Prices, Routes and Maps. 2012 Prices - now include all Transport

Hardwater Mill ‐ Ditchford Lock

Level: Easy

Paddling Time: Half Day (approx 3.5 hours)

Distance: 6 Miles

Arrival:For this trip you will need to be at our Ditchford Lock base no later than 11.15am.

A small, but important note: Richard, Ian & Neil very much hope that these pages give you a good idea of the various trips offered by Canoe2. But really, there′s no substitute for giving us a call and having a chat. We can talk over the various abilities in your group, the type of accommodation you prefer, and anything that might be important to you. That way, we can recommend the best trip for you. Or if you prefer, just drop us an email.

Why Paddle Hardwater Mill to Ditchford? If you have limited time available, or want a really easy going few hours for your first paddle experience, this slightly shorter of our two half day “taster” trips might be for you.

On this trip down the river, you′ll have opportunities to stop and get out the water (perhaps for a flask of coffee or a picnic) at Wellingborough embankment, as well as two locks en-route. You′ll also come across the 14 Arches Bridge at Irchester, and at the end of your half-days paddling you might choose to take a relaxing walk around Ditchford Lakes Nature Reserve, a registered site of Special Scientific Interest.

And remember, you can always “stop-over” with us at the campsite adjoining our base, and continue your canoe adventure the following day. If this appeals, and Hardwater Mill to Ditchford is your chosen trip for the first day, we′d recommend either Ditchford to Lower Ringstead (the other half day trip) or Ditchford to Thrapston Nine Arches (a full day′s paddling) for your second day.

Locks: The locks along the river make great rest points. Access to and from the river either side of the locks will soon be via newly installed portages (low level platforms either side of the locks). Until these are available, access varies but is typically via boat moorings or low level floating pontoons. We also supply, included in the price of your package, great little canoe “trolleys”, so you can choose whether to carry, or simply wheel your canoe past the locks.”

CANOE PRICES: Includes hire of canoe & all related equipment, as well as transport to/from your start & end points along the river.

2 person Canoe: £45 per canoe

3 person Canoe: £55 per canoe

4 person Canoe: £60 per canoe

Click here to see our terms & conditions

Hardwater Mill » Ringstead

Distance: 12 Miles

CANOE PRICES: Includes hire of canoe & all related equipment, as well as transport to/from your start & end points along the river.

2 person Canoe: £100 per canoe

3 person Canoe: £120 per canoe

4 person Canoe: £135 per canoe

Click here to see our terms & conditions

Thrapston Nine Arches – Oundle Mill

Level: Beginner

Paddling Time: One Day (approx 6 hours)

Distance: 8.5 miles

Arrival Time: For this one-day trip, you′ll need to be at our Ditchford Lock base no later than 9.30am.

A small, but important note: Neil, Richard & Ian very much hope that these pages give you a good idea of the various trips offered by Canoe2. But really, there′s no substitute for giving us a call and having a chat. We can talk over the various abilities in your group, the type of accommodation you prefer, and anything that might be important to you. That way, we can recommend the best trip for you. Or if you prefer, just drop us an email.

Why Paddle Thrapston to Oundle? Possibly our favourite single day trip! This route offers an outstanding day on the river, and at less than 8.5 miles, shouldn′t be too testing. You′ll be getting into the water at the Nine Arches Bridge in Thrapston / Islip to begin your paddle. There are some wonderful stopping points along this stretch of the river, with 4 or 5 locks, not to mention two fabulous food & drink options. The first is the King′s Head at Wadenhoe, well situated for an early Lunch and reckoned by The Sunday Times to be the best riverside pub in Britain, where you can step out of your canoe straight into their garden. Also on this trip you′ll be passing by The Middle Nene Sailing Club, Titchmarsh Nature Reserve, Wadenhoe′s Norman Church, The Lyveden Way, Lilford Hall, and a beautiful Arched Bridge at Lilford that can only really be appreciated from the river (as shown in the picture on our home page). This great trip ends at the lovely Upper Barnwell Lock, situated right next to “Oundle Mill” (restaurant & rooms) where you might like to stop for a drink or full afternoon tea before we pick you up to return to our base at Ditchford.

Whether you want an easy start in the morning, or you plan to combine this trip with others, overnight accommodation is available at The Woolpack Inn, situated in Islip, directly opposite our morning embarkation point at Nine Arches Bridge, or The Bridge Hotel, just over the bridge in Thrapston. Or you can always choose to camp with us at Ditchford. If you are considering combining this day of paddling with others, we would recommend our two-day paddle, Ditchford Lock to Oundle Mill.

Locks: The locks along the river make great rest points. Access to and from the river either side of the locks will soon be via newly installed portages (low level platforms either side of the locks). Until these are available, access varies but is typically via boat moorings or low level floating pontoons. We also supply, included in the price of your package, great little canoe “trolleys”, so you can choose whether to carry, or simply wheel your canoe past the locks.”

CANOE PRICES: Includes hire of canoe & all related equipment, as well as transport to/from your start & end points along the river.

2 person Canoe: £80 per canoe

3 person Canoe: £90 per canoe

4 person Canoe: £95 per canoe

Click here to see our terms & conditions

Ditchford Lock ‐ Thrapston Nine Arches

Level: Beginner

Paddling Time: One Day (approx 6.5 hours)

Distance: 10 Miles

Arrival Time: For this one-day trip, you′ll need to be at our Ditchford Lock base no later than 9.30am

A small, but important note: Ian, Richard & Neil very much hope that these pages give you a good idea of the various trips offered by Canoe2. But really, there′s no substitute for giving us a call and having a chat. We can talk over the various abilities in your group, the type of accommodation you prefer, and anything that might be important to you. That way, we can recommend the best trip for you. Or if you prefer, just drop us an email.

Why Paddle Ditchford to Thrapston? On this trip down the river, you′ll have opportunities to stop and get out the water (perhaps for a flask of coffee or a picnic) at the six locks en-route. Your journey will also take you past The Frontier Centre, Stanwick Lakes, Willy Watt Marine, Woodford Marina, and on to the lovely historic Thrapston Nine Arches Bridge where we will collect you at the end of your day on the river. When we get you back to Ditchford you might choose to take a relaxing walk around Ditchford Lakes Nature Reserve, a registered site of Special Scientific Interest.

A real bonus on this trip is that you can take a diversion and explore a beautiful backwater that winds its way round Stanwick Lakes, and even offers a stopping place where children and adults alike can enjoy a challenging time on a full size assault course

And remember, by arranging a "stop-over" with us at the campsite adjoining our base, you could combine this trip with another. For trips to precede this Ditchford Lock to Thrapston Nine Arches route, combined with a night of camping at Ditchford, take a look at our Wollaston to Ditchford route (half-day trip), or Billing Mill to Ditchford, a great full-day trip.

Alternatively, if you′d like to carry on down river from Thrapston, we′d recommend considering a stay at The Woolpack Inn, situated in Islip, directly opposite our embarkation point at Nine Arches Bridge, or The Bridge Hotel, just over the bridge in Thrapston. For details of a fabulous two-day paddle, please take a look at Ditchford Lock to Oundle Mill.

Locks:The locks along the river make great rest points. Access to and from the river either side of the locks will soon be via newly installed portages (low level platforms either side of the locks). Until these are available, access varies but is typically via boat moorings or low level floating pontoons. We also supply, included in the price of your package, great little canoe “trolleys”, so you can choose whether to carry, or simply wheel your canoe past the locks.”

CANOE PRICES: Includes hire of canoe & all related equipment, as well as transport to/from your start & end points along the river.

2 person Canoe: £65 per canoe

3 person Canoe: £80 per canoe

4 person Canoe: £85 per canoe

Click here to see our terms & conditions

Thrapston Nine Arches ‐ Fotheringhay

Level: More Adventurous

Paddling Time: Two Days (approx 12 hours)

Distance: 16 miles

Arrival Time: For this trip, you′ll need to be at our Ditchford Lock base no later than 9.30am on day one.

A small, but important note: Ian, Richard & Neil very much hope that these pages give you a good idea of the various trips offered by Canoe2. But really, there′s no substitute for giving us a call and having a chat. We can talk over the various abilities in your group, the type of accommodation you prefer, and anything that might be important to you. That way, we can recommend the best trip for you. Or if you prefer, just drop us an email.

Overnight Accommodation: The night before your first day paddling you might consider The Bridge Hotel, just across the bridge in Thrapston. At The Woolpack you′ll enjoy great food and sleep in a clean & comfortable self-contained chalet. The Bridge Hotel boasts an excellent restaurant and elegant, comfortable rooms.

At the end of your first day on the river, your well-earned sleep could be at Barnwells "Lilford Lodge" (bed & breakfast), Oundle Mill (boutique hotel), or we have made arrangements for camping by the river

Why Paddle Thrapston to Fotheringhay? On this beautiful trip down the river you′ll have opportunities to stop and take a break, enjoy your flask of coffee or have a picnic, at any of the eight locks you′ll come across over the two days.

The first day is one of our favourites. Offering an outstanding day on the river, and at less than 8.5 miles, this one shouldn′t be too testing. You′ll be getting into the water at the Nine Arches Bridge in Thrapston / Islip to begin your paddle. There are some wonderful stopping points along this stretch of the river, with 4 or 5 locks, not to mention two fabulous food & drink options. The first is the King′s Head at Wadenhoe, well situated for an early Lunch and reckoned by The Sunday Times to be the best riverside pub in Britain, where you can step out of your canoe straight into their garden. Also on this trip you’ll be passing by The Middle Nene Sailing Club, Titchmarsh Nature Reserve, Wadenhoe’s Norman Church, The Lyveden Way, Lilford Hall, and a beautiful Arched Bridge at Lilford that can only really be appreciated from the river (as shown in the picture on our home page). The exact end point of this great days paddling will depend upon your choice of accommodation for the night, but will be somewhere before, or at, the lovely Upper Barnwell Lock. Options at the end of the day include afternoon tea at "Oundle Mill" (restaurant & rooms), dinner, bed & breakfast at Barnwells “Lilford Lodge”, or simply camp at a great little informal site we’ve managed to arrange for you.

Your second day will take you on down the river past Oundle Marina, around the outskirts of the town of Oundle, and past the little villages of Cotterstock & Tansor. Your trip ends at Fotheringhay, a really lovely, and historically important village, being the birthplace of Richard III, as well as the location of the execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587, after being held captive in Fotheringhay castle. Before we pick you up from Fotheringhay and transport you back to Ditchford, you may have time to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at the excellent Falcon Inn.

Locks:The locks along the river make great rest points. Access to and from the river either side of the locks will soon be via newly installed portages (low level platforms either side of the locks). Until these are available, access varies but is typically via boat moorings or low level floating pontoons. We also supply, included in the price of your package, great little canoe “trolleys”, so you can choose whether to carry, or simply wheel your canoe past the locks.”

CANOE PRICES: Includes hire of canoe & all related equipment, as well as transport to/from your start & end points along the river.

2 person Canoe: £140 per canoe

3 person Canoe: £165 per canoe

4 person Canoe: £180 per canoe

Click here to see our terms & conditions

Ditchford Lock ‐ Oundle Mill

Level: More Adventurous

Paddling Time: Two Days (approx 12.5 hours)

Distance: 18.5 Miles

Arrival Time: For this trip of two full days, please be sure to arrive at our Ditchford Lock base no later than 9.30am on day one.

A small, but important note: Ian, Neil & Richard very much hope that these pages give you a good idea of the various trips offered by Canoe2. But really, there′s no substitute for giving us a call and having a chat. We can talk over the various abilities in your group, the type of accommodation you prefer, and anything that might be important to you. That way, we can recommend the best trip for you. Or if you prefer, just drop us an email

Overnight Accommodation: At the end of your first day paddling you might consider staying at The Woolpack Inn (Islip), which is just across the road from the public moorings, or The Bridge Hotel, just across the bridge in Thrapston. At The Woolpack you′ll enjoy great food and sleep in a clean & comfortable self-contained chalet. The Bridge Hotel boasts an excellent restaurant and elegant, comfortable rooms.

Why Paddle Ditchford to Oundle? On this particular journey, you′ll encounter around 10 locks spread over the two days, offering plenty of opportunity to stop and get out the water (perhaps for a flask of coffee or a picnic). Additionally, the first day of your journey will take you past The Frontier Centre, Stanwick Lakes, Willy Watt Marine, Woodford Marina, and on to the lovely historic Thrapston Nine Arches Bridge where your first day on the river comes to an end.

A real bonus on this trip is that you can take a diversion and explore a beautiful backwater that winds its way round Stanwick Lakes, and even offers a stopping place where children and adults alike can enjoy a challenging time on a full size assault course.

Your second day on the river, at 8.5 miles, shouldn′t be too testing, and benefits from some wonderful stopping points and two fabulous food & drink options. The first is the King′s Head at Wadenhoe, well situated for an early Lunch and reckoned by The Sunday Times to be the best riverside pub in Britain, where you can step out of your canoe straight into their garden. Also on this trip you′ll be passing by The Middle Nene Sailing Club, Titchmarsh Nature Reserve, Wadenhoe′s Norman Church, The Lyveden Way, Lilford Hall, and a beautiful Arched Bridge at Lilford that can only really be appreciated from the river (as shown in the picture on our home page). This great trip ends at the lovely Upper Barnwell Lock, situated right next to “Oundle Mill” (restaurant & rooms) where you might like to stop for afternoon tea before we pick you up to return to our base at Ditchford.

Locks: The locks along the river make great rest points. Access to and from the river either side of the locks will soon be via newly installed portages (low level platforms either side of the locks). Until these are available, access varies but is typically via boat moorings or low level floating pontoons. We also supply, included in the price of your package, great little canoe “trolleys”, so you can choose whether to carry, or simply wheel your canoe past the locks.”

CANOE PRICES: Includes hire of canoe & all related equipment, as well as transport to/from your start & end points along the river.

2 person Canoe: £125 per canoe

3 person Canoe: £150 per canoe

4 person Canoe: £165 per canoe

Click here to see our terms & conditions

Thrapston Nine Arches » Fotheringay

Level: More Adventurous

Paddling Time: Three Days (approx 18 hours)

Distance: 16+ Miles

Arrival Time: For this trip of three full days, please be sure to arrive at our Ditchford Lock base no later than 9.30am on day one.

A small, but important note: Neil, Richard & Ian very much hope that these pages give you a good idea of the various trips offered by Canoe2. But really, there′s no substitute for giving us a call and having a chat. We can talk over the various abilities in your group, the type of accommodation you prefer, and anything that might be important to you. That way, we can recommend the best trip for you. Or if you prefer, just drop us an email.

Overnight Accommodation: The night before your first day paddling you might consider staying at The Woolpack Inn (Islip), which is just across the road from the public moorings, or The Bridge Hotel, just across the bridge in Thrapston. At The Woolpack you′ll enjoy great food and sleep in a clean & comfortable self-contained chalet. The Bridge Hotel boasts an excellent restaurant and elegant, comfortable rooms.

At the end of your first day on the river, your well-earned sleep could be at Barnwells “Lilford Lodge” (bed & breakfast), Oundle Mill (high end boutique hotel), or we have made arrangements for simple camping by the river.

Your second day ends at Fotheringhay, where you will find Castle Farm Guest House with a lovely lawned garden stretching right down to the riverbank.

Why Paddle Thrapston to Wansford? For detail of the first two days of this trip, please take a look at our route, Thrapston Nine Arches to Fotheringhay. The third day, taking you from Fotheringhay to Wansford Station adds stopping points at 4 locks, and takes you through the lovely village of Elton, and on to Nassington where you′ll find the excellent riverside "Queens Head" inn serving wonderful food & drink for lunch. Later, you′ll pass by Yarwell Mill, before ending your trip at Wansford Station, headquarters of The Nene Valley Railway, and home to “Thomas” the Tank Engine. We′ll pick you up from Wansford Station and transport you back to our base at Ditchford Lock.

Locks: The locks along the river make great rest points. Access to and from the river either side of the locks will soon be via newly installed portages (low level platforms either side of the locks). Until these are available, access varies but is typically via boat moorings or low level floating pontoons. We also supply, included in the price of your package, great little canoe “trolleys”, so you can choose whether to carry, or simply wheel your canoe past the locks.”

CANOE PRICES: Includes hire of canoe & all related equipment, as well as transport to/from your start & end points along the river.

2 person Canoe: £200 per canoe

3 person Canoe: £240 per canoe

4 person Canoe: £260 per canoe

Click here to see our terms & conditions

Ditchford Lock ‐ Fotheringhay

Level: More Adventurous

Paddling Time: Three Days (approx 18 hours)

Distance: 26 Miles

Overnight Accommodation: Woolpack Inn Islip

Arrival Time: For this trip of three full days, please be sure to arrive at our Ditchford Lock base no later than 9.30am on day one.

A small, but important note: Richard, Neil & Ian very much hope that these pages give you a good idea of the various trips offered by Canoe2. But really, there′s no substitute for giving us a call and having a chat. We can talk over the various abilities in your group, the type of accommodation you prefer, and anything that might be important to you. That way, we can recommend the best trip for you. Or if you prefer, just drop us an email.

Why Paddle Ditchford to Fotheringhay? This wonderful trip is essentially a combination of two shorter trips. For full details, please take a look at Ditchford Lock to Thrapston Nine Arches (one day) and Thrapston Nine Arches to Fotheringhay (two days).

Overnight Accommodation: The night before setting off, you might choose to camp at our base at Ditchford Lock, or stay at the nearby Premier Inn at Rushden. At the end of your first days paddling, consider either The Woolpack Inn, Islip, or The Bridge Hotel, just over the bridge in Thrapston. Once you complete your second day on the river, you′ll need accommodation in the Oundle area, perhaps at Barnwells “Lilford Lodge” bed & breakfast, or “Oundle Mill” boutique hotel, or camping at a private site we can arrange for you.

Locks:The locks along the river make great rest points. Access to and from the river either side of the locks will soon be via newly installed portages (low level platforms either side of the locks). Until these are available, access varies but is typically via boat moorings or low level floating pontoons. We also supply, included in the price of your package, great little canoe “trolleys”, so you can choose whether to carry, or simply wheel your canoe past the locks.”

CANOE PRICES: Includes hire of canoe & all related equipment, as well as transport to/from your start & end points along the river.

2 person Canoe: £200 per canoe

3 person Canoe: £240 per canoe

4 person Canoe: £260 per canoe

Click here to see our terms & conditions

Ditchford Lock ‐ Fotheringay

Level: Energetic

Paddling Time: Four Days (approx 25 hours)

Distance: 26+ Miles

Arrival Time: For this trip of four full days, please be sure to arrive at our Ditchford Lock base no later than 9.30am on day one.

A small, but important note: Ian, Richard & Neil very much hope that these pages give you a good idea of the various trips offered by Canoe2. But really, there′s no substitute for giving us a call and having a chat. We can talk over the various abilities in your group, the type of accommodation you prefer, and anything that might be important to you. That way, we can recommend the best trip for you. Or if you prefer, just drop us an email.

Why Paddle Ditchford to Wansford Station? This excellent, more physically demanding trip is essentially a combination of shorter trips. To get a general feel for this four-day adventure, please take a look at Ditchford Lock to Thrapston Nine Arches, Thrapston Nine Arches to Fotheringhay, and Thrapston Nine Arches to Wansford Station.

Overnight Accommodation: The night before setting off, you might choose to camp at our base at Ditchford Lock, or stay at the nearby Premier Inn at Rushden. At the end of your first days paddling, consider either The Woolpack Inn, Islip, or The Bridge Hotel, just over the bridge in Thrapston. Once you complete your second day on the river, you′ll need accommodation in the Oundle area, perhaps at Barnwells “Lilford Lodge” bed & breakfast, or “Oundle Mill” boutique hotel, or camping at a private site can be arranged for you. Lastly, you′ll need accommodation in Fotheringhay, perhaps the Castle Farm Guest House.

Locks: The locks along the river make great rest points. Access to and from the river either side of the locks will soon be via newly installed portages (low level platforms either side of the locks). Until these are available, access varies but is typically via boat moorings or low level floating pontoons. We also supply, included in the price of your package, great little canoe “trolleys”, so you can choose whether to carry, or simply wheel your canoe past the locks.”

CANOE PRICES: Includes hire of canoe & all related equipment, as well as transport to/from your start & end points along the river.

2 person Canoe: £250 per canoe

3 person Canoe: £290 per canoe

4 person Canoe: £310 per canoe

Click here to see our terms & conditions

Hardwater ‐ Fotheringhay

Paddling Time: Four and half Days

Distance: 32+ Miles

CANOE PRICES: Includes hire of canoe & all related equipment, as well as transport to/from your start & end points along the river.

2 person Canoe: £295 per canoe

3 person Canoe: £335 per canoe

4 person Canoe: £355 per canoe

Click here to see our terms & conditions