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The Waddle - Walk & Paddle


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The Waddle
Dog Friendly Activity

Are you feeling fit on your way out of lockdown or do you want to get fit? Our new trail fondly known as “The Waddle” (Walk & Paddle) is for you, offering the perfect work out for body and mind!

Starting with a good walk, through beautiful Norfolk Countryside, exercising those "Lockdown Legs" followed by a return paddle that will give you arms and upper body a gentle work out! You start by parking in Wroxham and picking up the Bure Valley Path that starts beside the Train Station in Wroxham. You then wander (or March!) your way along the beautiful Bure Valley Path into the depths of the Norfolk Countryside following beside the train line. The Walk from Wroxham to Buxton is approx. 5.5 miles and takes most people 2- 3 hours to complete (this means you will need to leave Wroxham approximately 9-10am), Depending if you opt for a coffee stop halfway at one of the many cafés in Coltishall.

Once in Buxton, you will head down to our launch point (directions provided) - please aim to be here for 12 noon. From here you will begin your return journey by canoe to Wroxham, along one of the most beautiful stretches of river in the county. This paddle will take you approximately 4/5 hours, depending on how fast you paddle!

The top end is unnavigable so other than the odd canoe you're unlikely to see many other people. Gin clear water and Amazonian overhanging trees and foliage make it a wonderland for wildlife both above and below the water.

Approximately half way through your paddle, you will reach a portage (where you get out of your boat and walk round the old lock at Horstead). Some 20 mins after this, you arrive at Coltishall common, which is an ideal stop for either a picnic or a pint at either of the two excellent pubs.

After replenishing your energy, climb back into your canoe and continue the journey back towards your car. The river here is tree lined and widens, and twists and turns as it meanders its way down to Wroxham; great territory for Kingfishers and even otters-so keep your eyes peeled!

About 200m before Wroxham road bridge you will see our base on the left in the garden of the King's Head pub. Here you will end your day (probably with another well deserved "lemonade"). Your car will be a short (5 min) walk from the end point.

Due to improvement works being undertaken on the Bure Valley Path throughout the summer, diversions may be in place resulting in extra walking times of up to 45 minutes.

Our One-Way Trips

Please note : Due to insurance restrictions we are unable to hire canoes, kayaks or paddleboards when water temperatures are below 10°C. If booking for the colder month please be aware that we may need to cancel your booking at short notice if water temperatures are deemed too low. In such circumstances we will either rearrange your hire of fully refund your booking.

How to book

1. Select a date from the calendar below. An availability list will appear.
2. From this list choose the tab for the hire duration your require.
A list of vacant launch times and the craft availability for each is displayed.
3. Click on your preferred launch time to get a booking form.
4. Add the craft you wish to hire to your basket. We will hold your launch slot and craft for 5 minutes to give you time to checkout.

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March 2024
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Availability
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IMPORTANT
Paddling Alone: Under the terms of our insurance and licencing we do not allow paddlers out on the water on their own. You must be accompanied by at least one other person.
Lone paddlers are very welcome to join our guided trails or sign up for our paddling lessons.
Adult Groups: Groups of 6 adults or more may need to provide a damage deposit as part of their booking. A member of our staff will contact you once a booking is made to confirm if this is the case. Alternatively, if you would like to know prior to making your booking whether you would be required to pay a damage deposit, please contact us at info@thecanoeman.com.
Minimum Age: At least one of your party must be 18 or over.
The Waddle - The Waddle (5 hrs)
Option Price
2 Person Canoe
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2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child Max weight 225kg/36st
£80.00
3 Person/Family Canoe
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3 adults or 2 adults and up to 2 small children (suggested up 10 years old). Max weight 225kg/36st
£90.00
Dog
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Have your dog(s) join you on the water! Cost is per dog. If camping with us, dogs must be kept on the lead at the campsite.
£5.00