Bedford Bimble Trip
Book with Confidence
Flexi Booking means that if there are local lockdowns or travel restrictions imposed in your area or a national lockdown that will impact your chosen booking dates, we will move your booking accordingly. Please note that in line with our normal policy, bookings are valid for 24 months from the dates of the booking, so you can rest assured that we will move your booking to suit you.
Highlight: Very popular with beginners. Scenic and easy route to Cardington Lock and back.
Timings: Choose between two afternoon start times. 12:00 or 14:00.
Location: Bedford Embankment
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Whether you are looking for a leisurely lily dip or more of a workout, this trip can be whatever you make it, as you are free-range! If this is your first time on the river, this is the ideal trip for you. Perfect for those with young children, or perhaps you want to see if your 4 legged friend will enjoy a trip before you try something for the whole day or even a canoe and camp trip.
What's Included
Craft ✔ Buoyancy Aid ✔ Dry Bag ✔ Basic Map ✔ River Bank Instruction ✔
Popular Route
Route Description
This paddle will begin from Longholme Island at the Boating Lake and Café, which is situated on the stunning Victorian Embankment in Bedford. You will see the site of the Victorian Boat Slide when you start, now converted into a water turbine for generating green electricity. Once on the water, your journey will take you downstream on the lower river, passing a little island (you can pass it on either side), before passing under the road and pedestrian bridge, about 500 metres from the start. On warm days people often report seeing turtles sunbathing in the trailing branches of the Willows on this stretch of water.
As you pass under the old railway bridge you will see the ‘Pyramids of Bedford’, which houses the Oasis Swimming Pool. 400 metres later you will see the New Cut (waterway) branch off the main river on your left. The access to this bit of water is restricted. As you round a bend in the river you will see the entrance to Priory Marina (housing some beautiful narrow and wide beam boats as well as one of George Clarkes Amazing Spaces creations). The river then opens onto a long (500 metres) straight wide stretch, a hotspot for swans and geese. You are now paddling on a loop around the Priory Country Park, which is a popular green space and lake.
As you make your way around the bend on your right there are large moorings and waterfront gardens. You will see a small weir on your left shortly followed by the Barns Hotel on your right and then a larger weir on your left which marks the Cardington Artificial Slalom Course, a white water feature. Continuing down the river a few hundred yards is a river lock and sluices. You will see large green buoys across the river, marking Cardington Lock, paddle up to them and there is a portage area on your left (with an upturned canoe sign). Once you have lifted your boats out of the water you have a chance to stretch your legs and have a picnic on the riverbank. When you have refuelled, put the boats back on the water and make your way upstream, finishing back the Archimedes Screw (water turbine) inlet.
