The tour starts at Heybridge basin and follows the river Chelmer upstream to Papermill Lock where we can refuel before paddling back down river to Heybridge. The tour length is approximately 7 miles each way with 4 locks, but participants have the option of stopping at papermill and organising car shuttles. The paddle upstream usually takes around 2 ½ hours allowing time for portages. There are no plans to take a trailer so paddlers will need to be self-sufficient and helping other paddlers if you have roof space is appreciated.

Meet at Daisy Meadow car park CM9 4RW at 09.00 to be on the water for 09:30. Car park charges are £5.00 for 24 hours. Please note that a separate canoe license is required to paddle on this stretch of the river which can be purchased online from essexwaterways.com. Prices are £6 for a one day license or £41 for an annual license.

For more information and to book your space on the tour, email the organiser with your name, contact telephone number, and emergency contact number. Please let the organiser know if you are able to offer roof rack space for another boat if necessary.

Information, changes and updates about this tour will be posted on the club website and, where possible, on the club noticeboard.

Please note the following:

1. This tour is considered suitable for paddlers who have completed the BC Explore award
2. For tour safety, this trip is restricted to 16 paddlers maximum. Regrettably, if you don’t put your name down but turn up on the day and there are already 16 paddlers, we will have to turn you away. If the tour is oversubscribed, please contact the tour leader 24 hours before the tour, as there are sometimes cancellations.
3. Paddlers should bring their National Governing Body membership card and be of at least Explore standard or equivalent. They should also bring with them their usual safety kit.

Organiser: Tracy Turner. Email: tturner2204@gmail.com

By signing up to this tour, the paddler accepts the following consent conditions:

1. I understand that the qualified coaches leading the tour will make dynamic risk assessments during the tour and agree to abide by any decisions they make, including cancelling\curtailing the tour if they decide the risks compromise the safety of the Touring members.
2. Under 16s must be under the supervision of an adult coach or parent/guardian whilst on the tour.
3. For tours not on the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal, membership of the National Governing Body is required and must be shown to the tour organiser.
4. Boats and equipment may be hired by arrangement with the Equipment Officer or the relevant club section.
5. Copies of the Club constitution & rules are displayed on the Club noticeboard and can be obtained from the Club secretary (the cost of printing these may be charged).

As part of my membership of CHELMSFORD CANOE CLUB, I understand that canoeing can be a hazardous activity, and is undertaken at my own risk. I confirm that I have read the constitution and the rules of the club, and that any property left at the Club or taken on the tour will be entirely at my own risk. I understand that I may be liable for any damage to Club equipment that is hired to me. I also confirm that I am able to swim 50 metres in clothing.