CANTERBURY GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Grove Ferry to Fordwich: A gentle 8km paddle through the River Stour’s wildlife corridor
A relaxed guided paddle from Grove Ferry to Fordwich along the River Stour that highlights riverside plants and rare birds and finishes with a stop at The George & Dragon pub.
Grove Ferry to Fordwich: A gentle 8km paddle through the River Stour’s wildlife corridor.
This guided outing follows a sheltered, slow-flowing stretch of the River Stour between Grove Ferry and the historic riverside town of Fordwich. Along the way paddlers move through reed-lined channels and waterside meadows, watching for dragonflies, kingfishers and rarer marsh birds near Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve before finishing at a village pub for refreshments.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
River Stour’s birdlife and insect life
A gentle glide past reedbeds and wetlands brings sightings of dragonflies and kingfishers; paddles pass close to Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve where rare species such as marsh harrier and bittern occur.
A relaxed river run to historic Fordwich
The paddle follows a calm section of the River Stour from Grove Ferry to Fordwich, an easy downstream route that suits a broad range of abilities and offers riverside scenery the whole way.
Finish with a pub stop in Fordwich
The trip culminates in Fordwich with a planned stop at The George & Dragon pub for a bite to eat and a break on shore before returning or finishing the paddle.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a leisurely, social paddle on sheltered water: the group meets at Grove Ferry and travels downstream past wetland habitat, keeping an easy tempo to watch for plants, dragonflies and river birds. The guided passage ends in Fordwich at The George & Dragon for refreshments; paddlers who want an 8 km one-way option can leave their craft at Fordwich, while others may paddle back to Grove Ferry.
THE WILDLIFE
River Stour’s birdlife and insect life
A gentle glide past reedbeds and wetlands brings sightings of dragonflies and kingfishers; paddles pass close to Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve where rare species such as marsh harrier and bittern occur.
THE ROUTE
A relaxed river run to historic Fordwich
The paddle follows a calm section of the River Stour from Grove Ferry to Fordwich, an easy downstream route that suits a broad range of abilities and offers riverside scenery the whole way.
THE REFRESHMENT
Finish with a pub stop in Fordwich
The trip culminates in Fordwich with a planned stop at The George & Dragon pub for a bite to eat and a break on shore before returning or finishing the paddle.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this paddle suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This guided outing runs about 5 hours in total.
Meet at Grove Ferry Picnic Site, Grove Ferry Road, Canterbury (CT3 4BP) to assemble and launch.
Standard routing takes you downstream to Fordwich with a stop at The George & Dragon; an 8 km one-way finish or a return paddle to Grove Ferry are available.
A gentle paddle along the River Stour with close views of riverside plants and animals and a riverside pub stop in Fordwich.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the trip take?
The guided outing lasts approximately 5 hours.
Where do we meet?
Meet at Grove Ferry Picnic Site, Grove Ferry Road, Canterbury (CT3 4BP).
How far is the paddle?
An 8 km paddle option is available between Grove Ferry and Fordwich; participants may arrange to finish at Fordwich or paddle back.
Will we see wildlife?
Yes — the route passes close to wetland habitat and Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve where you can see dragonflies, kingfishers and rarer marsh birds such as marsh harrier and bittern.
Is there a food stop on the route?
The trip concludes with a stop at The George & Dragon pub in Fordwich for a bite to eat and refreshments.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes — the paddle is described as gentle and suitable for all skill levels.