Canoe and Camp Bushcraft weekend

Escape the ordinary and join us for a weekend where canoeing meets bushcraft and wellness. Paddle through beautiful countryside along the River Great Ouse, wild camp in our private riverside woodland…

Level: Grade 0 - This means it is a flat paddle and should be within most people’s abilities.

19th - 20th September 2026
10 to 12 customers
£220

10:30

From: 19 September 2026
To: 20 September 2026

Escape the ordinary and dive into an outdoor adventure where paddling meets woodland bushcraft.With our expert instructors and a private riverside woodland all to ourselves, this weekend is the perfect mix of canoeing, nature and traditional survival skills.

This is your chance to unplug, reconnect, and discover the joy of life outdoors, complete with fire-lighting, wild cooking, and our new wood-fired sauna tent and cold-water swim for the ultimate wellness experience.

This trip includes a one-night camp. Delivered in partnership with Bushcraft and Survival Skills magazine.

Trip Description

Paddle • Camp • Reconnect with Nature

Escape the ordinary and join us for a weekend where canoeing meets bushcraft and wellness. Paddle through beautiful countryside along the River Great Ouse, wild camp in our private riverside woodland, and experience the perfect balance of adventure, learning and calm.

Join our experienced instructors for a weekend blending canoeing, bushcraft and outdoor wellbeing in a relaxed, friendly environment.

What’s Included

• Professional guides and qualified coaches

• All paddling equipment (craft, paddles, buoyancy aids)

• Dry bag for personal kit

• Access to our private wild woodland campsite

• Bushcraft sessions – fire-lighting, tracking, shelter building

• Use of wood-fired sauna tent and optional cold-water dip

• Campfire cooking with evening meal, breakfast, and lunch provided

• Drinking water and cooking equipment

• Great company and plenty of laughs

Optional Extras

• Waterproofs or wetsuit hire

• Drysuit hire

• Tipi tent hire

• Back-support seats (for paddlers needing extra comfort)

Trip Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Meet at Cardington Lock at 10:30 am for introductions, kit issue and a short paddle briefing. From here, we’ll set off on a gentle journey down the River Great Ouse, gliding past peaceful countryside, historic bridges and quiet meanders.

Arrive at our secluded woodland base, where we’ll set up camp and dive into the first bushcraft sessions – fire-lighting, shelter building, tracking and foraging.

As evening settles in, enjoy a hearty campfire meal before relaxing in the wood-fired sauna tent beneath the stars. For those keen, take a refreshing cold-water dip in the river – combining heat and cold for a natural wellness reset.

Day 2

Wake to the smell of coffee and breakfast cooked over the fire. After a relaxed morning bushcraft challenge or optional wild swim, we’ll break camp and paddle further downstream, spotting kingfishers, herons and otters along the way.

A shuttle vehicle will return the group to Cardington Lock, arriving back around 3:00 pm – ready to head home refreshed, re-energised, and a little more connected to the wild.

Please note: The itinerary may vary depending on river and weather conditions.

Who It’s For

Perfect for individuals, couples or small groups seeking a mindful outdoor adventure.

No prior experience required – just enthusiasm for nature, paddling and learning something new.

Whether you’re looking to improve your paddling, try bushcraft, or unwind with a sauna and cold-water wellness session, this weekend offers something for everyone.

Booking & Details

• Book online or email us for private group adventures.

• Bring: Tent or hammock, sleeping bag, cutlery, clothing for all weathers, and a packed lunch for Day 1.

• Meeting Point: Cardington Lock, Bedfordshire

• Finish Time: Approx. 3:00 pm on Day 2 (return via shuttle)

• Weather: Trips run in most conditions, with safety assessments for extreme weather.

Why Choose Canoe Trail

• Multi-award-winning, family-run business based in Bedfordshire

• Featured in Lonely Planet’s Top 52 Things to Do in the World

• Exclusive access to a private riverside woodland

• Combines canoeing, bushcraft and wellness in one immersive experience

• Frequent wildlife sightings – otters, kingfishers and herons

• Guided by friendly, qualified professionals who live and breathe the outdoors

Call to Adventure

Ready to swap screens for streams?

Join us on the Canoe & Camp Bushcraft Weekend – where adventure, relaxation and wellbeing come together.

Hire FAQ's

What's the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

If you're not sure of what each craft is, then read our guide here.

Are the trips guided?

There are no guides or instructors needed for hire. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point. We recommend our preferred route, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river.

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 couple of 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.

How does the booking process work?

We use a live booking system that will assign you the relevant craft and resources. Once you have confirmed your booking date, it is not then transferable and non-refundable in the same way you book an airline seat. Bookings are to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather, or non-usage as per our general terms & conditions.