River Stour — Local services in Babergh

I absolutely love the Stour. If you're in Sudbury then there's very easy access from the town centre with very convenient parking by the swimming pool. There's a meadow that runs alongside the river that is ideal for having picnics (bring food from home or get it from the super markets behind the meadow). Plenty of space for playing football or frisby etc. I believe small barbecues are allowed on the meadow also. If local history is an interest of yours then there is a guided tour of the river that is organised by the River Stour Trust. The route departs from the Quay theatre and ends up at the Henny Swan (more on this later). The purpose of these trips is to raise money for the restoration of some of the historic locks along the course of the river. The river itself is great for canoeing or kayaking as well as plenty of fishing spots all the way along the river. Due to it's location in Sudbury being between 2 gates that control the flow of water, the river is relatively slow moving with no strong currents meaning it's good for beginners who are just getting into boating. If you have the energy then I'd recommend canoeing from the meadows in Sudbury near the swimming pool (due to small boat launching areas) and following the river along its course down to the Swan in Henny. There you can have a relaxing bite to eat or a drink before making the return trip. It makes for a lovely day out along a picturesque stretch of water way that once again is good for beginners. Due to there being an easy portage that is a good way to learn about the manoeuvre, as well as a weir that you can shoot if you're brave enough and have a suitable boat, slow moving currents and a lovely rest stop and a nice pub. To anyone who's never been I would say...

The River Stour is the natural boundary between eastern coastlines of Essex & Suffolk counties. Both sides of the Stour Estuary are remarkably unspoilt & isolated by modern standards. The Stour flows inland through what's become known as 'Constable('s) Country'. The great master immortalised the River in his famous studies of rural working life. Although no longer an actively working river, sections of The Stour remain recognisable from when Constable recorded them so accurately. It's an area of outstanding natural beauty, beloved by dogs & their walkers, alike. There's so many interesting & secluded spots to be discovered along both riverbanks. I've been walking & cycling aside The Stour for decades, but still making fresh finds & seeing new aspects of this wonderful...

Runs through where I live in Wixoe, far from the sea where it ends up. I did swam in the Stour in Sudbury and other places until last year. However, lamentably there are recent reports of mismanagement and raw sewerage - a (fecal) matter of nefarious corporate decisions. Therefore, obviously I can't recommend you swim in the Stour for now. The photos are of the Northern bank of the river. Near to the main road is a ford and it's often flooded, the road closed, there's a foot bridge which is often handy. Must be fairly clean as there are Anglers often seen setting up. I believe there's a water treatment...