View map of the Suffolk/Essex River Stour below (click on image to enlarge):
The Environment Agency (EA) is the navigation authority for the section of the Stour that runs from Brundon Mill (upstream of Sudbury) to Cattawade (near Manningtree). Through navigation is possible for all types of craft from Sudbury to Great Henny, travelling through Great Cornard Lock. It is ideally suited to lighter craft, such as canoes and kayaks, that can be portaged between the various structures along the Navigation. However, it is possible to navigate larger, manually propelled craft using the locks at Great Cornard, Dedham and Flatford.
Unpowered craft (i.e. those that are paddled, rowed or sailed) are permitted to travel the whole length of the Stour Navigation, from Brundon Mill to Cattawade. Powered craft, with certain specified exceptions such as the River Stour Trust trip boats, are restricted to the stretch between Ballingdon Bridge and Henny Street. The speed limit is 4 mph.
Craft Registration – All craft must be registered to take to the water on any part of the Inland Waterway network of England (canals, rivers, navigations). There are a number of ways that this can be achieved:
- Environment Agency – You can register your craft (powered or manually propelled) either annually or obtain a short term/visitor registration. Visit the ‘At Home & Leisure’ section of their website to download the forms – www.environment-agency.gov.uk
- River Stour Trust – can issue craft registrations for manually propelled craft only on behalf of the Environment Agency. We also offer useful optional extras such as the River Stour Navigation Guide and EA Navigation Key. Click here for more information and to apply for your craft registration online.
- British Canoeing – annual membership permits the member on all navigations in England and provides Civil Liability Insurance amongst other benefits – www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/membership
Navigation Guide – click here to purchase (scroll down to ‘Useful Optional Extras’
The Environment Agency and River Stour Trust have produced a very good guide for paddlers about the Suffolk/Essex River Stour.
A map of the entire navigable route printed on damp proof paper that folds down to A5 size and opens up to A2 size. It includes the details and locations of portages, launching sites, the riverside campsite, important information and contact details for relevant organisations.
Enjoying Safer Boating – FREE download
A guide produced by the Environment Agency about staying safe on Anglian Waterways.
Report Incidents – 0800 80 70 60
Incident Hotline (Freephone*, 24 hour service, *Calls from mobile phones are not free and will be charged at normal network operator’s call rates). The Environment Agency will deal with issues including environmental concerns, flood risk and unusual drop in river flow. For further guidance – click on this link.
Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease)
It is important that all river users are familiar with the symptoms of this infection, which are similar to those of influenza (temperature, muscle aches and nausea). Leptospira bacteria is often carried by rats and excreted in their urine, which contaminates the waterways. Infection is more likely in slow-moving or stagnant water in areas where agriculture and rodents mix but exposure can be heightened through some activities e.g. angling where minor cuts and nicks are common; or swimming where some water will almost inevitably enter the mouth.
Precautions:
- Be aware that activities that can cause open wounds or that take place near the water’s edge where rat urine is more likely to be found increase the risk of contracting the disease.
- Do not swallow river water
- Avoid capsize drill or rolling in stagnant or slow-moving water
- Wash your hands before eating
- Cover minor scratches, cuts and abrasions on exposed parts of the body with waterproof plasters
- Where possible, wash or shower after taking part in water sports and riverside activities
- Consult your doctor if you feel ill after coming into contact with water anywhere near or in the river.