A. It is an easy get in onto the river from outside Wokingham Waterside Centre. Turn right to paddle downstream towards Sonning Lock. This section is known as Dreadnought Reach.

B. As you go downstream to your left is the Caversham Rowing Lakes otherwise known as the Redgrave-Pinsent Rowing Lake.

C. Sonning Lock is a particularly pretty lock. As you enter the lock area the canoe portage is on the right hand side near the lock gates. In the summer months there is the opportunity to buy snacks here. The entry point for paddlecraft (if you are not going through the lock) is just the other side of the lock but do take care carrying your craft through the gates. The portage is

D. Once back on the water paddle under the Sonning Bridge. This is a brick arch bridge, completed in 1775 to replace an earlier wooden bridge. It is only the width of one car so the traffic is controlled by traffic lights.

E. To the left of the bridge is the Mill Theatre. This Dinner Theatre produces all its own electricity from the old mill stream. To the right is the village of Sonning, with a few good restaurants.

F. As you leave Sonning you are once again out in the countryside with the occasional house on the bank.

G. About 1.5 miles downstream after Sonning you will see a largish turning off to the right and this is the entrance to St Patrick’s Stream. It is marked by a small bridge and a notice declaring “it’s not suitable for launches”. The stream is not as wide as this all the way, but nevertheless it’s a beautiful trip.

H. St Patrick’s Stream can be paddled all year round but do be aware of anglers if paddling it out of the closed fishing season, March 15th to June 15th.

I. The river level can drop dramatically in dry periods so, if you are using a boat with an under stern rudder especially at the start of the stream, you need to stay left as the small lip there on the right can remove rudders!

J. St Patrick’s Stream bypasses a lock and drops about 5 feet over about two miles. The stream winds its way through the countryside and about two thirds of the way down is another stream which comes in from the left. There is a small weir a few metres up this stream and although very small it is fun to paddle in.

K. There is a lot of interesting wildlife here, so you can just enjoy the sheer beauty of it all. You pass a few large houses so please be considerate.

L. The stream then joins the River Loddon and from there it’s back on to the River Thames just below Shiplake Lock. Turn back to look at the exit as it is a scene worth enjoying.

M. Turn back upstream and head up towards Shiplake Lock. Keep in the left hand stream and portage on the floating pontoon which is one the right hand side of the stream. From here carry your craft up over the island and put it straight back in near the lock

N. Now follow the river upstream. You will pass Shiplake College on your right. After about a mile you will see the entrance to St Patrick’s Stream. Continue upstream, under Sonning Bridge and portage Sonning Lock. Return your craft to the water on the other side of the lock and retrace your paddle strokes back to Wokingham Watersport Centre.