Cardington Canoe Slalom - River Great Ouse, Bedfordshire, UK - Canoe/Kayak Trips on Waymarking.com

The following website details this exciting course:
(visit link)
'Cardington Slalom Course
Bedford
Jim Croft

This was the first artificial course of this type to be built in the country, located in Priory Country Park, 2.5km downstream from Bedford. It has a dual function, acting as both a river flood control and a slalom course.

It's a long concrete channel, in which fibreglass boulders are fixed and can be moved to make different river patterns. It offers safe moving water for paddlers at any level, and it's a good choice for newly promoted paddlers. It seems to give an advantage to smaller competitors! The maximum drop is 1.7 meters, but it’s enough for a good white water training facility and you can warm up on the main river.

The course is suitable for up to Division 2 Slaloms, and also for recreation groups to hire* and have complete control of the layout and water levels.

A new, easier method of fixing the boulders has been introduced. If you wish you can tour on the river Great Ouse, one of the cleanest low level rivers in the UK, through the Bedfordshire countryside.

Priory Country Park is a beautiful location teeming with wild life - deer, otters, foxes and many different bird species. Camping and caravanning are available on site, and there is drinking water and an Elsan disposal point in the car park. Flush toilets (not very reliable) are available in the car parks, and arrangements can be made to hire portable toilets.

* Please note that open C2s are not allowed.'

Parking/put-in/launching information: A small car park near the main A421 road near Cardington Paddling conditions to be expected: Whitewater and river Difficulty of the trip: Any level recommended Length of trip: 0.5 miles or further if you continue along the river Portages: This varies depending on the positions of the boulders which can be moved to suit different levels. Permits required: Available from the local authority if needed. Type of trip: Looping Other information: Priory Park and Marina are a picturesque area of Bedford with many activities to enjoy and much wildlife to see. Take-out Coordinates: Not Listed

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