EAGLE CANOE CLUB Date – Sunday 15th June 2025
Where – River Alde, Suffolk
What – The intention is to paddle from Slaughden Quay , Nr Aldeburgh to Snape Maltings a trip of approx 8 miles. For info its approx 3 1/2 miles from club to Hellesdon Mill and return but the nature of the trip is very different from the river by the club. See below.
What’s it like? - It’s a typical Suffolk estuary paddle, and will have some open and potentially exposed stretches, potentially creating waves hence the trip not being suitable for everyone. It’s really aimed at the more experienced paddlers who can paddle this distance, possibly in windy conditions. You might wish to check the forecasts yourself and see if this is might be an issue for you. By all means ask your instructor at the club if they think this trip might be for you.
The trip will start at Slaughden Quay , Nr. Aldeburgh , finishing at Snape Maltings where we will hopefully catch sight of a moored Thames barge.
During the trip we will get fine views of Cobb Island, Little Japan and Iken Church on its peninsula and have a potential resting point at the foot of Iken cliffs. We will navigate these upper stretches of the river using the willow poles (withies) used as channel markets in these parts until we get up to Snape Maltings where we get out just after the road bridge.
We start the trip near Slaughden sailing club with the intention of using the incoming, rising tide to assist us heading upstream to Snape Maltings .
Meet at the club 0815 hrs for 0830 hrs departure. We need to make a prompt get away this trip is in deepest Suffolk so it will take time to travel down to the start and undertake the car shuttle!
Intention is to have arrived at Slaughden quay having shuttled the cars to the finish at Snape Maltings and be afloat, ready to paddle by 1115/1130 hrs. At Slaughden cars can be parked in a public car park on the sea wall opposite the sailing club and cars parked at Snape in the Maltings car parks (overflow car park) . Although i believe this will be free parking bring a variety of means to pay for car parking for any unforeseen changes.
Tide, timing calculations used in planning this trip Slaughden – High tide 1619 hrs. Low water 0933 hrs. Snape Maltings – High tide 1649 hrs. Low water 1030 hrs.
Club NR2 4LY 0815/0830 /Slaughden IP15 5NA 1000 hrs / Snape IP17 1SP 1040 hrs/ Slaughden 1110 hrs , afloat 1115/1130 hrs..
What to bring? The usual items for a day trip, including waterproofs, additional clothing to have with with you, packed lunch and drinks packed in waterproof containers. Tow line if you have one and know how to use it.
Transport, cars and roof racks As with all our trips we are dependent upon club members assisting with transport both for paddlers and boats. If you need a lift I suggest asking other members who might be going on Wednesdays club night, don’t leave it until Sunday morning.
Please sign up online as early as possible , indicating what sort of craft you would like to paddle and whether you have a vehicle and if it has roof rack , how many kayaks it can carry, or if you need a lift, need boat space etc. This trip is not suitable for beginners especially if strong winds are forecast.
On sign up you will be shown as shortlisted. I may contact you to ask for details of experience etc , please don’t be offended if that’s the case! Status will be updated on the website before the date of the trip. Whilst it may be possible (not guaranteed) for those living closer to go direct to the area if you wish to do this please indicate that well in advance. Signing up early gives time for any queries to be resolved.
An email giving final and fuller details (Very specific, not all cars might go direct to the start point. I will expect those attending to have read these final details very carefully ) ) will be sent to those signed up as due to attend nearer the date.
Cheers
Tim
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