READING BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Days Downriver: Canoe from The Boat Yard to Marlow
A guided two-day, 20-mile canoe hire that runs downstream from Thames Canoe Hire’s base to Marlow with an overnight stop in Henley and collection service.
Two Days Downriver: Canoe from The Boat Yard to Marlow.
This two-day hire from The Boat Yard to Marlow covers 20 miles and eight locks, split into an initial 11.5-mile day finishing in Henley and a gentler second day of about 8.5 miles to Marlow. Thames Canoe Hire meets you at their base to deliver a safety briefing, kit you out with buoyancy aids, paddles and dry bags, and set you off downstream at your own pace.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 20-mile downstream passage with eight locks
The hire is run over two days and covers approximately 20 miles and eight locks, allowing you to break the journey with an overnight stay in Henley before a shorter second day to Marlow.
Henley as the natural overnight stop
Day one typically concludes in Henley after roughly 11.5 miles and four locks, giving you time to rest in local accommodation before resuming the downstream leg to Marlow.
Full kit and a safety-first start
Staff meet you at The Boat Yard to provide a full safety briefing and outfit you with buoyancy aids, paddles and dry bags, ensuring equipment and safety briefing are handled before launch.
What the day feels like
What the two-day paddle feels like
You begin at Thames Canoe Hire’s base where staff run through safety procedures and kit you out; the first day is the longer stretch to Henley, leaving a shorter, more relaxed day two to reach the agreed collection point at Marlow. The itinerary’s split—about 11.5 miles and four locks on day one, then about 8.5 miles and four locks on day two—lets you pace the trip and arrive at the collection point with time to spare.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hire suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a two-day hire split into an initial day of about 11.5 miles and four locks to Henley, then a second day of about 8.5 miles and four locks to Marlow for collection.
The operator provides buoyancy aids, paddles and dry bags; bring personal items, clothing for changing weather, and anything else you need for an overnight stay in Henley.
You are met by Thames Canoe Hire staff at The Boat Yard (the Base) for briefing and equipment handover prior to launch; collection at Marlow is arranged as part of the downstream hire.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the hire?
The hire is two days in duration.
How many miles and locks will we cover?
The two-day hire covers about 20 miles and eight locks total (roughly 11.5 miles and four locks on day one, then about 8.5 miles and four locks on day two).
Where do we meet the operator?
Staff meet you at The Boat Yard (the operator’s base) to provide a safety briefing and kit you out before launch.
Is equipment provided?
Thames Canoe Hire provides buoyancy aids, paddles and dry bags as part of the hire and will set these up during the safety briefing.
Can under‑18s take part?
Under‑18 participants must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Is there a collection service at the end?
A collection service to retrieve you at the agreed finish point in Marlow is part of the downstream hire option.