St Patrick's Stream Circular Kayak Adventure – A Trip That Cost More Than Expected!
Updated: 3 days ago
A beautiful backwater, two camera disasters and an unexpected rescue mission! Tim, Alan and I headed out from Wokingham Waterside Centre to explore the St Patrick's Stream circular kayak route near Sonning in Berkshire.
Setting off towards Sonning Lock
Our route took us upstream along the River Thames to Sonning Lock, through the narrow and winding St Patrick's Stream, then via Shiplake Lock and back down the Thames. The wind and current made the opening stretch a bit of a slog. We all prefer the quieter, narrower waterways to long stretches of open river.
Camera overboard at Sonning Lock
As I climbed out of my kayak at Sonning Lock, my foot caught the lanyard of my DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and pulled the camera straight into the water.
We spent ages searching with boat hooks and an underwater camera, but eventually had to admit defeat and paddle on.
The beautiful St Patrick's Stream
The stream was the highlight of the day. It winds through lovely Berkshire countryside with overhanging trees, tight bends and submerged branches to negotiate.
Some sections are surprisingly narrow, but that is exactly the sort of exploring I enjoy most.
Another camera disaster
My DJI Osmo 360 looked as though it was recording, but much of the footage from the very section I most wanted to film turned out to be corrupted.
Thankfully Tim, from the YouTube channel A Fool in a Canoe, kindly shared his footage so I could finish the film.
Shiplake Lock and the return
We stopped for a bite to eat at Shiplake Lock before returning along the Thames. The wider river was less exciting than the stream, although we found time for a joke attempt at ordering a Domino's pizza from a riverside 'emergency' phone! We then passed through Sonning Lock and headed back towards the start.
Tim's extraordinary rescue mission
The story did not end there. The next day Tim returned to Sonning Lock in a drysuit, searched underwater and amazingly recovered my lost Osmo Action 5 Pro! What a lovely thing to do.
His rescue video and the follow-up revealing whether the camera still works can be seen below.
My verdict
St Patrick's Stream was absolutely worth the trip. The winding, sheltered backwater is wonderful fun to explore, even if the Thames sections are more of a means to an end.
Check river levels, conditions and navigation restrictions before setting off, and secure your cameras properly!
Watch the adventure
Watch the full trip here
Plan your own paddle
My detailed route guide, with navigation information and planning advice can be seen by clicking below.
Until next time, stay safe and happy paddling! Tom – Paddle With Tom.
