Exploring the River Gipping by Canoe. Honey Stove BBQ Lunch. Cedar Strip Canoe.

In this video, I am finally back out on the water in my cedar strip canoe. I decided to explore a lesser known and lesser paddled bit of water, the river Gipping in Suffolk which eventually becomes the Orwell further downstream.
Once a valuable trade route, the river was canalised in the 1790s with the building of fifteen locks to allow for the 90 foot height difference between the town of Stowmarket, where the navigation begins and the port of Ipswich. The locks gates were removed in the 1930s when the navigation was abandoned due to increased profitability of rail transport, but the locks themselves survive, a series of weirs and sluices used instead to control the flow - adding to the challenge of the paddle!
I paddled just a short section of the river between Needham lakes and Stowmarket and encountered many obstructions across the river, not to mention the weirs themselves - all adding to the fun of the journey!
A barbecue lunch stop of cheese burgers with wild garlic cooked on the Honey stove made the adventure complete - a thoroughly enjoyable morning!
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching!
Links
River Gipping Trust
rivergippingtr...
Honey Stove
www.backpackin...
PCF Hot Sauce
www.perkoschil...
Contact me at:
[e-mail]
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
Facebook - Simon, a bloke in the woods
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Instagram - simon_a_bloke_in_the_woods
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Music:
Firefly By. Chris Haugen
Future King of Heaven. By Zachariah Hickman

[@stephencawley971]

Relatively recent to this channel. What I’m so impressed with, apart from Simon of course, is the wonderfully positive “Simon community” - so completely refreshing, shows that at least some social media is very worthwhile. Simon - I’m now a complete fan. Keep up this fantastic work which has kept me going through the last 10 days in a quarantine hotel!

[@RandyLea]

If you like Simon, you really must watch Richard Outdoors, especially recent videos. They did one video together a bit ago. You will thank me.

[@papajeff5486]

And Kent Survival...

[@RandyLea]

@@papajeff5486 I totally agree with you, I always watch Andy. But Richard has a wicked sense of humor, especially related to Simon. But then Richard doesn't use as much ketchup.

[@Gravitational234]

@@RandyLea Thanks for the tip. I did and he is rather amusing haha

[@stephencawley971]

Penultimate day in quarantine hotel so I will!

[@mushandsnowman2908]

Thanks simon...great vid...

[@penman8985]

Another cracking film Simon. You are a true gent. 👋👋👍 Simon

[@BeeKay4444]

Last message I promise….Simon your dedication to details and to leave trace behind is something I really admire. I wish more people were that way.

[@parthik85]

Your videos are a stress relief simon keep uploading videos often👍👍👍👍

[@BeeKay4444]

Hi Simon. I doubt you will see this but I just wanted you to know that your enthusiasm and positivity really lifts me from some heavy sad times. Thank you so very much for all you do with these videos. You do such an incredible job.

[@marcgelly7639]

The "trunk pass" minute 14:50!!!! 😱👏 And Charcoal and Parafine!!! it is a very good idea!! Thanks again Simon for this perfect video!!

[@duaneho555]

Greetings from Alaska,USA. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@hermybaharuddin1285]

I have Hypertension and anxiety.. Your videos along with Andy's videos are all very calming and so relaxing, and really helps in easing down my anxiety level.. Thank u so much for sharing all your adventures with us. Greetings from Malaysia..

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! I’m really glad they help mate! 👍👍

[@Draculhuhn]

Yes, they do indeed help. They show life actually can be good some days

[@hermybaharuddin1285]

@@Draculhuhn exactly..

[@magnuskjellsson3524]

Hi, you can watch Erik Normark he makes special films,

[@crawwwfishh3284]

@@Draculhuhn Life is a flower. IF you know when to hold and when to fold.

[@janwaller3585]

You sure were determined to travel the river will all challenges in it and around . Always great to be out in Nature ❤️

[@thebiggerbyte5991]

The lengths you go to film all this for us are not wasted on us. Love this channel!

[@rolandsalazar9562]

Simon is simply a brilliant person. His tenacity to paddle is unsurpassed. Nothing deters him. Every detour a welcomed challenge. Cheers mate 🙏🏼⛺️😎

[@jimlydle4170]

The way you got over that tree was magic. The roads have potholes the rivers have trees and they expect users on the waterways to have permits ! To " keep the waterways in good order " . Another great vid as usual I seem to watch them out of order but will get there.

[@PDZ1122]

" Do you like River Gipping?" - " I don't know, I've never rivergipped."

[@steveipswich]

Thanks Simon for sharing I really enjoyed your adventure through the Gipping, I live in the local area and it was great to see this 👍

[@BeeKay4444]

I am cheering you on with the processed cheese…..just one of those staple foods from growing up that I refuse to give up full stop.

[@MrHeyhomes]

back in 1997-1998 me and a friend took a river tour on a inflatable Lilo and let me tell you the river from stow to needham market was much cleaner back then. Lovely video, shame they don't improve the river like the old days.

[@donwalker3949]

Great to see you out n about again. Caught up with all your videos over lock down, they have been a life saver. Thanks.

[@mesmogruvinski]

Beautiful closing music. Summed up the day.

[@davidbee8793]

Dandy little film, this. Very ASMR, very well done. I appreciate the considerable effort expended to bring it to the masses. Thanks, Simon.

[@KimberlyGreen]

With that weir early on & GoPro view from the canoe, it suddenly became "Simon, a boat in the woods" 😄

[@gazzabowers1184]

Yeh Kimberly knowing the river Gipping you never really know what's getting pumped into it. It's definitely not the cleanest rivers. stay safe.

[@yakinkate7946]

That acrobat performance on the tree and portage over it was very impressive. LOL!

[@RichardOutdoors]

I love you mate, but at 15:05 I was shouting, ‘PLEASE FALL IN!’ 😉👍🤣

[@anneli1735]

😂😂😂

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - next time! 😁💦

[@Dogteddy1]

Must cost you a fortune , all the cameras you leave behind !

[@linabing9181]

😂

[@migranthawker2952]

🤣🤣🤣

[@hubby-tubadventures01]

That's why I subbed. I collect them in the dark. Don't tell anyone though.

[@peterstrafer3329]

😆

[@squirrelcovers6340]

😂

[@stst9185]

Simon....you are one TENACIOUS paddler!! Lol. Nothing stands in your way! I was exhausted watching you taking that canoe in and out of that river........never mind the acrobatics act!!!! You're amazing! So glad you're able to get back out again. We're doing the same here in Miami, FL US. Thank God!!

[@VileVeil]

I love how you balanced on that fallen log and got the canoe over but also set up the shot on the camera so we could watch it! Amazing skills! I'm so glad I found this channel, thanks Simon.

[@lizdg3892]

Yeah that was a tricky one. I’d of certainly gotten soaked on that one.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks mate! 😁

[@outdoorpoormet9447]

@@lizdg3892 We don't know how many try's it took him to do it with out falling in. LOL

[@abefrohman1759]

I’m impressed with your canoe every time I see it.

[@Malarkama]

Who could hate you Simon (your charcaol, paraffin and lighter comment)?! You're always so well prepared and SO positive and upbeat. I really enjoy watching your adventures in nature and your filming is fabulous. I can see how this was helpful experience for your Scandinavian challenges! Hope you and your family are well.

[@bonpecheur4565]

Great to see you back in the water with your beautiful canoe . 🛶👍

[@paulconnor8519]

I know this is an older vid Simon but it kills me everytime I hear your stunningly beautiful boat get dragged over rocks, I know things are made to be used for their intended purpose and you treat your kit with care, but I do wince every time. Great channel great vids thank you.

[@annenewton5403]

Lovely to see this journey on the river you always smile at the challenges,great burgers..the weirs look scary..its so peaceful watching you,thank you.

[@steveqhanson6835]

Simon you're the best. I so much enjoy your vids. You know we were all waiting for you to fall off that log :-)

[@chipbutty5376]

Hi Simon you have inspired me into bushcraft so I would like to say thank you.I watch one of your videos every night to pick up ideas which has helped me so much anyway oh & Maggie is lovely 😊

[@northernembersoutdoors1045]

Good balancing on that log to get the canoe over and not fall in! A well deserved burger with the paddling and the in and out of the canoe, nice one thanks.

[@andrewking7672]

That one would’ve met the bacho laplander before I tried balancing my tubby butt on it...🤦‍♂️

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha -it was a bit sketchy - i wasn’t sure if it would take my weight! 😂

[@bobchamberlain6184]

Thanks fella, I walked that stretch today, 30/12/21, I am not 52 and have fished every spare hour on the lower stretches Sproughton, Bramford, sharmford , Needham and seen the massive decline of the river since they took over, its breaks my heart to see a once majestic rivers destruction by the EA, I won't let them loose on a puddle tbh

[@ianrankin1293]

Great that you are back out on the water,your videos make me wonder why the hell I pay for a TV licence! Very jealous of your beautiful canoe!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@TheFilet13]

Wowwws thats stunning little strech full of brownies! Such a peaceful place

[@exileinderby51]

That could so easily turned in to Simon, a bloke in the river and if it had been me, I would certainly gone for an impromptu swim! Those burgers did look good though.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks, Simon. I could watch this kind of content all day. I often do. lol. 🙂👍🛶

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Brian! 👍

[@jimmccarron1286]

Another nice informative and relaxing video loved it Simon , you always make folks really relaxed watching your videos well done from Scotland .

[@Menehune521]

I'm a new subscriber and fan. I enjoy watching all your videos, which are entertaining and educational. I can see the teacher in you. It's always a pleasure seeing Maggie or Tom. Thank you for all your hard work, and looking forward to your next video.... and your music selection is "Spot on!"

[@michaelnowak993]

Thanks Simon, another great video! Most be so nice to live so close to the water!

[@Seamus3051]

I would have great difficulty bringing myself to portage such a beautiful craft; for fear of marring the surface of, what is truly, a work of art :-) :-) Cheers

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Seamus - it’s tougher than it looks, the scratches can be dealt with 👍👍

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Perfect burger. Making me hungry and it's bed time. Great vid.

[@bradlyttle]

Good to see spring has sprung and you're once again getting your canoe wet. Thanks for this Simon.

[@tonygoring4704]

Hah! That's what she said!

[@scottculver]

That burger - so extravagant in the brambles, looked so good!

[@eddiekeylon323]

Charcoal, cheese, lighter.. i dont mind at all. Just glad to see you back out and about bloke...

[@bradlyttle]

How fortunate to have a friend who gifts them with Cornish bacon?! Wow!! A friend indeed. Everyone needs a friend like Ginge. ATB. from Canada.

[@carlaubrey3044]

Inspirational and yet again good cooking! Keep posting Simon, Thanks

[@anthonydixon4470]

Really impressed by the log walking!!!!!

[@mikepauly4855]

Nobody can dis anything you did cooking because look around it’s beautiful sometimes you need a layer back day trip was awesome thankyou Simon

[@juliedrakeArtist]

Thanks Simon, that was great. A lovely relaxing watch and that burger looked so good

[@ECWoodlandCrafts]

Am I the only person who had circus music playing in their head as Simon balanced on that fallen tree?

[@thomhollyer4102]

Fantastic to discover KZbin channels by people near me! Grew up on the Norfolk coast, a stones throw from the Broads, and now dwell on the Suffolk/Essex border! Subscribed right away and can't wait to see more vids in places I recognise.

[@emijuman1397]

Thank you for sharing your journey, and knowledge of your surroundings. Your video was enjoyable to watch. Fun watching you navigate your boat in out of the water. I’m guessing, more fun for me to have watched, then it was for you to have actually lugged. That BBQ looked so delicious 😋 Nice job on cutting up those pickles.

[@martinoutdoors6941]

When I saw you step onto that narrow log I thought “this is it, this is the episode Simon takes a swim”...😂 good balance sir.

[@vikingbushcraft1911]

The epic amount of portage is worth a 👍 by itself - great vid

[@christopherparisi9396]

I love these paddling trips

[@wingtsang2158]

Amazing short trip keep them up Simon your attention to detail is exceptional as per normal!

[@sharonnorman3799]

Loving seeing the English countryside or waterways. I lived in Nottingham for two years with my young sons. Did not see waterways. Would hire an old bedford van and drive to Shepton Mallett to sister in laws and with her 4 girls day tripped around southern areas. Now age and health (we won't mention cov) preclude such adventures. So I can live them through your videos. Funnily I also watch Girl in the woods in Michigan and Alaska. Also Corporals corner. Thank you for posting your video adventures. Most watchable. Thank you from Melbourne Australia. In our 5th lock down.

[@carljansen3118]

@15:05 that was some impressive obstacle aversion, and cat-like balancing skills 👏🏻😂

[@falafel4618]

Great to see you out & about again. Thx for your very quick PM reply about the coastal path walk through Happy's borough! Looking forward to more escapades! Good work.

[@gh-vi9tk]

I know the part beyond where you turned around and you did the right thing. Its choked up and narrow and nothing to see. New to your channel, great material, thanks!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I thought it might be from what I read - thank you and welcome to the channel! 👍

[@thizizliz]

What a great day! Your homemade canoe gas certainly held up beautifully. It will likely last many decades to come.

[@dougstonge8433]

Simon..what a nice adventure..so peacuful and enjoyable especially during the Covid

[@markramsell454]

A nice close in river. Always liked paddling the small channels.

[@eatrideselfrealiserepeat]

When you come to obstructions I sometimes expect you to whip out some massive home made saw and process a cord of wood into a neat pile to dry aside a future campsite 😂.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - wish I’d thought of that now! 😁

[@fredbustin3788]

Really enjoyed that. Nice way to relax after a stressful day at work. In a few weeks I will have mine in the water!

[@grimlightwildoutdoors]

You look well happy to be out and about again 👍😀👏🏻👏🏻⛺️🙏👍🏕

[@angryfatguy4503]

i find your channel so great simply because of Maggie. to watch you two rummage around the countryside just brings a smile to my face. there is just something about the relationship between a man in his dog i find heart warming.

[@monahawk]

Hi Simon! Thanks for another great vid! I always watch your vids as soon as they get posted. Waving from Western Oregon USA.

[@MadGingerCat]

Who the actual thumbs down this awesome content?

[@johnmcphee2201]

thats a lovely day out and good for the mind with every thing thats going on just now.

[@philshepherd90]

Another great video and I love your selection of music. Your canoe is well suited to that river. Thanks for exploring on our behalf..

[@aramarsh]

Good to see the UK is nearly out of lockdown, that looked like fun! Those burgers... you making me hungry 😋

[@martin1698]

Thank you for a lovely day out didn't bring my own food as you had plenty. Keep up the great videos and a few more trips on a river Best regards Martin King

[@AmyOutdoors]

Oh that burger! Great exploration trip too. Thank Simon 👍

[@billygoatfilms7531]

Great Canoeing trip Simon, very well filmed. Big thumbs up from me. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@davidjohnson-ot9mt]

Thats a burger lol, thanks for a great video Simon, superb!!!

[@N1N4K]

My Father always has a beer..... or a few lol..... while having the bbq on.... so that 1. he can enjoy a drink and 2. pour some on the flames which then also flavours the meat / whatever he has on the bbq. Loved the vid

[@MHarenArt]

Yay! Love your canoe trips! Always so pretty and interesting and t his one did not disappoint. I dare say that was not you expected with having to carry so often, and I would be lost by now! LOL! Your burgers made my mouth water. Thanks for sharing once again, Simon! Cheers!

[@RandyLea]

Only thing, burgers require mustard, not ketchup and certainly not mayonnaise.

[@MHarenArt]

@@RandyLea LOL! Mustard is for hot dogs!

[@MA-uu3sb]

I absolutely love how you give some educational points of the area. It’s always nice to hear and get new knowledge. Wonderful post as always

[@shannonrinehart4635]

Simon, I really enjoyed going with you on that trip! Next time make an extra burger for me! ahaha You know how us Americans like our burgers! Very beautiful scenery! Thanks for sharing! S

[@annebeginn2034]

Cor blimey Simon, that’s just what I needed. Feels like a lifetime for the lockdown to end. Lovely video thank you soooo much for taking the time to take us all with you 😊 x

[@TheOutdoorSeeker]

We just started the 3rd lock-down today. Good thing I got to camp few weeks ago.

[@annebeginn2034]

@@TheOutdoorSeeker I’ve camped in the garden, have open fields to walk with my dog and the beach across the road with a country park and lakes. Starting to know it like the back of my hand ☺️. Was nice to see a change of scenery x

[@malstanding]

Terrific video as usual. Allows me to get out without going out. Keep to up.

[@farnorthpicker56]

We can’t wait to get out paddling here in northern Canada. It will be early this year but still at least a month away! Enjoyed this video, gorgeous opening music too!

[@graceygrumble]

I love this kind of exploratory adventure. Sometimes, it's bloody awful and you think to yourself "This is why it's unexplored", but every now and again, you find a deserted, tranquil little spot; a crystal clear plunge-pool of pleasure and only the birds to share it with. If all else fails, bring decent grub, then, you can't go wrong!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Me too - you normally have the place to yourself! 😁🛶

[@Tom_Bee_]

Fantastic. Just what the doctor ordered.

[@DartyD]

Great to see you back on the water Simon 👍🛶

[@garphykeks]

Two negative's ? What unholy place must those buggers be in👎😣A Joyful return to the canoe pal, and thank you for filming it👌 Spirits well and truly lifted🙏💙

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Marty! 😁👍

[@ronaldpullen2892]

That is an absolutely gorgeous canoe

[@stuartbalmer8112]

So good to have these video's back Simon. I live just down the road from you in N Suffolk.

[@TheClembo]

Thanks for a lovely trip up the river, appreciated your quality work in and out and in again. Made me feel good after being inside for so long. Keep up the great work. Live long and prosper. Cheers.

[@knucker4931]

What a great little paddle. You definitely need a pole Simon, save your nice wooden paddle. Useful in a multidute of ways. Charcoal and parafin... shakes head in despair. Processed cheese I approve of. Sometimes a bloke just needs what he wants. I'm a big fan of an occasional ready salted crisp sarny with salad cream in some slices of monsanto white. All the best Al

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Can’t beat a crisp sarny! 😋 Cheers matey

[@vetworker]

I’m surprised you’d never heard of the Gipping. Funnily enough I walked a small section of the Gipping a couple of weeks ago with my mate Eric who was most probably the driver of the train in your video. I saw the river was quite chocked up with fallen trees etc. I said to Eric that Simon a bloke in the woods wouldn’t be impressed 😂👍👍. Great to see you back out on the water. Finally a bit of freedom for all of us.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - small world mate! 😁👍

[@sargie7828]

Great video mate as always. And processed cheese is a must for a bbq burger! 👍

[@mphigham1963]

Thought you were going to get your bow saw out when you got to that downed tree. I’ll also bet a few people were hoping you’d fall in. Not me of course Simon !! Another fab video. Cheers Pal !

[@tarmacdemon]

That"s a very nice canoe indeed well balanced . You don"t say if you built it I have gone back through your past video"s but all I find is home built canoe . If you did do the build you have done a beautiful job .

[@ajdooom]

What a risky but skillfully executed manouevre that was, climbing the log and pulling the canoe over. I initially thought you would have cut through a section so you could pass it then but then realised you had a camera attached to it! And that's the great thing, you forget about all the camera setting up you must have done and go with the flow and enjoy watching it.

[@trentwalters]

Awesome video glad to see you back out Simon and looking forward to more videos