Stunning scenery and awe-inspiring houses to be seen along this route, suitable for all levels of paddler
Where
- Beulieu River, Hampshire
Route
- From Royal Southampton Yacht Club, or Bucklers Hard, to The Montague Arms, Beulieu and back
Distance & time (approx)
- Between 3 and 3 and a half hours, at a moderate to quick pace – 7.88 miles
Parking
- You can park and launch from Bucklers Hard, or you may be able to park at the Yacht Club with prior consent for either a donation or by buying lunch in the restaurant.
Launch site
- Royal Southampton Yacht Club or Bucklers Hard
Launch fees
- Royal Southampton Yacht club – prior consent and a donation or the cost of lunch
- Bucklers Hard – £10
License required
- No license required but is a consideration if you regularly paddle on rivers and canals as the funds go towards the upkeep of the rivers and canals
Tides
- You will need to launch 1-1.5 hours prior to high tide. When the tide is going out, you can get caught in a slack tide on your return. It is recommended to use a 4.6″ river fin for this paddle. As you reach the village of Beaulieu you really want to be here at high tide as it is very muddy otherwise.
Rider ability level
- Suitable for all but do go with someone who has paddled the route before.
Details of the paddle & Points of Interest
- Along the route are beautiful houses to make you envious, but unfortunately, there is no where that you are permitted to land, not even at the Montague Arms at the end of the route. The river is guarded by trees so you should be sheltered from wind on this gentle and quiet paddle. As you pass Bucklers Hard you’ll see the rows of houses leading to the water, pictured below. Once a thriving shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built, it is of huge historical maritime significance and now a stunning tourist attraction, well worth a visit for all ages.
