Reading to Henley

Reading to Henley

We provide canoe hire from Reading to Henley (8.4 miles, approximately 4 hours in a canoe or kayak), amongst many other routes on the River Thames. Reading is very accessible and we start very close to Reading railway station. Reading to Henley is suited better to adults and older children due to the distance covered.

Reading to Henley

Reading to Henley route description

Within walking distance of Reading station or easy parking you will launch just upstream of Caversham Lock and very soon you will be out of the town and in to unspoiled rural countryside.

We would recommend stopping for a coffee in Sonning, and just after this you have the choice of either staying on the main river channel (left) or heading right, up St Patrick’s Stream where it joins the river Leddon which joins back onto the Thames a mile or so further on. Just after this, you have another chance to divert away from the main channel by paddling down the Hennerton Backwater (right) just after the George and Dragon at Wargrave. This then rejoins the river again just before Henley, just below Marsh Lock.

Getting through the Locks

You can either paddle through the locks or get out and carry your boats around. We would suggest that you paddle through the locks when the lock keeper is on duty and portage if the lock is unmanned.

When you are carrying your boats be sure to lift carefully and try not to scrape the bottoms of the boats along the ground if you can help it!

Further options

Why not try our other day trips including Henley to Marlow or Sonning to Henley, or if you are feeling a little more adventurous then Cholsey to Henley, a weekend trip!

Canoe Hire from Reading to Henley

Distance: 8.4 miles
Time: A full day in a canoe or kayak.
Locks: 4

Pricing

We are unbeatable on price. Check out our up to date pricing structure here.

Booking

All bookings need to fill out the form in the top right corner of this page for us to get right back to you with availability and pricing. If you just have a quick question however, call us direct on 01432 264 807.

More questions? Check out or FAQ’s page.

What’s included?

  • Boat hire, either canoe or kayak depending on your preference
  • Paddles
  • Buoyancy aids
  • Waterproof drybag
  • River map
  • Safety brief and basic instruction before setting off.

Please note: transport is not included on the upper-middle Thames so if you need to be taken back to your start location then contact us for a price.