Whoosh Explore Canoe Club offers an exciting opportunity to discover the picturesque River Stort in Hertfordshire. Their 3.5-hour canoe tours, starting at just $75.01 per person, provide a unique chance to paddle through the serene countryside, explore traditional locks and mills, and conclude with refreshments at a charming thatched pub. With top-notch equipment, knowledgeable instructors, and convenient travel options from London, this tour promises a fun and memorable experience. What awaits those who embark on this journey?
Key Points
- The River Stort canoe tours offered by Whoosh Explore Canoe Club start from $75.01 per person and last for 3.5 hours.
- The tours depart from Sawbridgeworth boatyard, with a 15-minute safety briefing before the 3-hour paddling session through the Hertfordshire countryside.
- Participants must carry, launch, and portage their own boats, and safety equipment like buoyancy aids is mandatory.
- The tours are easily accessible from London via train, with the meeting point located near the M11 junction 7a and London Stansted Airport.
- Customers have rated the tours 5/5, praising the helpful and knowledgeable instructors, the scenic journey, and the unique opportunity to explore the river and visit a thatched country pub.
Overview and Pricing
Whoosh Explore Canoe Club offers River Stort canoe tours starting from $75.01 per person, with a duration of 3.5 hours.
Explore the River Stort with Whoosh Explore Canoe Club’s 3.5-hour canoe tours starting from $75.01 per person.
Customers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Whoosh also provides a reserve now & pay later option, allowing booking without upfront payment.
The tours depart from the Sawbridgeworth boatyard, where participants receive a 15-minute safety briefing before the 3-hour paddling session through the Hertfordshire countryside, culminating in a visit to a thatched country pub for refreshments.
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Tour Details and Itinerary
The tour starts at the Sawbridgeworth boatyard with a 15-minute safety briefing before the 3-hour paddling session through the Hertfordshire countryside.
Participants will explore traditional locks, mills, and culminate in a visit to a thatched country pub for refreshments.
The return trip by boat takes paddlers back to the Sawbridgeworth boatyard.
Key sites along the River Stort include picturesque views of the local landscape and historic landmarks, offering a unique and enjoyable canoeing adventure.
Equipment and Safety
Canoe tour participants are provided with the necessary equipment, including kayaks, paddles, and buoyancy aids.
Participants must be able to carry, launch, and portage their own boats. Safety equipment like buoyancy aids is mandatory.
Participants must be able to manage their own boats. Safety gear like buoyancy aids is mandatory.
The tours aren’t suitable for children under 11 or individuals over 264 lbs (120 kg).
While the guides handle the safety briefing, participants are responsible for their own boats.
With the proper gear and safety precautions, guests can enjoy a thrilling canoeing adventure on the River Stort, exploring the Hertfordshire countryside.
Travel and Accessibility
The Canoe tours are easily accessible from London via train, with the journey taking around 40 minutes from Liverpool Street to Sawbridgeworth.
The tour meeting point is at the Whoosh Explore Canoe Club, located on Cambridge Road in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire.
The tours are also close to:
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M11 junction 7a
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London Stansted Airport
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Other nearby towns and cities in the region
With convenient transportation options and a centralized meeting location, the River Stort canoe tours are accessible for visitors from various parts of the UK and beyond.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback and Experience
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the River Stort canoe tours, awarding them an impressive 5/5 rating based on reviews.
Paddlers highlight the helpful and knowledgeable instructors, who ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Many describe the canoeing adventure as "fun" and "unique," particularly the culminating visit to a charming thatched country pub.
Testimonials emphasize the scenic journey through Hertfordshire’s picturesque countryside, surrounded by traditional locks and historic mills.
Customers rave about the opportunity to explore the river in a serene and memorable way, making the Whoosh Explore Canoe Club tours a must-try activity for visitors to the region.
Exploring the Hertfordshire Countryside
As paddlers glide along the River Stort, they’re treated to a scenic journey through the Hertfordshire countryside.
Highlights include:
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Picturesque traditional locks and historic mills
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Idyllic meadows and wooded banks teeming with wildlife
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Charming villages and thatched country pubs
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Glimpses of local farming and rural life
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Opportunities to spot birds like herons, kingfishers, and swans
This serene canoeing experience allows visitors to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the region, providing a unique perspective on the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Discovering Traditional Locks and Mills
Along the River Stort, paddlers encounter a series of traditional locks and historic mills that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich industrial heritage.
The locks, once used to regulate water levels and facilitate boat traffic, stand as reminders of the waterway’s role in transportation and commerce.
Nestled along the riverbanks, the mills, some of which date back centuries, showcase the area’s agricultural past, when the rushing waters were harnessed to power machinery for grinding grain.
These landmarks provide a captivating backdrop as canoeists glide through the tranquil countryside, immersed in the area’s storied past.
Refreshments at the Thatched Country Pub
After a leisurely paddle through the countryside, the canoe tour culminates with a visit to a charming thatched country pub.
Participants can enjoy refreshments and take in the quaint atmosphere.
The pub offers:
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Local ales and ciders on tap
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Hearty pub fare, including traditional dishes
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Scenic outdoor seating with views of the River Stort
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Cozy indoor seating by the fireplace
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Historic ambiance with exposed beams and thatched roof
This picturesque stop provides a perfect end to the canoeing adventure, allowing participants to relax and reflect on their unique journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Activity Suitable for First-Time Canoeists?
The activity is suitable for first-time canoeists. The provided equipment, safety briefing, and instructor support make it accessible for beginners. However, participants must be able to carry and portage their own boats.
Can I Bring My Own Canoe and Equipment?
Participants are required to use the equipment provided by the tour operator. Bringing one’s own canoe and equipment is not permitted. All necessary gear, including kayaks, paddles, and safety equipment, is supplied as part of the tour package.
Are There Any Age or Weight Restrictions for Participants?
The tours have age and weight restrictions – they’re not suitable for children under 11 or individuals over 264 lbs (120 kg). Safety equipment like buoyancy aids is mandatory for all participants.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for group bookings. Groups of 4 or more can receive a 10% discount on the tour price, making it an affordable activity for friends or family.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary or Duration?
The tour itinerary and duration can be customized, though additional fees may apply. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator to see if a modified tour can be arranged to meet their needs.
The Sum Up
Whoosh Explore Canoe Club’s River Stort Canoe Tours offer an exceptional opportunity to take in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside. With a comprehensive safety briefing, top-notch equipment, and knowledgeable instructors, participants can enjoy a scenic paddling journey, exploring traditional locks and mills, before concluding the 3.5-hour adventure with refreshments at a charming thatched country pub. Highly rated by customers, this tour promises a fun and unique experience.
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