We found the best place to start was near Stowmarket railway station off the B1115 Stowupland rd. Just past the Station is Prentice road which leads past the Xcel night club (IP14 1RQ for your Sat Nav). Further down Prentice road on the right hand side is a turning to the ‘Salentina Ristorante' whose car park backs onto waste ground and the river footpath, where we found easy access and plenty of room to turn the trailer and launch.

There was enough water to begin with though it was fairly dirty and smelly as it was until we cleared the Stowmarket factories.

Portage 1.

We hit the first small weir at the second footbridge along, which we easily portaged on the left side footpath. (Note all portage references are as you look down-stream towards Ipswich)

There was then a shallow and reedy patch where we had to get out and walk.