For those wanting a short break on the river, we have a number of suggestions if you are prepared for full days of paddling.

Duration

2 or 3 days

About

Our most popular trip is a 2 or 3 day hire from Oxford to Reading that covers 35 miles and 11 locks.

Day One You will meet our staff in Oxford by Donnington bridge where, prior to helping you on to your boats to start your trip, our staff will give you a full safety briefing and get you kitted up with buoyancy aids, paddles and dry bags. After leaving Oxford, you will pass through countryside, spotting the wildlife on your way towards Abingdon, approximately 7 miles from your start point. You can end your first day here or carry on to Clifton Hampden, another 5.5 miles with a choice of B&Bs or Campsites for your overnight stay.

Day Two Once you are up and ready to get on the water, you have a great day of paddling in front of you with a few more locks to get through. For a second night stop, you could head to Wallingford with a campsite as well as B&B options. Wallingford is about 13 miles and 4 locks from Abingdon or 8 miles and 2 locks from Clifton Hampden. This part of the river has curves and straight paths to follow. Alternatively, you could head for Moulsford, another 3.5 miles from Wallingford to make your last day shorter.

Day Three Your last day is the same as one of our “all day hire with drop-off” options. You are on the home stretch that, depending on your choice of overnight stay, will be a push covering 14 miles and 4 locks from Wallingford or a gentler meander of 10.5 miles and 4 locks from Moulsford to our Base at Reading by 5pm. Once you get through the last lock at Mapledurham you are less than 2 miles from our staff who will be there waiting to meet you and help with the boats.

Alternatively, for those not having enough time or not quite ready for 3 days in a canoe, why not miss out Day 1 and try a 2-day trip from Abingdon covering Day 2 and Day 3, 27 miles and 8 locks.

More info

You will be met by our staff with your boat(s) and equipment at the agreed set-off point where they will give you a full safety brief prior to kitting you out and helping you on to your boat to start your trip to our base at The Boat Yard.