How to get there - Public car park next to the Grove Ferry Inn on turning off A28 about 7 miles east of Canterbury
Suggested Launch Site - Small landing stage on edge of car park
General
Description - The round trip to Fordwich is about 9 miles, but will feel like less with tide assistance. The river winds about until the old gravel pits are reached (these can be canoed too) and then the valley becomes narrower, with the National Nature Reserve at Stodmarsh on the south bank (no landing).
To take advantage of the tide, leave Grove Ferry about 2.5 hours after high tide at Sandwich. You will need spring tides for assistance on the last mile or so to Fordwich.
As an alternative, leave Grove Ferry at the same time as high tide at Sandwich, and go downstream to Pluck's Gutter - about 6 miles return but boring! Going further downstream to Sandwich is not recommended, as either you have to paddle against the tide all the way or have the prospect of a very muddy landing at low tide - and the river is between deep banks all the way.
Public tidal water. Please see websites for photos.
Comments on this trip
Graham Liz Cuthbert 27 Oct 2008
The paddle from Grove Ferry to Fordwich is wonderfull in spring and early summer, above the gravel pits I always find myself looking out for Ratty and Mole, I have never seen them but I have seen some wonderful wildlife, Kingfishers with their piping shrill call, foxes just a few feet from us, Brown Trout swimming under near Fordwich, many birds large and small. Take your time it is too good to rush and some good pubs at Fordwich.
Mike 14 Jul 2008
I regularly mess about in the river by Wye none has ver stopped me. A few more fishermen down around Chilham that my cause aggro though!
Samantha 28 May 2008
Has anyone canoed the entire River Stour? I realise much of it before Canterbury is privately owned and just wondered how easy/difficult it is
John 13 May 2008
Regards getting out at Sandwich, the Harbourmaster who also runs a ferry from a small dock by the bridge, will let you get out there. You will have to carry your kyak up some steps.
Clive 28 Jun 2007
Brilliant trip for a flotilla of family and friends, lovely pub at Fordwich. I might set off nearer to low tide next time to get more assistance. Lots of wildlife for interest.
john 25 Feb 2007
Excellent stuff, just what I was I looking for for a trip on the Stour.
