How to get there - Harrold is 10 miles North West of Bedford. Take the A 428 north-west from Bedford. At Turvey turn right onto carlton Road and then at the crossroads at Chelington turn left. The launch site is at the bridge as you enter Harrold. (map)
Suggested Launch Site - The launch site is at the bridge as you enter Harrold. As this is a one way trip you will need to leave a second car at Radwell just before the bridge, on the left. Getting in at Harold is easy. There is an off-road car park by the bridge and next to the Country Park. Walk through the trees to the river and launch here.
General
Description - This trip is best done outside the fishing season. There is quite a swift current here. We paddled it at the start of June, just before the fishing season. We saw kingfishers, lots of swans, various reed warblers, fish and lots of dragonflies, though it was quite a hot day. The water is very clear if not in flood. It takes about an hour at an easy pace to reach Felmersham. No portages. Idyllic.
Have a rest at Felmersham. There is a good map of the river and a description of the area. The five arched bridge was built in 1818 and can be covered during flood times. After this the river meanders on. You go underneath the main Midlands railway bridge from St. Pancras. An impressive structure about 60ft above the river. Interestingly, near the end you go under the railway again, but at this point it is only 15ft above the river.
The only weir on this journey is shortly after the bridge. Get out on the RIGHT and portage round the weir, which is a near vertical drop of about 5ft. The river now goes round in a great loop and you almost head back on yourself before turning south. You go underneath the railway again and the end is quickly upon you. Either get out before the bridge on the left, or use the 2nd left arch and immediately get out on the left. This bridge was built in 1766 and has seven arches with a raised footwalk to it on the flood plain side.
From Felmersham to Radwell is about one hour, giving a total time of 2-3 hours depending on your pace. (route)
