Bedford to Great Barford

This is the perfect river trip for those who want to spend the day exploring some of the River Ouse. The starting point is Bedford Embankment, with pick up at the Anchor Inn at Great Barford.

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

Hire available at weekends (Available April to October) for private group bookings or book the dates shown
Only Available for groups and family private bookings as well as programmed dates
£98 for 2 person craft

12th July, 9th August, 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th September 2026
Start 09.45 am and finish at 15:00
Duration: 5 Hours and 15 mins

A beautiful A-B river journey, so you can paddle downriver the whole way. Pack a picnic and even some swimming togs to make the most out of your day on the river, with a cold beer at the end!

What's Included

Craft
Buoyancy Aid
Basic Map
Bank Based Briefing
Dry Bag
Paddles

What else we can provide on request

Trolley by arrangement
Waterproofs
Hire of Wetsuits
Guiding

Route Description

You can set a leisurely pace, all you have to do is be at the pub by 15:00. With the flexibility that this trip brings, you can pull over almost anywhere along the riverbank for a picnic, game or even a swim to make the most of your day. This river trip is fantastic for a manageable river journey, at a leisurely pace. It starts on Bedford’s Victorian Embankment at a local café before heading off to explore Bedfordshire’s rural countryside by canoe. The river banks are teeming with wildlife with birds of prey, herons, the occasional grass snake, and flitting electric blue kingfishers. Dogs are always welcome - if you have a particularly large K9 friend, please give us a call and we can provide you with a wider boat to give you all the best chance of staying dry!

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 Clarke's Amazing Spaces creations). The river then opens onto a long (500 metres) straight wide stretch, a hotspot for swans and geese.

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 The Kingfisher riverside pub 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).

Continuing upriver you will pass Bedford River Valley Park on both sides of the river, a beautiful spot to look out for wildlife of all kinds. As you go round the corner you will get glimpses of the lakes and woodland of The Grange Estate for a full hour of paddling, before you get to Danish Camp riverside bar and restaurant for another opportunity for a get-out, ice cream and a beer. Look out for their resident barn owl Ozzie!

From Danish Camp, there is one short portage around a weir, followed by a beautiful meandering stretch of wooded banks and fields, before you reach Great Barford Bridge. In good weather, you will see a bustling bank of locals enjoying the river and the sunshine. Here you will haul up onto the bank and enjoy the rays and any libations from the pub while you wait for your ride!

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!

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.

Whats the difference between a kayak and canoe?

The kayak is the craft where you use a double ended paddle, available as single or tandem where your legs are out in front of you. We do have some Sit on Top kayaks at our base in Kempston on the River Great Ouse, (single or tandem). Traditionally kayaks or qayaqs were used by the Inuit hunters. Canoes were traditionally used for trading and exploring the Canadian Interior using a half length paddle with a single blade. Although they can be solo'd (a more intermediate skill that we teach on our courses), canoes are usually paddled in tandem, with 3 paddlers or a family canoe with 2 adults and 2 children. The canoe is perfect for carrying camping kit. https://www.canoetrail.co.uk/about-us/blog/paddling-articles/the-difference-between-a-kayak-and-canoe

What’s the difference between SUP and a paddle board?

A SUP and paddle board are the same craft and in fact SUP is the shortened version of Stand Up Paddle. SUP’s do come in different shapes and sizes in two main categories, hard boards and iSUP’s (Inflatable SUP’s). We use premium SUP boards including Red Paddle Co and Jobe and generally use stable boards for beginners and intermediates but have over 30 SUP boards in our fleet at Kempston including XL Mega SUP’s, Dragon boards and tandem SUP’s.and on also trailers for our Bedford location.

Is paddle boarding hard for beginners?

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is the world's fastest growing watersport and is easy to pick up with people usually able to paddle solo within 5 minutes. Like most sports it then takes a lifetime to master the skills to paddle in more challenging conditions such as wind or waves. More advanced skills include step back turns, walking the board and pivot turns.

How many people can I fit in a canoe?

Canoes come in different sizes, and in our fleet they vary from 15ft to 17ft. Our 15ft canoes are smaller and lighter offering easy manuoeavrability with 2 seats one in the stern and one in the bow. Our 16ft canoes are confgured with either 2 or 3 seats allowing them to carry 3 passengers or 2 adults and 2 smaller children. Our larger 17ft family canoes either have 2 or 3 seats and we have temp seats to extend the capacity ot 4 people.

What are the locks on the river?

The locks along the river are great spots to stop and take a break and many are really scenic too. Getting in and out is usually via low portage platforms on either side of the locks, though sometimes it’s from moorings or floating pontoons. On a full-day paddle, you’ll likely pass a few locks, so be ready for a bit of lifting to move your craft. If you’re unsure, just give us a call!

Will I end up in the water? Do I need a wetsuit?

We generally recommend dressing for the weather and seasons. Wear warmer clothes in Spring and Autumn, in Summer and during hot spells then shorts and tee shirts is more the rule. The majority of our customers wear similar kit to a hill walk with lycra, layers and a coat if required. We usually reckon about 1 in 120 fall in and that is usually because someone is playing around or near the edge. Our craft are super stable and designed to remove the stress around falling in.Unless you are taking in a course or longer trip then we would suggest a wetsuit is not needed.

Do we get a safety breifing, paddle deminstation, and a map?

Before you head out, we’ll give you a clear safety briefing, a quick paddle demo, and chat through your route. You’ll also get a handy laminated copy of the map to take with you. For full-day trips, we'll also give some simple guidance for getting past each lock. By the time you set off, you’ll feel well prepared and with such a calm, easy-going river, our trips are perfect for beginners.

Can we bring our dog on day trip or camping?

Yes, we love dogs and regularly take ours out in the canoe. However, if you are particularly nervous please remember that they can make the boats slightly more wobbly. Please also note that you can only bring your dog in the canoes, as they don’t fit in the kayaks.

How do I get back to my car at the end of my trip?

Your booking confirmation will provide you with a postcode for the start and finish of your trip. If you are not paddling a circular or out and back route, we will provide you with a complimentary shuttle service at the end of your paddle back to your vehicle. On busy days when we have lots of different groups paddling, we will need to run the drivers only.

Can I launch my own craft?

You can launch your own craft on the River Great Ouse from various locations including Kempston Mill, Bedford Embankment and Great Barford. Be courteous in your parking and launching being aware of other river users, boats, rowers in Bedford and fisher folk. You do need a river licence to paddle on the River. When hiring Canoe Trail covers your water access and licence. We dont allow third party launching from our centre unless it is part of a larger hire group or private booking.

Do I need previous experience paddling to hire?

Lots of our canoe and kayak trips are perfect for beginners—we’ll give you a full briefing and plenty of tips to get you started. If you’re unsure, try a shorter trip or just give us a call. SUP is a bit different and can take a little longer to get the hang of standing—but you can always start off kneeling. We also run SUP courses if you’d like to build your confidence first.

Location

Bedford