How to get there - Head south on the A26 from Uckfield to Lewes. Turn right into Barcombe Mills Road. The launch site is about 1.5 km from the turnoff where the Barcombe Mills road crosses the river. There is a small parking space (free) at Barcombe and the area is worth a look around as it's quite pretty. (map)
Suggested Launch Site - There are 2 possible launch sites at Barcombe. One is just below the main road bridge where there are steps down to the river on the downstream side of the bridge. This can be a bit brambly and if so then launch 50 metres upstream of the main bridge just below the fish ladders. There is an access gate and a bit of a path down to the river. Use of this launch site may or may not annoy anglers - use your discretion.
General
Description - This is a journey of 2 halves. Although tidal to Barcombe Mills, above Lewes the tide has minimal effect - meandering and wild(ish) with good birdlife. From Lewes down it's clearly tidal and not particularly wild but faster flowing, if you get the tide right. If you get the tide wrong find a pub in Lewes to wait for the ebb because it is quite hard work against the flow. I'm not sure but the tide seems to turn about 3 hours after it turns at Newhaven. From Barcombe to Southease Bridge is about 9.5 miles with one weir to portage at Hamsey (2.5 miles from the start). There is a slipway and easy parking at Southease making it a good takeout point. The bridge is an interesting example of a swing bridge. (route)
We continued down to Newhaven but the takeout was difficult and the big ships/boats in the harbour were a bit intimidating. It's another 4.5 miles down to Newhaven from Southease.
Apparently the BCU has an agreement with the Ouse Angling Society not to canoe above Hamsey on the first weekend after 16th June every year.
The Ouse used to be a commercial waterway and rights of navigation may still exist but it's a bit of a grey area above Barcombe. The sections upstream of Barcombe are lovely and the Anchor is a reasonable pub for a lunch/tea break. For advice on access upsteam of Barcombe please contact The BCU Local Rivers Advisor for the Sussex Ouse who is Mr John D Cattermole, 12 St Pancras Green, Kingston, Lewes BN7 3LH, Tel: 01273 472 760
Comments:
15 Aug 2007
darren
does that part not count as tidal?? in those months?
15 Aug 2007
Keith@canoedaysout.com
Yes, south of Barcombe is tidal and therefore accessible. The comment was meant for the section above Barcombe which I have now clarified.
