Canoe & Camp

Our canoe and camping is a fantastic trip through stunning countryside in Bedfordshire, less than an hour from London. Book a trip with us to enjoy a stay at our private woodland campsite. Thi…

What's Included

What else we can provide on request

Our canoe and camping is a fantastic trip through stunning countryside in Bedfordshire, less than an hour from London.

Book a trip with us to enjoy a stay at our private woodland campsite. This exciting trip was voted Top 52 Things to do in the World by Lonely Planet. Our unique offer of woodland camping only accessed by canoe or kayak has quickly become a popular choice. Finish your day in style at our private woodland riverside campsite, cook over an open fire and sleep under the stars.

View Available Trips

Canoe camping is the water equivalent to backpacking, carry enough to travel and camp for several days but do so in a canoe or kayak. It is also known as touring, tripping, or expedition canoeing. We have a number of different trips available which includes a camp in our woods adjacent to the river. Choose your route and then relax and enjoy the nature of the woodland.

Once you arrive at the woodland, you have your own clearing complete with a campfire (with logs to sit on) and not forgetting the all-important compost loo. Our luggage service will allow you to paddle a light boat and make portages easier, with your luggage waiting for you in your clearing for when you arrive.

Local Information

Nearest Pub: The Crown - approx 20 min walk from the woodland campsite.
Nearest shop: S C Sinfield Luton Ltd - mainly selling fruit and vegetables is approx 25 min walk from the woodland.

FIRES & COOKING

Each booking is allocated a site in the woodland. Each site has its own campfire circle, luggage area (pallet shelter) and a compostable toilet.

Campfire. One of the best bits of camping is being allowed to have a real campfire. The woodland main clearings have a campfire circle. We often pack a tarp and paracord in case it is raining and we need shelter around the campfire. Don’t forget to bring a fire lighting kit such as a good lighter, matches or a flint and steel. You may also need some tinder, paper, or other good material to start it.

Cooking Kit. Don’t forget to bring a grill or something to cook on over the campfire. You can, of course, bring your stove. We have a wide selection of cooking kit that can be hired including:

Kettles - every camp needs a brew
Campfire grills - specially designed to flat pack into your boat
Dutch ovens - big cooking pots that go in the fire

Campsite Features (wild camping vibes)

✅ Camp Fire
✅ Dog Friendly - kept to your campsite
✅ Small Jetty
✅ Long drop toilets
❌ Running Water
❌ Electricity

Campfire Cooking. Why not research campfire cooking before you start your paddling adventure and make some lovely campfire treats. We recommend:

Green & Blacks Chocolate Banana Melt
S'mores
Campfire Popcorn
Gourmet Woodland Breadsticks
Campfire Orange Muffins

SHELTER

Bring your tent or hammock. There is plenty of space in your clearings as well as lots of nooks and crannies between trees. If you pitch a tent just remember pack size and the weight you will be carrying. For an additional cost, you can select a luggage service when you book.

Hire a Tent. We can offer a Tipi for the same household only which sleeps, 6-12 people.

Build A Woodland Shelter. Feeling adventurous, Matchstick Wood is a great place to hone your bushcraft and survival skills. We have plenty of large staves and branches already cut to make shelters. Although requiring a bit of elbow grease there is nothing more satisfying than sleeping in a shelter built by you.

FACILITIES & RULES

Matchstick Wood is a riverside woodland campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse. It is not accessible by road or car. So pack light. Please don’t bring the kitchen sink! You will need to bring a kit for camping as well as:

Water – you can hire filled containers
Toilet roll - don’t be the person who forgets to pack it
Fire lighting kit- paper/ lighter/ tinder

Compost Toilets. Compost toilets are what we lovingly call “loo with a view.” They have a simple screen and toilet seat on a wooden frame. Try to leave them clean and as you would wish to find them. There is usually a citronella air freshener and some hand sanitiser. Please bring toilet roll!

Campsite Rules

Be respectful of other people.
Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept under control and to your campsite clearing.
Keep noise to a sensible level.
We suggest you don’t run as there are plenty of rabbit warrens and holes to trip you up.
Don’t leave smouldering fires, please put them out when you have finished.
Leave no trace (no rubbish) take your plastics, and waste with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if it rains?

Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a few times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.

What should I wear?

We paddle all the year round and believe the old adage “There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing”! Participants should wear light (gym style) clothing suitable for getting wet such as tracksuit bottoms or shorts and a top. Jeans are not the best things to wear as they wick water. In simple terms, dress for the weather and check the forecast beforehand. If cold then a thermal top or sweatshirt may also be needed. Hats and gloves are a great way to feel slightly warmer in winter and caps and wide-brimmed hats are also useful in summer to protect you from the sun. You should also bring a change of clothes in the event that you get wet. We do have waterproofs usually available, you can arrange for some courses and trips to hire wetsuits and drysuits.

Are the trips guided?

There are no guides or instructors needed for hire of canoes, kayaks or SUP's. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point or in some cases an A to B journey via your chosen craft, canoe, kayak or Stand up paddle board. You will receive a full briefing from a professional outdoor instructor before you set off. We recommend our preferred routes and timings for your ease, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river at your leisure but ensuring you are back for your agreed return time.

How does the booking process work?

During the season our hire of canoes, kayaks, and SUPs, and paddle and camp trips are scheduled for customers to book via an automated schedule. Typically Kempston base is open throughout the season 7 days a week whereas Bedford is usually weekends or holidays. At the time of booking you will need to enter medical information, any special requirements and sizes into the booking forms. You will also need to provide contact details and emergency contact details as a contingency. Depending on what you are doing (e.g. camping, expeds, etc), you can book optional extras such as wood (you need to bring your own otherwise), water, grills, tipis and luggage service, or if you're on an exped you can hire hire drysuits. Once you have booked and your information is captured by the system, you will receive an automated email including a QR code and parking information to help you arrive in good time for your booking and get checked in. See our Terms & Conditions - www.canoetrail.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

Why can't I select a date to book?

Our schedules are automated and are linked to the calendar and available resources. We have over 260 craft available (canoes, kayaks and SUP’s) so you can drop us a line if you want a date that you cant see. Our Kempston base is throughout the season every day whereas Bedford is only weekends and holidays. There is a cut off time of 30 mins prior to each time slot, so if you are making a last minute booking then call us and we can help!

Do you offer private bookings for a group?

Yes we do offer group, club and private bookings for all watersports including kayaking, canoeing, and SUP. As well as whitewater courses, qualifications, and our expeditions. Please contact us to discuss a private tailored booking for your team, friends and family. We run taillored sessions for youth charities, schools, family and friend groups, corporate and other groups to learn outdoor activities.

What happens if we're late?

You will need to arrive 10 mins before your booking time to allow for registration etc. If you arrive late, please note that you may not be able to do the trip you booked and may have to do an alternative route. In some cases, you may not be able to paddle on that day. If you are running late then please let us know ASAP by calling our mobile number. Please contact us to let us know if you are going to be late. Our staff work on tight schedules to load kit and reset trailers for the day. On expeditions and trips we aim to share our beautiful surroundings, wildlife and vistas with the group and cover the distance. We will travel at the speed of the group so occasionally an injury, participant struggling or inclement weather may affect our finish time. On courses we aim to start on time for the entire group to cover the course syllabus. occasionally an injury, participant struggling or inclement weather may affect our finish time.

Are estimated durations for the trips accurate?

We have operated on this river for many years and have built up experience of how long it takes people to paddle each route. Our times allow the average time and we have graded all of our trips to further help you choose the right one for you (Slow, Medium, or Hard). Even our Hard trips will be easily achievable for those who are relatively fit and paddle at a steady rate. Please note if you think that you will not make the pick-up time, please call us immediately as you may have to be picked up at a later time.

What happens if I need to postpone?

When you make a booking you are reserving the equipment and space for your booking , your seat and place (as you would with an airline) and although we have multiple craft (over 300 ) they are not all available at every location. Please do let us know if you are going to have to postpone and in some instances with notice we may be able to move your booking in our calendar with an admin fee. Closer to the booking we are not able to accept a postponement.

What is the youngest age of children allowed on the water?

We recommend our youngest paddlers to be at least 3 years old. You and the child will need to be confident around water. Obviously you need to manage any trips to keep the children entertained with food and drink and regular breaks. The river Great Ouse around Kempston and Bedford provides a fantastic outdoor experience with nature, lots to see and explore as well as plenty of history. Please contact us if you wish to bring children under 3 years.

Do I need a licence for a canoe, kayak, or SUP?

A common question we get asked is whether you need a licence for paddling canoes, kayaks or SUP's. The answer on rivers and navigable waterways is yes. As Canoe Trail we buy licences through our National Governing Body Paddle UK to cover all of our watersports activities. We recommend buying Paddle UK membership with many benefits including river licence and also discounts with key brands. The Paddle UK licence also allows access to certain private watersways such as Cambridge Backs, Norfolk Broads and waters managed by the Environment Agency. Other options for licences include the Canal and River Trust where you can purchase a 30 day Explorer Licence (this is limited to water controlled by them). You can also purchase licences for specific waters controlled by the Environment Agency such as River Thames, River Medway and Anglian Waterways. So to summarise Paddle UK is the best membership for access to the majority of waterways. Hire companies such as Canoe Trail provide the licence when you rent the canoe, kayak or Stand up paddle board.

How fit do I need to be?

You don’t need to be super fit to paddle, but a bit of stamina helps, especially around locks. Our 1-hour and half-day hires don’t include any locks, so there’s very little lifting. Full-day hires usually involve at least one, where you’ll need to move your craft a short distance on land (they do make great picnic spots though!). All of our routes for hire are considered 'Grade 0' meaning they're a great choice for beginners and we’ll give you plenty of tips before you head out. If you’re unsure, just give us a call. For expeditions then we often use the analogy of walking in the hills for a day with a light rucksack, its not lung busting effort but it does require up to 6-7 hours paddling in the great outdoors. We can provide guidance for customers on building Paddlefit endurance ahead of bigger trips.

Is there a weight limit for paddlers and equipment?

Generally there is a craft for everyone whatever their weight. Our instructors will try and match you to the best craft for you. Kayaks have a closed cockpit where your legs sit inside the kayak so the cockpit size is the critical element. We have several cockpits on certain craft that are larger and some craft are more stable than offers. Sit on Tops, double and single are more stable than conventional sit in kayaks. In some instances for taller and larger humans we have also provided one of our double kayaks for them to paddle solo to feel more comfortable. Similarly we have a range of canoe sizes from 15ft with 2 seats to 16ft with 2 or 3 seats and 17ft with 2 or 3 seats. The longer canoes are wider and more stable. With stand up paddle boards we have a range of boards that are thicker and wider which will be easier for bigger people. If you are unsure about the best craft for you then please do ask.

Do you take photographs?

We aim to take pictures at the start of your trip and post these to our social media for your ease of access. If you take pictures of your paddling trip please tag them with #canoetrail, @canoetrails (Twitter/Instagram/TikTok), Canoe Trail on Facebook/Trip Adviser.

How to find us. Transport? Parking?

The more rural locations have lay-bys and small car parks available. Please allow time for parking so you are not running late. Parking in Bedford can be more of a challenge but the council does have their own designated parking locations, please have a look online for the closest one to your start point and prices.

How do I protect my valuables?

We offer drybags as part of your hire, these are designed to keep whatever you put in them dry - so it's best to place your valuables (phone, wallets, car keys, etc) inside of them. Drybags are also designed to float by trapping air inside them (if sealed correctly). If you do not wish to use a drybag offered to you, please note we are not liable for any valuables dropped in the river.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Participants should be confident in and around water although they do not need to be swimmers. We will provide all safety briefings and equipment for the day, including a buoyancy aid for all paddlers.

What are the best canoe and kayak expeditions for a beginner?

The best expeditions for canoe and kayak are ones that allow you to safely develop white water skills and progress without jumping in at the deep end. For example if you have been paddling on flat water then try paddling something at the lower grades such as Grade 1 and Grade 2 as opposed to something more technical. It is often hard to learn new skills when completing longer journeys and or wild camping. Tackling trips and expeditions with professional guides and coaches helps speed up the learning process (learning curve) and achieve the journey safely, learning in bite sized chunks. Canoe Trail selects a range of expeditions to help paddlers progress from novice to more intermediate skills where our canoe and kayak coaches provide white water coaching, campcraft and support to act as the 'hand rail' for our customers. Examples of great intro trips for beginners are the Norfolk Broads and Stour Paddling Trips, The Jurassic Sea Kayak Expedition and the River Tweed Canoe Expedition. Intermediate trips include the River Spey and River Tay and Best of Wales Paddling Trips.

What level of experience do I need for a canoe or kayak expedition?

The majority of our expeditions require no experience of paddling white water and training is provided on and during the course, trip or expedition. Our professional white water coaches and guides have led novice paddlers down many big rivers and wilderness areas in canoe or kayak. Customers with limited experience have joined us for bucket list trips such as canoeing the Yukon River, our Jurassic Sea Kayak Expedition, Algonquin Canoe Expedition, Best of Wales canoe and kayak expedition and many more. Learning new skills such as reading the rapids, breaking in and breaking out and hitting eddies is taught on the expeditions. You can always give us a call to discuss fitness, any concerns and paddling skills before or after you have booked. We provide a zoom or whats app call ahead of our expeditions to familiarize yourselves with the team, logistcis and plans. Many customers jump on one of our intro to white water courses in canoe or kayak at Bedford or Matlock to learn how to paddle rapids before their trips but this is not mandatory.

Can I do a SUP expedition?

Yes we do offer SUP trips and expeditions. You can paddle without guides (free range) down to our woodland campsite for a paddle and camp trip (This trip was voted top 52 things to do in the world by Lonely Plane and voted Top 3 destinations for a SUP micro adventure by Red Bull Magazine). We can also organise many of our current trips and expeditions as SUP trips for private groups including the Jurassic Coadt, Norfolk Broads, River Stour and even the Great Glen Canoe Trail. We would need to discuss

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