The tour starts from The Limehouse Basin in London’s Docklands. A limited number of free on-street parking bays can be found on Northey Street (E14 8BT) or Narrow Street (E14 8BB). Put-in is at the rear of the Limehouse Basin, about 300m from the parking. We paddle north-east on the Limehouse Cut which turns north into the River Lea Navigation, before cutting West along the Hertford Union Canal onto Regents Canal and following that back into Limehouse Basin. It’s a 10km loop and, time permitting, we will also add a 3km detour around the West Ham Stadium, with views of the Olympic Park and the ArcelorMittal Orbit. I will book a local restaurant for those wanting lunch before heading off!

There are no plans to take a trailer so paddlers will need to be self-sufficient, with their own vehicle, boat, equipment, etc. Ideally, given the scarcity of parking, paddlers should double up where practical to use as few cars as possible. Paddlers should also note that Limehouse Basin falls within the ULEZ zone, so they will need either a ULEZ-compliant vehicle or ensure they pay the toll.

Everyone should be ready to meet at the entrance to the Limehouse Basin at 9.00am allowing time to unload boats in order to be on the water by 9.30am.

For more information and to book your space on the tour, email the organiser with your name, contact telephone number, emergency contact number,  and state whether you will be taking your own boat and if you are able to offer roof rack space to another boat if necessary. Please also indicate if you would like to have lunch at the end of the tour and I will see if we can book enough tables.

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 recently completed the BC Explore award, but paddlers should be aware that there are a number of locks which will entail lifting and carrying boats some distance, so a degree of fitness is required.
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: Charles Irven. Email: charlesirven@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.