How to get there - Hilgay is on the A10, four miles south of Downham Market, half way between Kings Lynn and Ely. At Hilgay turn south-east onto Bridge Street and when you cross the bridge the launch point is on the left. Unload here before finding street parking.
For those with SatNav the postcode is PE38 0LD.
Get a map with driving directions to start or end (enter the postcode of your starting point at A)
Suggested Launch Site - Launch from the wharf next to the bridge.
General
Description - This trip is seven and a half lock and portage free miles through open Norfolk countryside, except for the stretch past the sugar beet factory. You can either make it a one way trip by leaving a car at Whittington (postcode PE33 9TF), camp there overnight and return to the start the following day or simply turn round when you want to.
Comments on this trip
Laura and Lee 11 Sep 2020
Parking in Hilgay is free and there is very easy access to the river from a ramp. We paddled all the way to Stoke Ferry and back which was just under 17 miles. Saw kingfishers, cormorants, and herons. The river is very quiet few motorcraft and we were the only paddlers! It passes through nice countryside where the only sounds you can hear are from the sugar factory. There were some anglers but they were all friendly. If you are paddling upstream don't forget to follow the river left at the second fork after the sugar factory, else you'll end up going down to Thornham Fishing Lake. All in all really enjoyed our paddle on the relaxing River Wissey.
Paul and Natalie 16 Apr 2017
We went from Hilgay to Whittington and back a few days ago. We saw lots of wildlife including a pair of otters, Kingfishers, lots of birds of prey and waterfowl. A really enjoyable route, About three hours each way at a fairly relaxed pace.
Martin & Sandra Vice 02 Oct 2011
We did this trip on 02 10 2011 from Whittington camp site which was £3.00 to launch the canoe. All the way to Hilgay where we stopped for a picnic and then paddled back to Whitington. A long day of about 6.5 hours total but good fun.
Alan 13 Aug 2009
Looks a lovely trip. Is there a possibility of returning to Hilgay via the Cut-Off Channel to make it a loop
