Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The paddling route
Put in on the bank just below Dedham bridge, a short carry from the Mill Lane pay car park, and follow the Stour downstream through the meadows John Constable painted. The river winds between willows and grazing marsh, past old field gates and the odd heron, to Flatford. Turn at Flatford Bridge, beside the National Trust's Bridge Cottage and above Flatford Lock; the mill and Willy Lott's House are just beyond. Land by the bridge for a look round, then paddle back.
It is 4.5 km there and back; allow about an hour in a canoe or kayak and 1¼ on a paddleboard. The grade is Very easy: still, sheltered water with nothing to carry round if you turn above the lock. Rowing boats hired at Dedham and Flatford share the river, but motor boats are restricted on this stretch, with a few exceptions such as the River Stour Trust's trip boats.
This is an Environment Agency navigation: you need a registration, which Paddle UK membership covers, or a day, week or month licence from the River Stour Trust. After heavy rain the Stour rises quickly and floods the meadows: check the Langham gauge and do not paddle in flood. Wear a buoyancy aid and check the conditions before you set off.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap waterways (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Through Constable country, past the meadows he painted
- Flatford Mill, Willy Lott's House and Bridge Cottage at the turn
- No motor boats here except the trust's trip boats
- Hire rowing boats share the river from Dedham
On the water
- Put in: Car park · parking charged 51.96229, 0.99400
- No locks or weirs on the way.
- River level: Langham (River Stour). Check it before you go, and don't paddle when it is high.
- Rules and licences: Environment Agency. Check whether you need a licence before you go: on many inland waters in England and Wales you do, and Paddle UK membership includes one for many of them.
- Suits canoes, kayaks, paddleboards.
Getting there
Start: Dedham, below the bridge. 51.96229, 0.99400
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Dedham: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Water levels, flow and the weather decide the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; wear a buoyancy aid, check the river levels and the forecast, keep well clear of weirs and powered boats, and don't go out in flood.