How to get there - Nayland is on A134 Sudbury - Colchester.
For those with SatNav the post code is CO6 4JL.
Get a map with driving directions to start or end (enter the postcode of your starting point at A)
Suggested Launch Site - Either at the green by the main road or at The Anchor by the bridge (see map)
General
Description - One of Britain's earliest commercial waterways, dating from 1705, and restored as a Millennium project. Only limited parts are suitable for powered boats, so peaceful for canoeists. There is a portage at Boxted Mill and again at Langham Weir. This section, about 6 miles is best done downstream - some fast-running shallows especially near Nayland.
The river meanders from side to side of a wide valley, with hills on either side. Towards Stratford, the left branch leads to a landing stage at The Swan, on the old A12. No easy return by public transport. If you continue downstream, you come to the tourist section in Constable country.
BCU or EA licence required. Downloadable guide from the River Stour Trust, and details of an annual (September) social canoe trip 'Sudbury to the Sea'
Comments on this trip
Dan and Kate 11 Oct 2021
What a great adventure this stretch is beautiful and we were lucky to grab a Sunny October day to Kayak it. It has a lot of variety from calm open water to narrower parts which run a little faster. Thanks for the trip info very helpful, time to try the next one further up now!
Andrea 23 Jul 2014
Went from the Anchor to Boxted Mill and back today. The fast running shallows were fun downstream, but not upstream!
RichW 12 Oct 2011
Note the portage around Boxted Mill is through a private garden. Permission must be sought before passing through. This should be done well in advance via the BCU River Advisor
