The next Doggy Paddle is planned for 13th May 2012, please pencil it into your diaries and we will confirm it here as soon as we can.

Some photos from the 2011 Doggy Paddle are available here on flickr.com or on Facebook.

The Doggy Paddle is a recreational canoe and kayak event in aid of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. The trip runs from Royal Leamington Spa, along the rivers Leam and Avon, and ends in historic Stratford-upon-Avon. The run takes you through the spectacular grounds of Warick Castle and Charlecote Manor, and it is the only time of the year that you can run this beautiful and fascinating stretch of river.

This is a flat-water trip open to any competent paddler who is capable of paddling 18 miles. The cost of entering the event is £10 for adults, £5 for under-18s (providing they are accompanied by an adult and capable of completing the trip).

• Doggy Paddle Instructions 2011
• Doggy Paddle Entry Form 2011
• Directions to Vantage Points
• Sponsorship Form

The Doggy Paddle have a group on Facebook

Details:

1. At about 9-30 am-ish, after signing-in, get on the water below the weir at Edmundscote Sports Field. Paddle the short distance along the river Leam until it enters the river Avon. Continue downstream.

2. When you reach the broken bridge beneath Warwick Castle you reach the only COMPULSORY portage. The portage route will be clearly marked on the left of the river-right weir. You must NOT under any circumstances shoot or play on the dangerous weirs at Warwick Castle. Do not approach either the waterwheel or the sluice.

Do NOT stop while at or near Warwick Castle, as the Trebuchet randomly throws a 1 ton concrete block over 300meters!

3. After a few miles the river flows past Barford Mill where a small shallow rapid runs slowly under the bridge and the next weir on river right. Portage river right immediately after weir, or river left via foot-bridge. Note there is a second dangerous weir beyond the bridge (marked 'NO ENTRY') - do not shoot! Emergency route via house near bridge.

4. Not long to the next weir at Hampton Lucy Mill, where there is a portage on the river-right just before the weir. Note there is a second dangerous weir (marked 'NO ENTRY') - do not shoot! Emergency route at bridge. Phone box at church.

5. Soon after you pass through Charlecote House you will reach some river-wide deer gates. Portage recommended. You will see the large country Manor on river-left and the joining of the river Deane with a rocky weir at its mouth. Emergency route via the paddock.

6. A couple of miles after Charlecote Park you will find another weir at Alveston with difficult portage on river-right. Note there is a second dangerous weir (marked 'NO ENTRY')
- do not shoot! Emergency route at campsite
½ mile downstream on river left

7. The river then meanders down towards Stratford Bridge,
which carries the A3400 across the Avon. Beyond this on river-right
is the Stratford Theatre. Carry on another 100m and get out river-left,
just after the bowling green but before the ferry. There you will
see the Doggy-Paddle tent. Congratulations - you've finished!