How long is the paddle and what is the duration?

The route covers roughly 6 miles (9.6 km) and the guided experience runs about four hours including the riverside stop at Houghton Mill.

Do I need prior paddleboarding experience?

Participants should be confident beginners or intermediate paddlers able to stand, paddle and perform a basic self-rescue; coaching is provided to refine technique.

Is equipment hire available?

Yes—premium paddleboard, adjustable paddle, buoyancy aid and leash are available for hire and ready on arrival if selected at booking.

What happens in bad weather or high river levels?

The guide or operator may postpone, reschedule or alter the route for safety if weather, river flow or operational conditions make the outing unsafe.

Can I visit Houghton Mill during the stop?

Yes—the itinerary includes around an hour ashore at the National Trust's Houghton Mill where you can visit the riverside cafe and mill path, subject to the cafe's opening hours.

Great Ouse Discovery Loop: Guided SUP from Huntingdon to Houghton Mill

Q: What are the age and fitness requirements?

Minimum age is 16. Participants must be able to swim at least 50 metres while wearing a buoyancy aid and have sufficient mobility to board and self-rescue.

On the River Great Ouse between Huntingdon and Houghton, the Great Ouse Discovery Loop offers a serene half-day paddle through lowland river scenery in Cambridgeshire. Launching from Huntingdon Rowing Club, Riverside Road, Huntingdon, PE29 3JP, this guided 6-mile circular route leads paddlers beneath Huntingdon's historic bridge, along Cook's Backwater and to the National Trust's Houghton Mill. WHATSUP Training runs the trip with a qualified Paddle UK River and Open Water Leader who blends coaching, local history and wildlife spotting for confident beginners and intermediate stand-up paddleboarders.

The route reads like a study in slow-water river character: broad, meandering bends, reed-fringed backwaters and sections of quieter channel where kingfishers, herons and coots frequent shallow margins. Geologically the corridor sits on low-lying alluvial floodplain soils rather than dramatic rock; the landscape's interest comes from island channels, willow-lined banks and the working mill at Houghton, whose water meadows and sluices are a tangible link to historic milling on the Great Ouse.

Expect a sociable small-group atmosphere—groups run to a maximum of 12—so there is time for one-on-one coaching on stroke technique and self-rescue from the water. The itinerary typically begins with equipment fitting and a safety briefing, then a paddle upstream under the bridge, exploration of Cook's Backwater, an hour ashore at Houghton Mill to visit the riverside cafe or walk the mill path, and a relaxed return to Huntingdon Rowing Club. The whole loop takes about four hours on the water, covering roughly 6 miles (9.6 km).

Why book this trip? If you want an accessible river experience that combines a gentle workout, practical SUP coaching and cultural context, this is a standout. Houghton Mill provides a unique pause point: a working mill in National Trust care set against willow-lined channels. The trip's low river speeds make it ideal for wildlife spotting and photography, and the guide-led format suits paddlers who can already stand and perform a basic self-rescue but want tailored instruction in a friendly setting.

Practical details matter: participants must be 16 or older, able to swim at least 50 metres while wearing a buoyancy aid, and capable of climbing back onto a board from deep water. The operator may alter plans for weather or river conditions. Bring waterproof layers, a change of clothes, and a small dry bag for essentials—then settle into the rhythm of the Great Ouse and let the river set the pace. Booking includes premium board, adjustable paddle, buoyancy aid and leash if equipment hire is selected; confirm hire when you check in. Arrive fifteen minutes early for fitting and briefing. Families with teens aged 16-17 must paddle with a participating guardian. The guide prioritises safety while encouraging new skills and calm river exploration and enjoyment.