A completely new event for 2024, slink through the reeds on a water-based guided 'walk' to discover the lakes from a never-before-seen perspective.
This canoe-based tour is a fantastic first-time opportunity for intrepid visitors to explore the reserve and its wildlife from the water. You will be led at a leisurely pace by your RSPB Warden guide through the waterways and reeds on a winding journey around the otherwise unseen lakeside margins and hidden channels of Elney Lake, where some of our rarest wildlife breeds.
Timings & Essential Information
Two dates are available in late summer, 8th and 21st September, with four trips per day:
9:45 to 11:15 am
11:00 am to 12:30 pm
1:00 to 2:30 pm
2:15 to 3:45pm
The tours, held in conjunction with our partners Canoe Trail, include support on the water from a canoe instructor and a fully guided tour by an RSPB Warden. All boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, safety equipment and a dry bag for your personal items will be provided.
All tickets are for 2 person or 3 person canoes. We will endeavour at all times to place family groups in boats together. Excluding the guides, the maximum group size on any trip will be 11. We expect the time on the water to be just over an hour taking a slow to moderate pace when required.
At least one member of the party needs to be over 21. We recommend that the youngest paddler in your group to be at least 3 years old and you will all need to be confident around water.
Please arrive at our main car park 5-10 minutes before the booking time to allow for registration. At the start, you will be led on a short walk to the canoe launch start point from where the safari puts into the water. If you are running late then please let us know as soon as possible by calling mobile number 07703 886657. Please note - if you are too late to join the trip you may not be able to take part.
Does it matter if I’ve never paddled before? Do I need to be able to swim?
The tour is a flat paddle on a still water ideal for novice paddlers. There is no expectation that you will have paddled before and the tour should be within most people’s abilities. Participants should be confident in and around water although you do not need to be a swimmer. The Canoe Trail instructor will provide all safety briefings and equipment before we set off and will accompany us on the water.
What if I can't I select the date or time I want to book?
If places are fully booked and you wish to be placed on a standby list for any unavailable dates or trips, please email us at fendraytonlakes@rspb.org.uk.
What should I wear and bring?
Participants should wear light clothing suitable for getting wet such as tracksuit bottoms or shorts and a top. Jeans are not the best things to wear. Please check the weather forecast in advance and dress appropriately. On cold days, a thermal top or sweatshirt may be needed and hats and gloves are a great way to feel slightly warmer. Sun cream and caps or wide-brimmed hats are useful on hot, sunny days to protect you from the sun. You should bring a change of clothes in the event that you get wet. Canoe Trail will provide dry bags for your kit and valuables to keep them dry.
Can we bring our dog?
No. As much as you enjoy your dog’s company, the wildlife we want to show you and other trip participants may not.
What if it rains?
Under normal circumstances, unless you hear from us, your booking will run on the day agreed. A little bit of rain or liquid sunshine never stops us and you will discover that your skin is waterproof! Once you have made your booking, it is not transferable and non-refundable for e.g. poor weather, late or non-arrival.
In unusual circumstances, such as river flooding or heavy lightning storms, we may need to cancel the event in which case we will refund all bookings.