Thanks for the tour of the River Stour. Very noble-minded and generous of you to have your parents in the video. Appreciating the references to artist John Constable made me interested enough to research who he was and his artistry. Your AFib may have been a blessing in disguise in making you give up heavy drinking and smoking for a healthy, clean lifestyle and be able to make these beautiful, delightful videos for us.
I have been watching your videos for about a year but a patch of insomnia made me binge on your earlier stuff. These two on the Stour moved me to tears as to how beautiful some parts of our country still are. Thank you for filling in a black hole of a sleepless night.
I have watched these 2 films time and time again.......they were what finally gave me the shove to get canoe camping: I had the river nearby (this one), a canoe, some gear, and these films gave me the impetus, and I've not looked back since. Thank you for that. (And they are lovely films to boot!)
Hi Simon, just revisiting parts 1 & 2 after first watching them several years ago. I am planning on paddling the River Stour later in September and camping out after the school summer holidays when it is quieter, and I am using these videos as a visual reference. Just goes to show, 6 years later and these videos are a pleasure to watch again, they are superb and timeless, mate. ATB, Dave 👍
1957 did a trip from Tamworth to Hull. Rivers Anker , Tame, Trent and Humber.. With a friend in two separate canvas Kayaks.. Sent Kayaks back by Train and hitched back.. Camped on side of river.. It was hard hitching with paddles as people thought they were shotguns.. Was 21 then and just come out of army.. Still canoeing in homemade 12 foot plywood canoe. Love your videos. Keep on canoeing. Derek.
Gradually working my way through your films since subscribing, and came across these 2 which are great. I'm a regular swimmer between Dedham and Stratford St Mary, and have been contemplating getting a Canoe for trips just like this (as well as planning a slightly crazier idea of swimming the navigation over a number of micro-adventures next year). Thanks - really useful.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to sample canoeing in England. Here in America I spent years poking around little streams much like those in your videos. I grew up in Plymouth Massachusetts and was able to retrace the various canoe routes used by the Wampanog Indians when English settlers founded Plymouth. Our streams are very similar to yours except that there are no accommodations for paddlers. I envy you your lovely portage paths and docks!
That was absolutely wonderful ! I'm still getting over my surgery and went to sleep last night after part 1. I woke up today with coffee and part 2 . National Geographic or your national tourism ought to pick that up and use it. It's a work of art ! Gosh I don't know what to say. Show your mum and dad more. I miss my father so much. I lost him in 2005. He was responsible for my love of the outdoors. That was outstanding !! Absolutely outstanding !!!
I thoroughly enjoyed both parts, Simon, and at times I felt as though I were sitting in the front of your beautiful canoe...appears to be handcrafted. That was a wonderful canoe trip. The River Stour was one of my favorites. I'm in the market for a canoe as I've outgrown my kayak (limited gear carrier) and would love one like yours but will probably settle for a Swift. Thank you for sharing this incredible trip on this beautiful river.
Thanks Alexander! Yes, it is indeed a home-build - cedar strip with epoxy fibreglass inside and out. It’s lovely to paddle, fast, rigid and super manoeuvrable. You’ll not go wrong with a Swift - great, Uber-lightweight boats, I’d have one in an instant (if only they were available here!!🙁) glad you enjoyed the videos and thanks for coming along! Atb, Simon.
I loved this two part series and have watched it more than once.The rivers you paddle on are so serene. I am very happy I found your channel and I look forward to watching many more.Keep up the awesome paddles🤩
All i can say absolutely wonderful Simon... Thanks I'm born and bred in Sudbury, people don't realise just how beautiful Suffolk is and the river Stour... Awesome mate! 😀👍
What a lovely river! I enjoyed both parts of this journey very much. Solo paddling and camping has much to be said for it. That is definitely the best view of the A12.:-) All the best, Al
+Knucker - Cheers Al, a gorgeous part of the country - very tranquil. I love solo trips, you can go at your own pace, stop when you want, glide along in complete silence - completely self absorbing!! Lol!! Glad you enjoyed it! Atb, Simon.
Stunning, Simon, just stunning. So pristine. Awesome photography. I will be watching these two videos more than once. I wish I lived in England. I couldn't help but notice the huge contrast at the A12 bridge. People zipping along with their fast paced busy lives while peace and tranquility lie only a few feet below. It made me wonder if they even had a clue.
Beautiful. We are going to walk the Stour Valley walk. We will do it in stages as we live in the area. The Stourl in Haverhill used to smell of various things due to effluent from a factory manufacturing flavours and fragrances in the mid 70’s, much cleaner now.
Simon, I can't get any work done watching your AWESOME videos. Just wow. They are always, and I mean always, so enlightening and entertaining. Your spirit is amazing. What a good man you are.
It’s one of life’s simple pleasures! Meandering down a tranquil river, everything you need to live comfortably contained within the bag in front of you, the sound of trickling water, birds and insects........you’ll love it! 😁🛶🏕
what a lovely way to spend time in your life, i'm so jealous. i would love to visit all the rivers of our lovely country, i just need a canoe, travel money a cat sitter, stamina a ferry ride, someone with a car and someone to come with me.. i do have a tent !
Lovely couple of videos. Reminded me of when we canoed the Stour, it looked like the same camp site too. I see you didn't get attacked by the swan that had us 😃. I'm enjoying watching your various adventures, keep it up 👍
Thank you! Haha - there was once a swan on the Waveney that was a bit like that - super aggressive - they’re normally fine if you give them a wide berth.
Anthony Barrett - Thanks Anthony! It really is a lovely river - serene and seemingly more remote than it actually is! I guess you are just supposed to bob if you can’t swim!? Lol! Thanks for watching, Atb, Simon.
Drowning is not explicitly forbidden, so that seems your only course! I guess it reduces traffic on the river and gets free publicity on the news for the venue.
What a panacea in Covid quarantine days! Dying to get out on the river, but can't, so just keep coming back to this 2 parter..........just delightful....the best, thank you!
Fantastic I really enjoyed that. The flumes looked great fun..and the A12 wow! That was an assault to the senses. Subbed hope to see some more canoe journeys soon.
+Martin Outdoors69 -Thank you my friend and thanks for the sub! Yeah, you are right about the A12, the Stour is so serene for most of it, seems much more remote than it is - and then BAM! Hahaha. The flumes were good, I might have shot some other weirs if the water level was a bit lower. Plenty more trips in the pipeline so stay tuned. Atb, Simon.
Brilliant. Congratulations to the Producer, Director, Sound man, Editor, sub-Editor, Make up department, Location finder, Producer's mum, Soundman's best mate, Extras, Editor's secret lover. The John Constable Appreciation Society....etc..😀. Very enjoyable.
Such a beautiful river and stunning scenery, not forgetting the abundant wildlife along the way. All of this was made possible to share in your river adventure. I have to say that it's a wonderfully made canoe. A pleasure to watch both episodes and I enjoyed them so very much indeed. Cheers and take care...
+John King - Thank you John, I'm really glad you enjoyed them both. The Stour is a stunningly beautiful river! I'm lucky to live not too far away!! My canoe is my pride and joy, it cost me 3 months of hard work, a few pennies and nearly my marriage, but is an absolute pleasure to paddle! All the best, Simon.
An older one now. but I have just enjoyed watching it nevertheless. It's amazing to experience how liberating it feels to do a trip like this. It's time I did another one myself. Great videos as usual. Cheers
Excellent trip, I used to canoe years ago, when I was a lot younger. After watching you on this trip and you and Andy, Kent Survival, on your trips together, I feel I want to take up canoeing again. You know, I may just do it! Thanks Simon, so relaxing, great video.
I came across your vids a couple of months ago while looking up canoe camping tips and now I'm hooked! Living vicariously through you lol, especially in these times. Most media nowadays bombard and overwhelm, but what a refreshing, peaceful approach you have. The Stour vids are classic and will likely go on repeat. Love your music choices as well! I don't see credits for the beautiful acoustic song repeated in this vid. Shazam didn't work. Would you happen to remember the artist/title? Thank you so much for taking us along on your adventures, Simon. Cheers, from Montreal Canada! (P.S. ever heard of the travel show Departures? It is Canadian (on Netflix) something about your style tells me you might like it :)
Hi Simon, I gave up booze and fags a good few years ago to live my best life and compete at the highest level of my sport which is competitive and can be stressful. You and your friends on here have given me the inspiration to find another activity for my downtime which is equally rewarding but also relaxing. Thank you and keep the films coming, this has been beautiful to watch.
Glad I got to see your day 2 on the River Stour. My grandad's was born in that part of the country near flatford mill sadly I've never visited. Dave B. Thailand.
Hi Simon, My wife and I go kayaking as often as possible and we normally start at Stratford st Mary to Langham flumes or Stratford to Deadham section alot , we also go Cattawade often. We like to take a snack with for when we turn to go back to the car, the winter is cool to paddle, we take soup in a flask and have it while in the kayak, good times, lol This 2 day paddle you done is on my list of paddles to do, im so glad i watched it cause i never knew there where so many portages , so its helped me think of what to pack. I have learnt over the last few months that been on the river is my new happy place. All the best.
a little taken aback that you would be travelling in your Canadian canoe but pronouncing "portage" as "port-ig' vs the Canadian style of "portaage" :) :)
My suggestions: show us what it is you are eating? maybe? Different countries have different names for the same thing, I actually had to google "bangers and mash" to see what it was when I first heard that term used. A female from Australia once told me to get on my bike and ride... Didn't need to google that one. haha ATB Simon as always have fun
Thank you Agnes, glad you enjoyed the video! I tend to use music less and less with my videos now, a bit in the intro and a bit at the end - I think it’s better without too! Thanks for watching, Atb, Simon.
Looks like a great couple of days. That canoe is beautiful. May I ask how much it weighs and what is the safe maximum load for quiet rivers, canals and lakes?
+David Hair - Thankd David, it was a really nice trip, very relaxing! It weighs about 27kg, really nice and light, great for portage!! As for loading, I couldn't give you a weight as such, but you can certainly pack enough gear and two people for an extended canoe camping trip even though it only has a 900mm width. It also depends a bit on experience too as to how well the canoe can be handled loaded on for example a windy day - trimming the canoe by packing well and choosing a good line down the river etc. Hope this helps! Atb, Simon.
Love these trips of yours. It has inspired me to look for places here in New England to paddle. Expertly crafted Simon, thanks so much for your time, it's a precious thing.
Very watchable Simon. My husband and I so enjoyed watching your journey along the river Stour, so much so you’ve inspired us to take our own old town camper down it later on this year! Keep the videos coming and keep on paddling!
Thank you Lesley! I’m really glad you’ve been inspired - it’s a beautiful, interesting and serene river - I’m confident that you will love it! The campsite near Nayland (Rushbanks) punctuates the trip perfectly giving you two moderately easy paddling days. Good luck and have a great trip!! Atb, Simon.
Brrrrrrr, you'd need to be in a flippin' icebreaker on the river today lol. I enjoyed the adventure Simon, lovely journey, thanks for sharing - cheers matey ; )
Thanks buddy, it was a really nice trip. I love canoeing at this time of year too - wrapped up well, the rivers are quiet, lots of water in them and the weeds have died back so they are generally much clearer. But yes, bloody cold!!! Atb, Simon.
Constable country watch out for paint brushes as he was a one for leaving them about take it eazle today have some food and quench your palit ha ha good videos as always can't believe I've mist this video and it's from 2017
What a wonderful video, Simon. I've paddled this river many times as it's my local river. The flumes at Langham are great, camped there on more than one occasion, absolutely beautiful. Only just discovered your channel and it's great, well done and keep the videos coming. All the best, Trev.
Thanks Trev! Glad you enjoyed the video - we are blessed with a few nice paddles in the East aren’t we!! Loved the flumes - going to try the left one next time 🛶 Atb, Simon.
I surely do enjoy watching your skill handling that beautiful canoe. A shame Maggie couldn't come along but understandable. As always, great adventure and excellent videography. I know it's a lot of work setting and retrieving camera equipment. Much appreciated sir!
William Sanborn - Thank you! My canoe is my absolute pride and joy, worth every bit of effort it took to build it. The Stour really is a lovely tranquil river and dispite its proximity to the human world, it seems much more remote than it actually is! If you ever get the chance to explore it, I highly recommend! Atb and thanks for watching. Simon.
Thanks for the wonderful trip down memory lane. A bunch of us from the Deben Canoe Club paddled the Stour (we pronounced it Stoo-er) in the '70s in kayaks, spending 4 days to go out on the estuary to Shotley. Lovely video. And fine job on the canoe!
Simon, I really enjoy your videos. Watching your canoe trip videos makes me feel really envious that I don’t live in the UK near your parts. I would love to do some trips with you. Most of my canoeing trips were in California and in upstate New York (Adirondacks) years ago. Not much canoeing opportunities here in Nebraska USA. Well done.
Feel very lucky to have this gorgeous stretch of river just 20 minutes from my door - in fact during the summer I swim quite regularly just by the Fenn Bridge at 13.30!
I know this isn’t a new video, but in one of the others you mention you built your Birch Bark canoe over a three month period. Do you have videos on the build ? Many years ago I worked as a instructor at a Boy Scout camp and I always enjoyed canoeing. We enjoyed some minor white water trips with canoes and we had a ceremonial canoe with wooden ribs etc I was enlisted to Paddle from time to time. I notice you use the “J” stroke while many newer canoeist seem to use a double paddle an paddle as if it were a kayak !
Looking to do some adventure kayaking/wild camping on here this summer. Where was you camped when the video started? Their seems to be some quite good spots to pull up & pitch overnight in the middle of nowhere along various stretches. I've done the cattawade to flatford trip a few times.
Hi, thanks for watching. There are loads of spots you could camp, tucked away out of sight. I camped at a campsite near Nayland called Rushbanks. I only stopped there as I didn’t know the river well and wasn’t sure if there would be any good wild camp spots - there are! It’s a lovely paddle! Enjoy! Atb, Simon.
Fantastic river journey Simon, so peaceful. I’m sitting in my Costa Coffee shop in Chelmsford overlooking the river Chelmer (nowhere as nice as the Stour). Yes, as I sup my coffee I’m watching your film and wishing I was there with you. Hired the row boat at Dedham in June on a baking hot day and really enjoyed the river, although very busy. I’ve noticed with some of your films on TH-cam that your lips are not always in sync with your speech, I find the same with my films. Viewing back on the camera everything is in sync but as soon as it’s downloaded to the Tube it sometimes is out? Cheers and happy paddling. ⛺️
+LiveSimplyFilms Mountain Mike - Thanks Mike! Glad you enjoyed it - it’s a gorgeous river - feels quite secluded and really peaceful! I’ll check out the audio - I sometimes find the same if I watch back one of my videos on my phone - but when I watch it on the computer it’s fine? (I don’t sit there watching my own videos by the way - it’s just if I get a comment on a particular event and I want to check or remind myself!! Lol!) Atb, Simon.
Thank you for sharing a little of your personal life with us. Not only are you a bloke in the woods, but you are a down to earth bloke in the woods and on the waterways. I had to look up John Constable.
Thanks for the tour of the River Stour. Very noble-minded and generous of you to have your parents in the video. Appreciating the references to artist John Constable made me interested enough to research who he was and his artistry. Your AFib may have been a blessing in disguise in making you give up heavy drinking and smoking for a healthy, clean lifestyle and be able to make these beautiful, delightful videos for us.
I have been watching your videos for about a year but a patch of insomnia made me binge on your earlier stuff. These two on the Stour moved me to tears as to how beautiful some parts of our country still are. Thank you for filling in a black hole of a sleepless night.
Thank you Dave! Gorgeous river, the Stour is!
I watched both videos and throughly enjoyed them.
I have watched these 2 films time and time again.......they were what finally gave me the shove to get canoe camping: I had the river nearby (this one), a canoe, some gear, and these films gave me the impetus, and I've not looked back since. Thank you for that.
(And they are lovely films to boot!)
GOOD FOR YOU !! I did exactly the same ..still need to practice ..Good luck and great fun for You!
ditto just waiting on my canoe to turn up then off we go
I enjoy all your canoeing videos, but these ones on the river Stour are my favorite. Cheers.
I just watched this and can't stop smiling! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely voyage with us! :)
+Linnee Kay - My pleasure, I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it!! Thank you. Cheers, Simon.
Hi Simon, just revisiting parts 1 & 2 after first watching them several years ago. I am planning on paddling the River Stour later in September and camping out after the school summer holidays when it is quieter, and I am using these videos as a visual reference. Just goes to show, 6 years later and these videos are a pleasure to watch again, they are superb and timeless, mate.
ATB, Dave 👍
1957 did a trip from Tamworth to Hull. Rivers Anker , Tame, Trent and Humber.. With a friend in two separate canvas Kayaks.. Sent Kayaks back by Train and hitched back.. Camped on side of river.. It was hard hitching with paddles as people thought they were shotguns.. Was 21 then and just come out of army.. Still canoeing in homemade 12 foot plywood canoe. Love your videos. Keep on canoeing. Derek.
Beautiful cinematography. You have an eye for a camera shot!
I have had a rough evening. However, not after your trip. Thank you Simon. Good wishes to you and your family. Posted March 27 2024.
Great Job, as usual... thanks for the ride along. From Gary in Russia, Ohio. U.S.A.
Gradually working my way through your films since subscribing, and came across these 2 which are great. I'm a regular swimmer between Dedham and Stratford St Mary, and have been contemplating getting a Canoe for trips just like this (as well as planning a slightly crazier idea of swimming the navigation over a number of micro-adventures next year). Thanks - really useful.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to sample canoeing in England. Here in America I spent years poking around little streams much like those in your videos. I grew up in Plymouth Massachusetts and was able to retrace the various canoe routes used by the Wampanog Indians when English settlers founded Plymouth. Our streams are very similar to yours except that there are no accommodations for paddlers. I envy you your lovely portage paths and docks!
Thank you . Simon .
🐺 Loupis Canis .
Almost 200K subscribers now and no surprise. Just love your content Simon.
That was absolutely wonderful ! I'm still getting over my surgery and went to sleep last night after part 1. I woke up today with coffee and part 2 . National Geographic or your national tourism ought to pick that up and use it. It's a work of art ! Gosh I don't know what to say. Show your mum and dad more. I miss my father so much. I lost him in 2005. He was responsible for my love of the outdoors. That was outstanding !! Absolutely outstanding !!!
Thank you Michael! Really, really appreciate your kind words. And thrilled that you enjoyed them. 😁👍🛶
One of the most delightful videos I have watched in a long time. So peaceful. Well done Simon, keep up the good work.
Thank you!
I thoroughly enjoyed both parts, Simon, and at times I felt as though I were sitting in the front of your beautiful canoe...appears to be handcrafted. That was a wonderful canoe trip. The River Stour was one of my favorites. I'm in the market for a canoe as I've outgrown my kayak (limited gear carrier) and would love one like yours but will probably settle for a Swift. Thank you for sharing this incredible trip on this beautiful river.
Thanks Alexander! Yes, it is indeed a home-build - cedar strip with epoxy fibreglass inside and out. It’s lovely to paddle, fast, rigid and super manoeuvrable. You’ll not go wrong with a Swift - great, Uber-lightweight boats, I’d have one in an instant (if only they were available here!!🙁) glad you enjoyed the videos and thanks for coming along! Atb, Simon.
England is so beautiful. I’m in San Francisco, which is beautiful, but I’d love to visit the UK. Thanks!
I loved this two part series and have watched it more than once.The rivers you paddle on are so serene. I am very happy I found your channel and I look forward to watching many more.Keep up the awesome paddles🤩
I’m late but thanks for this video series. Awesome
All i can say absolutely wonderful Simon... Thanks I'm born and bred in Sudbury, people don't realise just how beautiful Suffolk is and the river Stour... Awesome mate! 😀👍
What a lovely river! I enjoyed both parts of this journey very much. Solo paddling and camping has much to be said for it.
That is definitely the best view of the A12.:-)
All the best,
Al
+Knucker - Cheers Al, a gorgeous part of the country - very tranquil. I love solo trips, you can go at your own pace, stop when you want, glide along in complete silence - completely self absorbing!! Lol!! Glad you enjoyed it! Atb, Simon.
Stunning, Simon, just stunning. So pristine. Awesome photography. I will be watching these two videos more than once. I wish I lived in England. I couldn't help but notice the huge contrast at the A12 bridge. People zipping along with their fast paced busy lives while peace and tranquility lie only a few feet below. It made me wonder if they even had a clue.
Probably not Sue! I’ve driven over that bridge a hundred times without even knowing what lies beneath!
Thank you!
Simon
Beautiful. We are going to walk the Stour Valley walk. We will do it in stages as we live in the area. The Stourl in Haverhill used to smell of various things due to effluent from a factory manufacturing flavours and fragrances in the mid 70’s, much cleaner now.
Simon, I can't get any work done watching your AWESOME videos. Just wow. They are always, and I mean always, so enlightening and entertaining. Your spirit is amazing. What a good man you are.
You are too kind Joyce! Thank you!
This has really put the need in me to go canoe camping! Keep up the great work lad! :D
It’s one of life’s simple pleasures! Meandering down a tranquil river, everything you need to live comfortably contained within the bag in front of you, the sound of trickling water, birds and insects........you’ll love it! 😁🛶🏕
as Simon says.....it is the best......
what a lovely way to spend time in your life, i'm so jealous. i would love to visit all the rivers of our lovely country, i just need a canoe, travel money a cat sitter, stamina a ferry ride, someone with a car and someone to come with me.. i do have a tent !
Lovely couple of videos. Reminded me of when we canoed the Stour, it looked like the same camp site too. I see you didn't get attacked by the swan that had us 😃. I'm enjoying watching your various adventures, keep it up 👍
Thank you! Haha - there was once a swan on the Waveney that was a bit like that - super aggressive - they’re normally fine if you give them a wide berth.
What in God's name could anyone dislike about that. Beautiful beautiful absolutely beautiful ! For the third time. Must have accidentally push it.
Thank you Mike! 😁👍🛶
A beautiful river and journey.I liked signs at the last jetty,1 No Swimming,2 Beware deep water.So when some one falls in.What action is left?
Anthony Barrett - Thanks Anthony! It really is a lovely river - serene and seemingly more remote than it actually is! I guess you are just supposed to bob if you can’t swim!? Lol! Thanks for watching, Atb, Simon.
Drowning is not explicitly forbidden, so that seems your only course! I guess it reduces traffic on the river and gets free publicity on the news for the venue.
What a panacea in Covid quarantine days! Dying to get out on the river, but can't, so just keep coming back to this 2 parter..........just delightful....the best, thank you!
Thanks Laurie!
Hopefully it’ll soon be over!
🛶
Fantastic I really enjoyed that. The flumes looked great fun..and the A12 wow! That was an assault to the senses. Subbed hope to see some more canoe journeys soon.
+Martin Outdoors69 -Thank you my friend and thanks for the sub! Yeah, you are right about the A12, the Stour is so serene for most of it, seems much more remote than it is - and then BAM! Hahaha. The flumes were good, I might have shot some other weirs if the water level was a bit lower. Plenty more trips in the pipeline so stay tuned. Atb, Simon.
What a lovely trip. Canoe is top class. And you still have mom and dad. Remember to enjoy them.
Brilliant. Congratulations to the Producer, Director, Sound man, Editor, sub-Editor, Make up department, Location finder, Producer's mum, Soundman's best mate, Extras, Editor's secret lover. The John Constable Appreciation Society....etc..😀. Very enjoyable.
Such a beautiful river and stunning scenery, not forgetting the abundant wildlife along the way. All of this was made possible to share in your river adventure. I have to say that it's a wonderfully made canoe. A pleasure to watch both episodes and I enjoyed them so very much indeed. Cheers and take care...
+John King - Thank you John, I'm really glad you enjoyed them both. The Stour is a stunningly beautiful river! I'm lucky to live not too far away!! My canoe is my pride and joy, it cost me 3 months of hard work, a few pennies and nearly my marriage, but is an absolute pleasure to paddle! All the best, Simon.
An older one now. but I have just enjoyed watching it nevertheless. It's amazing to experience how liberating it feels to do a trip like this. It's time I did another one myself. Great videos as usual. Cheers
I love a canoe trip! 🛶👍😁
Excellent trip, I used to canoe years ago, when I was a lot younger. After watching you on this trip and you and Andy, Kent Survival, on your trips together, I feel I want to take up canoeing again. You know, I may just do it! Thanks Simon, so relaxing, great video.
Thanks Wally. Happy paddling!
I was over 60 when I took up the canoe?
Good to see this.... I live in Nayland. Very good place for paddling. I also fly.....
I came across your vids a couple of months ago while looking up canoe camping tips and now I'm hooked! Living vicariously through you lol, especially in these times. Most media nowadays bombard and overwhelm, but what a refreshing, peaceful approach you have. The Stour vids are classic and will likely go on repeat. Love your music choices as well! I don't see credits for the beautiful acoustic song repeated in this vid. Shazam didn't work. Would you happen to remember the artist/title? Thank you so much for taking us along on your adventures, Simon. Cheers, from Montreal Canada!
(P.S. ever heard of the travel show Departures? It is Canadian (on Netflix) something about your style tells me you might like it :)
Hi Simon, I gave up booze and fags a good few years ago to live my best life and compete at the highest level of my sport which is competitive and can be stressful. You and your friends on here have given me the inspiration to find another activity for my downtime which is equally rewarding but also relaxing. Thank you and keep the films coming, this has been beautiful to watch.
Glad I got to see your day 2 on the River Stour. My grandad's was born in that part of the country near flatford mill sadly I've never visited.
Dave B. Thailand.
Hi Simon, My wife and I go kayaking as often as possible and we normally start at Stratford st Mary to Langham flumes or Stratford to Deadham section alot , we also go Cattawade often. We like to take a snack with for when we turn to go back to the car, the winter is cool to paddle, we take soup in a flask and have it while in the kayak, good times, lol
This 2 day paddle you done is on my list of paddles to do, im so glad i watched it cause i never knew there where so many portages , so its helped me think of what to pack. I have learnt over the last few months that been on the river is my new happy place. All the best.
a little taken aback that you would be travelling in your Canadian canoe but pronouncing "portage" as "port-ig' vs the Canadian style of "portaage" :) :)
Not sure how I missed seeing this 1 before , but it was a lovely can you trip thanks for sharing...
10/10 Simon.... I thought Maggie though was the wife ... until I released she was your dog 😯🙄
Hahaha - I better not tell her that! 😂👍
Would honestly give ANYTHING to be doing this right now
Great videos. Its the 2nd time I've watched them. I am planning this trip myself this year.
My suggestions: show us what it is you are eating? maybe? Different countries have different names for the same thing, I actually had to google "bangers and mash" to see what it was when I first heard that term used. A female from Australia once told me to get on my bike and ride... Didn't need to google that one. haha ATB Simon as always have fun
Hi Simon, Iv'e only recently discovered your channel but so glad I did, I will make time to get back on the water!
Love cruising the English riverways, wish I had a chance to get my feet wet... ☺
Excellent two parts Simon some stunning country side the music went great with the trip film atb. Alb
Albert Jones - Thanks Alb, glad you enjoyed them my friend. It's a beautiful neck 'o the woods. Take care, Simon.
looking for vids if yours during your current hiatus and found this one, nice trip.
Hello , I’ve canoed the stour a few times , can you tell me where you camped , thanks
Simon your a pro ..Canoe looks well balanced ..did you make it yourself
Love the way you film !! The music isn,t nessesary, for me. Love to hear the water and you speaking...perfect
Thank you Agnes, glad you enjoyed the video! I tend to use music less and less with my videos now, a bit in the intro and a bit at the end - I think it’s better without too! Thanks for watching, Atb, Simon.
A soothing trip.
How much does your canoe weigh? You seem to lift it out of the water and portage it fairly easily.
Beautiful ❤️
Do you have any videos of the canoe build and where did you get the plans for it?
Having been born and bred in London I never knew such possible mini hoildays chills like this existed in England.
There are just so many nice little gems tucked away - the rivers are our last wilderness in this country. 🛶
Very nice 👌 paddle. thanks Simon
I notice u take a lot of vac packed foods on trips. How’s that work for meat or not bother?
Looks like a great couple of days. That canoe is beautiful. May I ask how much it weighs and what is the safe maximum load for quiet rivers, canals and lakes?
+David Hair - Thankd David, it was a really nice trip, very relaxing! It weighs about 27kg, really nice and light, great for portage!! As for loading, I couldn't give you a weight as such, but you can certainly pack enough gear and two people for an extended canoe camping trip even though it only has a 900mm width. It also depends a bit on experience too as to how well the canoe can be handled loaded on for example a windy day - trimming the canoe by packing well and choosing a good line down the river etc. Hope this helps! Atb, Simon.
You have wonderful parents.....mine nah
Love these trips of yours. It has inspired me to look for places here in New England to paddle. Expertly crafted Simon, thanks so much for your time, it's a precious thing.
Thank Kevin! I hope you find some quiet creeks to paddle. 😁🛶
Great video and it's fun to go back and find these old videos
That final shot of you taking a photo of your Dad taking a photo of you... priceless!
Thanks for taking us along! It was a very relaxing trip.
Hi new subscriber here. Have you done the Bure or Yare yet
Very watchable Simon. My husband and I so enjoyed watching your journey along the river Stour, so much so you’ve inspired us to take our own old town camper down it later on this year! Keep the videos coming and keep on paddling!
Thank you Lesley! I’m really glad you’ve been inspired - it’s a beautiful, interesting and serene river - I’m confident that you will love it! The campsite near Nayland (Rushbanks) punctuates the trip perfectly giving you two moderately easy paddling days. Good luck and have a great trip!! Atb, Simon.
Love it Simon, as usual, Thank you Sir
Brrrrrrr, you'd need to be in a flippin' icebreaker on the river today lol. I enjoyed the adventure Simon, lovely journey, thanks for sharing - cheers matey ; )
Thanks buddy, it was a really nice trip. I love canoeing at this time of year too - wrapped up well, the rivers are quiet, lots of water in them and the weeds have died back so they are generally much clearer. But yes, bloody cold!!! Atb, Simon.
another nice video THANKS
Constable country watch out for paint brushes as he was a one for leaving them about take it eazle today have some food and quench your palit ha ha good videos as always can't believe I've mist this video and it's from 2017
😂😂😂 love it! Thanks Stephen.
What a wonderful video, Simon. I've paddled this river many times as it's my local river. The flumes at Langham are great, camped there on more than one occasion, absolutely beautiful. Only just discovered your channel and it's great, well done and keep the videos coming. All the best, Trev.
Thanks Trev! Glad you enjoyed the video - we are blessed with a few nice paddles in the East aren’t we!! Loved the flumes - going to try the left one next time 🛶 Atb, Simon.
why would anyone give a thumps down even one. thank you for another great vid
Thank you! Some people just do it because they can I guess and it’s anonymous! Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🛶
Why does everyone pass to the left on this river?
I surely do enjoy watching your skill handling that beautiful canoe. A shame Maggie couldn't come along but understandable. As always, great adventure and excellent videography. I know it's a lot of work setting and retrieving camera equipment. Much appreciated sir!
Splendid, beautiful canoe, gorgeous river. Thanks for sharing.
William Sanborn - Thank you! My canoe is my absolute pride and joy, worth every bit of effort it took to build it. The Stour really is a lovely tranquil river and dispite its proximity to the human world, it seems much more remote than it actually is! If you ever get the chance to explore it, I highly recommend! Atb and thanks for watching. Simon.
Thanks for the wonderful trip down memory lane. A bunch of us from the Deben Canoe Club paddled the Stour (we pronounced it Stoo-er) in the '70s in kayaks, spending 4 days to go out on the estuary to Shotley. Lovely video. And fine job on the canoe!
Simon, I really enjoy your videos. Watching your canoe trip videos makes me feel really envious that I don’t live in the UK near your parts. I would love to do some trips with you. Most of my canoeing trips were in California and in upstate New York (Adirondacks) years ago. Not much canoeing opportunities here in Nebraska USA. Well done.
Thank you for a lovely, relaxing evening sharing your paddle through some beautiful English countryside.
Feel very lucky to have this gorgeous stretch of river just 20 minutes from my door - in fact during the summer I swim quite regularly just by the Fenn Bridge at 13.30!
Beautiful chilling Vids Simon thanks.
Daniele S. Toscana magnifico video
Simon - just viewed this for first time now. All of your adventures are amazing - my thanks for your sharing.
I know this isn’t a new video, but in one of the others you mention you built your Birch Bark canoe over a three month period. Do you have videos on the build ? Many years ago I worked as a instructor at a Boy Scout camp and I always enjoyed canoeing. We enjoyed some minor white water trips with canoes and we had a ceremonial canoe with wooden ribs etc I was enlisted to Paddle from time to time. I notice you use the “J” stroke while many newer canoeist seem to use a double paddle an paddle as if it were a kayak !
Another great film Simon. Thanks so much. I see there are lots of low branches and trees, is it difficult to navigate for a beginner? Any tips?
Looking to do some adventure kayaking/wild camping on here this summer. Where was you camped when the video started? Their seems to be some quite good spots to pull up & pitch overnight in the middle of nowhere along various stretches. I've done the cattawade to flatford trip a few times.
I've ordered the environment agency stour navigation guide as a starter.
Hi, thanks for watching. There are loads of spots you could camp, tucked away out of sight. I camped at a campsite near Nayland called Rushbanks. I only stopped there as I didn’t know the river well and wasn’t sure if there would be any good wild camp spots - there are! It’s a lovely paddle! Enjoy! Atb, Simon.
Fantastic river journey Simon, so peaceful. I’m sitting in my Costa Coffee shop in Chelmsford overlooking the river Chelmer (nowhere as nice as the Stour). Yes, as I sup my coffee I’m watching your film and wishing I was there with you. Hired the row boat at Dedham in June on a baking hot day and really enjoyed the river, although very busy. I’ve noticed with some of your films on TH-cam that your lips are not always in sync with your speech, I find the same with my films. Viewing back on the camera everything is in sync but as soon as it’s downloaded to the Tube it sometimes is out? Cheers and happy paddling. ⛺️
+LiveSimplyFilms Mountain Mike - Thanks Mike! Glad you enjoyed it - it’s a gorgeous river - feels quite secluded and really peaceful! I’ll check out the audio - I sometimes find the same if I watch back one of my videos on my phone - but when I watch it on the computer it’s fine? (I don’t sit there watching my own videos by the way - it’s just if I get a comment on a particular event and I want to check or remind myself!! Lol!) Atb, Simon.
Yeah, Gerry Anderson had the same problem with the Thunderbirds...
Very enjoyable, and great job filming!
+Weekend Wanderer - Thanks, glad you enjoyed it my friend! It took a lot of 'going back to get the camera' lol!! Atb, Simon.
Thank you for sharing a little of your personal life with us. Not only are you a bloke in the woods, but you are a down to earth bloke in the woods and on the waterways. I had to look up John Constable.
Loved both of them x see you on the river
Enjoyed both, really liked the camera on the canoe seeing the sights and hearing the sounds as if we were right there with you.
What a great video series. Thank you. I love the back story about your parents dropping off!
Thanks for sharing Simon.
What a relaxing video and what a beautiful canoe - you must be really proud of that!
Really enjoyed both videos, thanks for posting :)
Really enjoyed the videos Simon, so relaxing and peaceful...