The “King of all Ouse’s,” the River Great Ouse runs for a whopping 143 miles! Starting life near Syresham and flowing through East Anglia, the river passes through the historic market town of Kings Lynn before entering the Wash.
It has been historically important for trade but post-industrial revolution has become increasingly popular with many river users. Paddlers looking for a fun day out on the water included! It’s length makes it a perfect river for multi-day adventures.
The River Great Ouse – not to be confused with the River Ouse or River Little Ouse – is a nature lover’s dream, and is popular with coarse fishermen. Due to the improved water quality of the river, the otter population is booming.
Seals also swim in the river. They have been reported as far upstream as Bedford! Those who paddle slalom will be familiar with this river as it is where the Cardington White Water course is based… home of the annual Interclubs competition.
And a little trivia for those quiz lovers… the river is the only place where the annual Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race has taken place outside of the River Thames. It hosted the competition once in 1944