and a wonderful assortment of other wildlife. The water is quite clear, so fish can be observed and often seen jumping.

For an alternative finish at Dedham: Dedham Riverside Carpark, Dedham Rd, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6DH. Pay and display car parking, purpose-made landing point, Boathouse Café, and rowing boat hire.

Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project: www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org
National Trust Flatford: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford
River Stour Trust: www.riverstourtrust.org

Licence Information

The waterways in this trail are managed by the Environment Agency, and it is a requirement for paddlers to hold a licence. Paddle UK’s On The Water membership includes an annual licence for here as well as other waterways.

When paddling, have your membership card with you as proof of licence; otherwise, you could face a fine. Get your digital membership card straight away with your licence and liability insurance included from www.paddleuk.org.uk.

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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.