The judges said
Lisa Drewe best guidebook
ABOVE Isle of Dogs Millwall Outer Dock BELOW River Rother and Rye Harbour
rolling contours of the South Downs, while Rye Harbour’ s nature reserve shelters thousands of migratory birds. Paddle through time at Bodiam Castle, where camping nearby under the stars adds an extra layer of magic. In Kent, an eclectic mix of waterways offer journeys like Ramsgate to Sandwich with a chance to spot seals basking on the sandbanks, while the marshlands of Oare to Faversham reveal a hidden inn perfect for a mid-trip pause. Paddle beneath the iconic White Cliffs for vistas that inspired some of James Bond’ s greatest adventures, or take on the multi-day River Medway Trail, with its canoe passes adding a touch of‘ white-water’ excitement. Folkestone Harbour, with its bold art installations
and vibrant beach scene, offers a modern contrast. The pace shifts in Greater London and Surrey, where urban energy meets riverside peace. The stretch from Hampton Court to Kingston pairs Tudor grandeur with leafy pathways, while Hackney Wick’ s River Lea buzzes with street art and waterside breweries. Paddle around D’ Oyly Carte Island for Victorian charm, or explore canal routes like Paddington to Horsenden Hill, where cityscapes give way to greenery, and Regent’ s Canal, alive with houseboats and Camden Market – oh, and wolves and monkeys if you know where to look. Reflective waters at the Isle of Dogs Millwall Dock mirror the city’ s towering skyline, while the Limehouse Cut loops around the Olympic Stadium. For thrillseekers, the engineered rapids of the Lee Valley White Water Centre offer a thrilling backdrop, while little known rivers like the Abbey and Mole offer a peaceful retreat within miles of London’ s hum. Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire bring a sense of wilderness and history. Sheppey Island launches you into the haunting marshlands of Deadman’ s Island, while the tranquil creeks of Tollesbury and West Mersea reveal fishing heritage and expansive estuary views. Wicken Fen, a National Trust treasure in Cambridgeshire, offers reed beds and rare wildlife in a pristine wetland setting. Paddle the River Stour through Constable’ s pastoral landscapes at Dedham and Flatford Mills, or explore the River Cam for a unique view of Grantchester and the College Backs of Cambridge. Adventurers can lose themselves in the Medway Islands, where military forts rise starkly from the water. The journey concludes in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire, where built grandeur and wild places coexist. Paddle through Blenheim Palace’ s parkland or along the Thames past Eton’ s spires, Windsor Castle, and the historic Magna Carta site at Runnymede. The stretch between Marlow and Maidenhead reveals idyllic riverside scenes, culminating in the elegance of Cliveden House perched grandly above the water. Hidden backwaters like Hennington and St Patrick’ s Stream or the Jubilee River provide peace, while the River Cherwell through Oxford adds scenic detours with stories of academia and architecture. Returning finally to the Upper Thames at Lechlade and Buscot, I’ m reminded of family picnics and childhood swims – simple joys that bring this journey full circle to a place of watery fun and lasting memories. Out on the water, you don’ t just see London and the South East – you understand how it came to be, and how these blue paths carry the stories of place and people.
The judges said
Lisa Drewe has created a series style of her own, which matches her enthusiasm and experience. It is the mark of any good guidebook that it both inspires the reader and gives them the confidence to go where they would otherwise not know they could. This third title in Lisa’ s paddle boarding guides doesn’ t disappoint. Helped by imaginative photos and including the type of detail that will actually get you out on the water safely, with a range of ability levels, it’ s a valuable contribution to a rapidly emerging market.
Winter 2025 OUTDOOR FOCUS 17