Coming events
To Monday 10 April 2023
A return to the venue last used for the Easter meet in 2015. Combining the river & canal enables a circular canoe-camp, with no car shuttle, the initial launch point and final egress being only 700m apart. Though paddling the same circuit, only the Sunday night canoe camp is the same as previous.
Due to not being connected to the rest of the canal network, there is very little motor traffic on the canal and none on the river, which is only accessible for powered craft below Bawtry on Monday.
If intending to go through locks a windlass and waterways key is needed.
Canoe Camping Itinerary
Thursday 6th April.
Camping at Soss Lane, Misterton – please arrive no earlier than 2pm.
This is minimum facility with only water and club camping loos.
The cars will remain here for the weekend.
Walking distance is a well-stocked local Coop and there are a number of pubs which serve meals.
Friday 7th April.
Portage 200m to Chesterfield Canal at bridge 83 and launch above lock 64, or continue short distance and launch above lock 63.
Paddle to Hayton 11 miles and 2 more locks. Rally field is adjacent the canal.
Nearby is the Boat Inn, if looking to eat out, but no food shops.
Saturday 8th April
Launch back onto the canal and paddle to Retford, a further 4miles, 2 locks. Here we pass various pubs cafes and a large ASDA before portaging at the Aqueduct to the river. Paddle a further 4miles on the river to Tiln. This section includes a weir that should be inspected and if in doubt portaged, but is usually straightforward. The river has a modest flow.
Camping at Tiln is on the river bank. Only facilities are water and club toilets. There are no pubs or shops within reasonable walking distance.
Sunday 9th April.
Launch back onto the river and paddle 8 miles to Scaftworth where we camp in the pub garden. The meal is here and will be full Sunday Roast, with choice of meats and a vegetarian alternative, followed by a choice of dessert. We will be asking for choices on Thursday/Friday.
Club Toilets will be available for when pub toilets are closed.
There are no shops accessible.
Monday 10th April
Launch back onto the river and paddle a further 11 Miles returning to Misterton. Shortly after leaving Scaftworth, the river widens and deepens, as it was a navigation up to Bawtry.
From the Egress point it is a 600m portage back to where the cars are parked, or car can be fetched to the egress.
Again, there are no shops along the section.
Information for Base Camping.
Thursday 6th April
Camping at a Certified Hideaway Site at Hayton, Retford. The site has toilets and a shower (paid extra), but own sanitation is advisable. The site has some EHU’s, but I have initially only reserved two pitches without hook up. Space is limited and the site books up early. Thus, if intending to base camp it is advisable to book early.
Friday 7th April
Launch onto Canal adjacent Site for out and back paddle to Drakeholes, meeting the canoe-campers paddling from Misterton.
Saturday 8th – Monday 10th
Paddles same as Canoe-Campers, with car shuttles. Saturday and Sunday nights boats are to be left with the canoe campers.
Licences
The Canal is owned and maintained by Canals and Rivers Trust. British Canoeing and CW memberships include a licence. If a non member licences are available from canalrivertrust.org.uk.
