Date/Time
Date(s) - 12/06/2026 - 14/06/2026
All Day

Location
Bedford’s Priory Country Park

Categories

• Away Trips
• Member

Family & Friends Welcome:

Yes

Lead Coach:

Event Organiser:

Contact for Event:

Skill Level:

Beginner

Age Limit:

Type of water:

White water

More information:

Cardington White Water Trip 2026

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.

We will be joined by folks from others club: Hastings District Canoe Club, Baldock and District Canoe Club & other paddling clubs.

Within the scenic Priory Country Park in Bedford, the Cardington Artificial Slalom Course offers a calm, picturesque setting for our CVCC Introduction to White Water weekend.

We build the course so make it a safe and approachable environment for newcomers to white water, but also offer practice to those wanting to play with eddies, paddling against the flow and rolling in moving 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 practise 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 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.

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

• £12 for the weekend per tent. CVCC members & participating partner club members / £48.00 Non-Members
• £27 for the weekend per vehicles for Motor Homes / Caravans / Camper Vans. CVCC members & participating partner club members / £108.00 Non-Members

PADDLING CHARGES

• £14 Per Adult per Day CVCC members & participating partner club members / £56.00 Non-Members
• £8.00 Per Junior per Day CVCC members & participating partner club members / £32.00 Non-Members
• £33.00 Per Family per Day (2 Adults and up to 3 Juniors) CVCC members & participating partner club members / £132.00 Non-Members

N.B. Non CVCC members should select a non-members ticket and use the DISCOUNT CODE you have been given by your club to make sure you get the same price as CVCC members.

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
• Food (Please note there are no portable BBQs allowed, only BBQs/stoves on stands or tables.)
• Paddle equipment

Toilets will be port-a-loos on site.

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

Borrowing Boat for the weekend (CVCC Members)

In addition to providing equipment to cover club sessions, CVCC is pleased to make club equipment available to those members without their own kit, so that organised, club-led trips and external courses can be more easily attended. 

Bookings