.EAGLE CANOE CLUB Date –FRIDAY 28th August 2026.
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 approximately 3 1/2 miles from club to Hellesdon Mill and return but the nature of the trip is very different form the river by the club. See below.
What’s it like? - It’s a typical Suffolk tidal estuary paddle, and will have some open and potentially exposed stretches, potentially creating waves hence the trip not being suitable for everyone. Paddlers must have complete confidence in wearing and using a spray deck. 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 (a good practice to get into for any trip) 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, Near 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 the sailing club (Aldeburgh Yacht Club) with the intention of using the incoming, rising tide to assist us heading upstream to Snape Maltings.
Meet at the club 0745 hrs for 0800 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 1040 /1050 hrs. At Slaughden cars can be parked in a public car park on the sea wall opposite the sailing club (Aldeburgh Yacht 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 1356 hrs. Low water 0758 & 1957 hrs. Snape Maltings –HIGH Tide 1426 hrs. Low water 0828 hrs & 2027 hrs.
Club NR2 4LY 0745 hrs /0800 hrs /Slaughden IP15 5NA 0930 hrs / Snape IP17 1SP 1000 hrs/ Slaughden 1020 /1030 hrs, afloat 1040 / 1050 hrs.
What to bring? The usual items for a day trip, including waterproofs, additional clothing to have 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 Wednesday’s 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 Wilby
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