St Patricks Stream 19th April 2025

On Saturday morning the 19th April 15 paddlers gathered at the George and Dragon pub in Wargrave, this trip organised by Dave and Clare was a multi craft trip with SUP’s, a Kayak and an Inflatable Canoe,

As Dave has a lot of experience and knowledge of this figure of eight trip he took the lead on the water and Clare took the lead on the land and assisted on the water..

A little later than planned we were afloat by 11am, just as the pub opened for a last minute rest room break.

This was a cooperation between Davepaddles and Ditton’s Paddlesport clubs, Its great when clubs get together, combine resources, knowledge, planning and qualified members to deliver safe and enjoyable trips for paddles of all craft of all abilities.

After a full safety briefing by Dave and Clare, we were set.

It was a tad cloudy to start with but as we got on the water the sun came out, the wind was gusting but with Dave’s knowledge of this area we all paddled in a safe way not really affected by the wind.

We all paddled up to the only portage on this trip, the Shiplake Lock where there was a toilet available..

We regrouped after the portage and continued up the Thames taking the less windy route as the Devises to Westminster paddlers started passing us on their way downstream.

Just before the entry to the stream Dave gave another safety brief as we were about to enter some moving water, this was a great place to have a snack and a drink.

We entered the stream under its beautiful willow trees as the current picked up for the first few bends, Dave had already positioned himself to direct the group to the safe area avoiding the fin grabbing metal plate that impersonates a weir.

As we floated down there was little effort needed for paddling, more just steering, to avoid the branches from the low trees.

We stopped for a sandwich and pee break on the river bank just above the river Lodden merge point.

Back on the water we passed the stilted houses, and attempted a raft up photo at the bridge that exits the Lodden.

Back on the Thames we returned to the George and Dragon, just 10 minutes paddling downstream.

Clare had booked a table for lunch so we hopped out for a break.

Dave, Tony and Brenden decided after a quick drink to continue the lower half of the figure of 8 trip using the Thames then return up Hennerton backwater, whilst Clare and others had food and decided to use the backwater down and back.

We had a great day out on and off the water, new friendships made, great weather, great company.

a photo gallery is below.

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