Cardington White Water Trip 2025
The Cardington White Water course in Bedford has been hired out by CVCC this year. It is an excellent course for paddlers to have a go at a low level white water in safe conditions.
Within the scenic Priory Country Park in Bedford, the Cardington Artificial Slalom Course offers a picturesque setting for our CVCC Introduction to White Water weekend.
Designed with beginners in mind, the 120-meter-long S-shaped trapezoid concrete channel features movable boulders that allow for a customisable white water course, allowing us to build a safe and approachable environment for newcomers to white water. This temporary course will be assembled on the Friday (help appreciated if you can arrive early), offering an experience that is notably gentler than the Nene and significantly more forgiving than Lee Valley, making it perfect for those seeking a gentle introduction.
Paddlers will have the opportunity to learn and practice essential skills such as breaking in and out of eddies, reading water currents, and navigating gentle drops. Always popular is the chance to break out of the boats and take to the inflatables for a lazy river ride style bit of fun towards the end of the day. Ride down on an inflatable pizza, unicorn or giant swan; as well as being a good laugh it makes for some great photo opportunities!
Adjacent to the course, the River Great Ouse provides a serene setting for evening flatwater paddles, leading to the nearby Priory Marina, where you’ll see the beautiful old canal boats moored. This part of the Country Park is especially scenic and full of wildlife. The riverbanks are alive with diverse flora and fauna; you might glimpse deer grazing at dawn and a variety of bird species flitting through the trees, adding a touch of natural wonder to the paddling experience.
We’ll be camping on site within the country park creating a communal atmosphere, perfect for evening barbecues and conversations under the stars, right next to the course.
Suitable for all ages and all abilities.
There will be a price per day for paddling the course which will confirmed shortly.
OTHER INFORMATION
This weekend is ideal for families & those wishing to take their first steps on moving water. You can come for the day, or the whole weekend.
CAMPING CHARGES
£10.00 for the weekend per tent.
Motor Homes / Caravans £25.00 for the weekend per vehicles
For non-member family and friends it is ideally located with lots to do and explore around the park and Bedford.
THE WEEKEND IS RUN BY VOLUNTEERS AND ONLY HAPPENS WITH YOUR HELP. WE WILL NEED HELP TO START SETTING UP THE WHITE WATER COURSE ON THE FRIDAY AND IT’S FEATURES BEFORE PADDLING ON THE COURSE CAN START – many hands make light work!
Please bring your own Camping Equipment.
LOCATION
The course is situated at the south east of Bedford’s Priory Country Park and is accessed via Stannard Way (part of Priory Business Park) which is just off Bedford’s A421 southern bypass. Follow Stannard Way until you see a left turn with a brown sign to Priory Country Park.
The course is just 2.5 km downstream from Bedford town centre and about 4km from Bedford’s Viking Kayak Club.
OS Grid Reference TL076487 Nearby Postcode MK44 3RZ
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