Setting off from Hoe Mill Lock, head west into the stream (past the moored narrowboats) towards Chelmsford. Paddle past All Saints Church and portage Rushes Lock to turn at Paper Mill Lock (or maybe stop for tea or coffee and cake at Paper Mill Lock Tearooms?) Paddle back from Papermill Lock (where we run our Learn to SUP lessons) with the flow to Hoe Mill.

Ideal in a westerly breeze for a headwind out and a tailwind home. Trees by the riverside generally offer good protection from crosswinds, so southerly and northerly are good too. Also OK for light to moderate easterlies as, although you’ll notice the headwind home, you will be coming back with the flow. The route out is into the stream, so expect to work harder on the way out, before an easier ride home – sensible in anything from light to heavy stream. Check stream and wind conditions via our SUP weather page…

The current can get strong after heavy rainfall, which can be perfectly workable as you’re heading out into it and coming back with it – just be careful if it’s flowing really strong as there can be branches and other solid flotsam in the water. Strong easterlies aren’t ideal as you’ll be paddling back into a headwind which will probably have more impact than the stream. Check conditions via our SUP Weather page. Nesting swans in late spring and later with signets in early summer can be protective (there was a notoriously aggressive male at Rushes Lock in 2017!) – give them room and stay confident as you paddle past. Steer clear of weirs, which are always signposted near the locks.