Kent - River Great Stour (Kent) - Grove Ferry to Fordwich (& return)

How to get there - Public car park next to the Grove Ferry Inn on turning off A28 about 7 miles east of Canterbury (map)

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. (route)

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! (route) 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:

25 Feb 2007		john		Excellent stuff, just what I was I looking for for a trip on the Stour. Thanks.
28 Jun 2007		Clive		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.

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