Introduction
If you’re looking for a way to combine outdoor fun with a touch of local charm, the River Stort Paddleboarding Adventure in Hertfordshire offers just that. This guided tour by Whoosh Explore Canoe Club promises a relaxed yet engaging paddle along the historic waterway, with the chance to visit a traditional country pub—perfect for those who want a mix of activity and authentic scenery.
Two things we particularly like about this experience are its accessibility — thanks to easy-to-use paddleboards and friendly guidance — and its authentic glimpse into Hertfordshire’s countryside and watermill heritage. The chance to pause at a rustic pub adds a genuine local flavor you won’t find on standard waterway tours. One thing to consider is the physical requirement: you’ll need to be able to carry, launch, and portage your board and boat, which might be a challenge for those less agile or with limited strength.
This tour suits outdoor enthusiasts, small groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers keen on trying paddleboarding in a scenic, relaxed setting. It’s ideal if you want a memorable, active experience that combines nature, history, and a social stop at a traditional pub.
Key Points
Accessible for beginners: Easy-to-paddle boards and instructor guidance make it suitable for all skill levels.
Authentic scenery: Paddle past locks, watermills, and Hertfordshire countryside, offering picturesque views and a sense of history.
Includes a pub visit: A walk from the river to a thatched country pub provides a relaxing break and local atmosphere.
Physical activity required: Carrying, launching, and portaging boards and boats demands a fair level of fitness and agility.
Easily reachable: Convenient transport options from London (via train from Liverpool Street) or nearby by car or Stansted Airport.
Good value for money: At $78.13 per person, the tour offers a combination of active fun, scenic views, and a cultural stop, making it a solid investment.
An In-Depth Look at the Hertfordshire Paddleboarding Tour
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sawbridgeworth.
Setting the Scene: Starting Point and Logistics
The tour begins at the Whoosh Explore Canoe Club in Sawbridgeworth, a small town easily accessible from London via a quick 40-minute train ride from Liverpool Street. For those driving, the nearby M11 junction 7a simplifies travel. The meeting point is on a dirt track near Leventhorpe School, leading to the base, and it’s a short walk along the River Stort towpath from the station. This makes it convenient whether you’re arriving by public transport or car.
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours—a duration that balances enough paddling and sightseeing without feeling rushed. Starting times vary; check availability when booking. The cost is $78.13 per person, which covers all necessary equipment and supervision, offering good value considering the inclusiveness and scenic payoff.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The core of the experience is paddling on stand-up paddleboards (or other craft if requested). All equipment—boats, paddles, buoyancy aids—is provided, and safety gear must be worn at all times, especially during portage or paddling. The paddling is supervised remotely by an instructor, which ensures safety, but participants are encouraged to assess their own skill and fitness levels.
Not included are drinks or food at the pub, which you can purchase after your paddle. They do not provide wetsuits or waterproof clothing, so you may want to bring or wear appropriate attire, especially if the weather is cool or wet. The activity does require some physical effort: lifting, launching, and portaging boats around locks, so being reasonably fit helps.
The Journey: From Water to Pub and Back
The tour kicks off with a short carry from the boat store to the water’s edge. Once afloat, you’ll paddle upstream towards Tednamebury Lock, a traditional feature dating back to 1753, with views of watermills in the distance. The route is lined with locks and watermill ruins, giving you a sense of Hertfordshire’s historic waterways.
As you paddle, you’ll work as a team to navigate through the locks—an engaging part of the trip that adds a historical layer to the adventure. The paddleboards are designed with skegs for stability and straight-line tracking, making it manageable even for beginners. The gentle upstream journey offers ample opportunity to enjoy the landscape, spot herons or ducks, and appreciate the quiet charm of the countryside.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Highlight: The Country Pub Stop
After about an hour of paddling, you arrive at Spellbrook, where a short walk takes you to a classic thatched country pub. Here, you can choose to relax with a drink or snack, sitting outside in the beer garden or inside. This pause offers a perfect chance to soak up the rural atmosphere, chat with other paddlers, and savor a local beverage—something long-time reviews commend highly.
The pub visit adds a social, human element to the experience, making it less about just paddling and more about enjoying the setting. After your break, you’ll board the paddleboards again for the return journey—an easy paddle back downstream, offering different views of the locks and mills.
The Overall Experience: What Travelers Say
Participants often praise the friendly guidance and ease of paddling. One review mentioned “the boards are easy to paddle, with skegs to keep them going in a straight line,” which is reassuring for beginners or those unfamiliar with paddleboarding. Many also appreciate the combination of activity and leisure — paddling through scenic Hertfordshire with a relaxed pub stop in the middle.
Some reviewers pointed out the importance of being able to carry and launch the boats independently, as this is part of the trip’s physical nature. The tour is designed to be accessible but still requires a basic level of fitness and agility. The remote supervision by an instructor ensures safety, but ultimately, participants need to be comfortable with the physical demands.
The Value Proposition
At just over $78, this paddleboarding trip packs in quite a bit—scenic paddling, a taste of local history, and a charming pub visit. Compared to more touristy water sports, it offers genuine outdoor activity mixed with culture. The inclusion of equipment, safety supervision, and the pub stop makes it a well-rounded choice for those wanting a memorable day in Hertfordshire.
The Sum Up
The Hertfordshire River Stort Paddleboarding Adventure stands out as a practical, engaging way to explore the countryside and waterways of this historic region. It offers a good balance of physical activity, scenic beauty, and cultural flavor, all at a reasonable price. This trip is especially suited for outdoor lovers, curious travelers, or anyone keen to try paddleboarding in a relaxed, social setting.
While it does require some physical effort—particularly in lifting and portaging—the experience rewards you with peaceful views, the thrill of navigating locks, and a charming pub visit. It’s perfect for small groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for an active day out that combines nature, history, and local hospitality.
If you’re after a genuinely satisfying outdoor adventure in Hertfordshire that doesn’t break the bank, this paddleboarding tour offers solid value and memorable moments. Just remember to wear suitable clothing, be ready for some physical work, and enjoy the peaceful journey along the River Stort.
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including paddling, lock portages, and the pub stop.
What’s included in the price?
All paddleboarding equipment, including boats, paddles, and buoyancy aids, are provided. Safety supervision is also included.
Do I need any experience to participate?
No previous experience is necessary. The boards are designed to be easy to paddle, and guidance is provided to help you feel comfortable.
Can I participate if I am not very fit?
Participants should be able to carry, launch, and portage their boats, so a reasonable level of fitness and agility is recommended.
What should I wear?
The tour does not include waterproof clothing, so wearing a wetsuit or suitable outdoor gear is advisable, especially in cooler weather.
How do I get to the starting point?
The meeting point is at Whoosh Explore Canoe Club in Sawbridgeworth, accessible by train from London (Liverpool Street to Sawbridgeworth) or by car via the M11.
Is there a minimum group size?
This detail isn’t specified, but small groups are common, and booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning.
This paddleboarding adventure along the River Stort offers a genuine taste of Hertfordshire’s countryside with a dash of waterway history, all wrapped in a fun, active package. Whether you’re a local seeking a new weekend activity or a visitor craving a memorable outdoor experience, it’s a charming way to see the area from a different perspective.
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