A paddle down the river Little Ouse in Norfolk. A brew on the Honey Stove.

[@Lazzeroni-NorCal]

Fun to watch your older videos. You have such a signature. Love them!

[@Arizona-Sonoran-Desert-Guy]

I'm re-watching his entire archives now that Simon is taking a filming break until the Spring of '24. I immensely enjoy the historical aspects he includes in his videos. For example, at 16:40, the Village of Santon Downham was buried in a sandstorm where a lush forest grows now. This archival gem made me want to read more about this event on the Discovering Britain website.

[@garyshuttleworth3459]

slowly making my way through your videos, i think what appeals is scenery, sound, tranquility and overall calmness of the videos

[@BeeKay4444]

Just getting into some of your older content. Love it all Simon!

[@therebornhealthnut7002]

Found your channel while researching roof tents. Now I am hooked. Working my way through your backlog. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration to a city boy with outdoor aspirations

[@ge8448]

Ha! I loved it when you pulled out the Clif bar! I love those things.

[@lesleym6952]

Hi Simon, started watching you after finding you on Andy’s channel (which my algorithms showed me from binging canal boat videos 🤷🏻‍♀️😂) and I have to say, they are outstanding. Am working through them starting from the beginning and you have such a wonderful eye and the tone of your videos - I don’t know how to explain other than I find them so relaxing ☺️

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Simon . 🐺 Loupis Canis .

[@mrspontiac9174]

I have a cousin who lives in Thetford and it was lovely to see a little bit of the countryside around her home (I'm in Australia). Thank you!

[@optimisticgal]

Only recently came across you and great videos. Thanks!

[@veronique841]

When peace like a river attendeth my way..it is well with my soul .Thank you Simon -such a wonderful place .

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@loaferx5409]

Either you have tremendous balance or that is an incredibly stable canoe. I'm impressed with how you are able to step in and out of it. It is a work of art.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+LoaferXcursions - Thank you! It is a very stable canoe, a bit of rocker but enough flat bottom to sit steady, if you know what I mean. Stability has been put to the test a couple of times, once when my 60kg Newfoundland 'Maggie' decided she'd rather be out of the canoe than in!! I thought I was going in for sure!! Lol. Atb, Simon.

[@ninasmith7109]

Thanks for your videos, Simon. Looking forward to paddleboarding this route tomorrow and discovering a river I haven't paddled yet.

[@RM-io7qo]

What a lovely trip along the Little Ouse, but it is such a shame that even though we have a rivers authority, they seem incapable of keeping their charges tidy and fully navigable. It's great to see that the quality of the water seems to be doing well if the clarity is anything to go by. The journey by canoe appears to be a calming one and you make it all look easy to tackle. Thank you, Simon for sharing your river adventure, it's much appreciated. Take care...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

John King - Thanks John, glad you enjoyed it. It was a peaceful paddle, once away from the town and the A11. Sadly, is all too common these days, our rivers, especially the smaller ones seem to get neglected. And we wonder why flooding seems to be on the increase - I know it's changing weather patterns, but if the rivers were clear, runoff would be more effective and all that water would get away from flood zones much more quickly! There, rant over!! I feel better now, lol! It's a beautiful river though, and sometimes, the strainers can be fun.....sometimes. Atb and thanks for taking a look, Simon. 👍

[@jasonedmunds5821]

Dropped lucky with the weather again, looked a beautiful day to be out. As for the tea, everything's better with a cup of tea! Over the years I've been to some festivals in truly awful weather but as long as I can make a brew it's fine.... Another great video, love that little stove you had too.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+Jason Edmunds -Cheers Jason! I can't believe how lucky I've been, I'm sure the rain'll catch up with me one day!! The stove is a honey stove, super little stove, packs down flat and runs really efficiently on just a few pencil thick sticks, perfect for a quick brew!! or it'll take a meths burner like the trangia. Atb, Simon.

[@grahamcheck3683]

Loved the background music Simon

[@MarkoCoomo]

Lush. Pretty tempted to try and build one this autumn. We will see.

[@WarrenKimpel]

another nice video THANKS

[@petemcpherson2259]

Nice, I love those slow moving river trips, in good weather I'll take my kayak out for hours and enjoy every minute, thanks fo sharing Simon, love your channel!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Pete, glad you enjoyed it! It’s a nice stretch of river, nothing quite like it for cleansing the mind and relaxing! Cheers and Happy Paddling! Simon.

[@coachp7486]

Thanks for the little journey, Simon. You’ll have to do a video on your favorite tea’s ! Great stuff !

[@Sirrehpotsirch]

lovely time on the river...

[@the_heretic]

Thanks for sharing this lovely journey Simon. I live in Bury and have spent many days fishing this river, mainly at Lakenheath and the village of Little Ouse.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Vince - I really like the Little Ouse, I’d like to explore further - the section past Brandon is supposed to be lovely. I’m not a fisherman, but I can see why this would be a great river to fish! Cheers, Simon.

[@PaulBaird]

I'm considering taking a narrowboat to Brandon, and then canoeing to Thetford next summer so this video is incredibly useful.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Nice! I’ve paddled the whole length of the Little Ouse - a nice river! 👍🛶

[@johantimmer3467]

Beautiful canoe. A friend of mine made several himself, as well as a wooden sea kayak. As he didn't need it anymore, he gave me his good old Mohawk 500, which I now use on the little rivers around here (I'm dutch but I live in France) as well as to enjoy my monopoly on the blackberries on the canal's back. No access overland there and too shallow for any other sort of boat. If ever you get to our area I'll be happy to show you some of these places. I've started paddling this Mohawk more thatn 40 years ago and am still as happy with Gatz's inclinable seats which make paddling on one's knees considerably less of a pain in the butt...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Johan! That was a good score - being given the Mohawk - and a tribute to it as you’re still paddling it 40 years later! I love the small shallow stretches of water - they are always more wild, secluded and quiet. All the better for seeing wildlife and like you say - grabbing some tasty treats! All the very best and happy new year!

[@jamessd7677]

I like Thetford and that area, came there last August for a holiday, ( well Thorpe Forest ), the Forestry Commission log cabins there, will be coming back again this year too. Nice quiet little towns and rural scenery, love Diss as well as Thetford, and the broads up the road. Thanks mate.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+James S D - cheers James, I consider myself very fortunate to live in this area, there's a lot on offer -woodland, the broads, as you say, beautiful countryside especially at the moment with the rapeseed in full colour!! I live just outside Diss, so I'm slap bang in the middle really! Thorpe woodlands is lush too! I've not stayed, but walked past many times along the Peddars Way. Atb mate, Simon.

[@jeffmcgrath8718]

Very good enjoyed the history lesson as well thanks

[@dianejacklin3433]

Great video. I love the trips down the river because of the wildlife that you encounter. The Little Ouse seemed difficult to navigate though. It is in need of a good cleanup. Apart from that I found the trip very relaxing and beautiful.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+Diane Jacklin - Thank you! Yes, lots of trees down after the high winds we had! I'm sure they'll get on to it though, it's a fairly popular route. Loads of rubbish in the river too. Next time I'll take some bin bags!!

[@felicityhoyle7020]

My neck of the woods. Interesting to see it from the river! Thanks! Lovely canoe., a work of art.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Felicity!

[@MrTowton1461]

I know this area well. Great for wild camping. They do clear the river out regularly, so worth doing again without the fallen trees. Take care and thank you.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks mate! It’s a lovely stretch of river - I’ve now paddled it all the way to Denver sluice. 👍🛶

[@DannyWalker1949]

Very Nice Lil' Trip down & Up the River. I enjoyed it right along with you. ATB.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+Danny Walker - Cheers Danny, it was a nice little paddle, lucky with the weather too!! Glad you enjoyed it mate, Atb, Simon.

[@johnbergeron7208]

That a good looking canoe mate

[@barlscharkley5411]

Beautiful canoe, peaceful river, nice video.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+Barls Charkley - Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it! Atb, Simon.

[@knucker4931]

A lovely sunny day paddle Simon! A shame there are so many fallen trees obstructing the river. Seems to be the fate of many English rivers at the moment. Nice to see a Honey Stove in use. Great little stoves once you've mastered the Krypton Factoresque assembly process. Facinating tale of the village being buried by sand. Thanks! Al

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+Knucker -Thanks Al. Yes, lots of trees down, I guess the rivers authority will get round to clearing them at some point! Let's hope so. I love my honey stove, it gets more use than any of my other stoves (and I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with collecting them!!). I found mine loosened up after the first few uses, it was tight to assemble at first. I've often wondered about the firebox stove, it's just the price tag that puts me off! Atb, Simon.

[@generationyoutube7104]

Love the vids pal. Keep it up lol.

[@michaelorr4300]

Looks so relaxing another great video ....

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+Michael Orr - Cheers Michael! It was relaxing downstream, freaking hard work upstream!! Lol.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

These river trips are so enjoyable. Thanks, Simon. :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you - really glad you enjoyed it! Atb, Simon

[@ChrisWoutdoors]

Hi Simon, nice Canadian you have there, looks nice and light.. I am a Riverkeeper and look after 7 miles of canals and five lakes, glad my waterways don't look like that or my boss would have my guts for garters. I love being out on my Canadian and its a bonus getting paid to paddle too.. If your ever in the Kent area with Andy you are both welcome to join me... ATB Chris.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Nice one Chris - sounds like the perfect job to me!! I’ll let Andy know about you - he’s down your way! 👍

[@bigfatpear]

god, how i love your canoe.i'm going to have a crack at making one myself next year.i live down in north cornwall so would like to explore my rivers down here.great video's.keep them coming .cheers

[@dannyturner4720]

Just discovered your channel. It's inspiring me to go canoeing more. Roll on summer

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Danny, can’t beat a few hours on the river! 🛶

[@johantimmer3467]

I see you're using a paddle with a rounded blade. Amazing how less noisy they are than those with straight-ended blades. Much better, too, in very shallow water such as we have in our little rivers.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Yes, I’m a big fan of the rounded beaver tail paddle - good in the shallows like you say. But enough surface area to dig deep and really push forward when the water is deeper - a good all rounder! 😁

[@bridgetteparker5149]

Really enjoyed watching this. The river looks lovely on a calm sunny day with the birds singing - very soothing. Do you report the areas where the trees have fallen so they get cleared? Thanks for sharing 😀😀

[@diggerboyce1013]

Well done Simon, I really enjoy your videos, I stumbled across your channel last week and I have subscribed!!!! I live in NZ now, near Christchurch, somehow we have ended up with 2 dogs. I take them every day up to the river and we spend hours up there! The rivers are braided over here, with stop banks on either side, so are very accessible, the boys chase rabbits and explore, I just stroll along with my binoculars and walking stick, enjoying the views, the peace and awesomeness of nature!!! I have a firebox stove, they are fantastic. Keep the videos coming mate😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Derek Boyce - Thanks Derek, and thanks for the sub! I'm really glad you are enjoying the videos. Im very envious of where you live, id love to explore NZ, it sounds idyllic! One day!!! Atb, Simon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Derek Boyce - I'm thinking about getting a firebox, I love my honey stove but can be a bit of a fiddle getting it together with freezing cold fingers in the middle of winter!! Cheers, Simon.

[@51foxy]

Great video buddy. Very nice to get out on the water. Atb Paul

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+51foxy - Cheers Paul, ''twas a nice morning out! There's something about the river - almost as soon as I step into my canoe, I slow down to the pace of the water, lush! Cheers mate, Simon.

[@dellajames614]

I think your videos are great well done. Regards Della.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Della! Atb, Simon

[@fenlandsurvivor5400]

Hi Simon, I have been considering that stretch of river myself as I use a colorado inflatable was not happy to see so many trees and other things in the water but will probably still give it a go. Looks a very nice stretch apart from that and the sun allways makes a better day

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+Fenland Survivor -Thanks mate! It's a nice stretch, I reckon you'd be okay on an inflatable, you'd just need to exit the river and put back in for the narrow bits where the trees are. I'd recommend doing it one way, downstream from Thetford, you'd get further and not have the battle back upstream again! Lol. Atb, Simon.

[@juliehepburn7988]

Hi, thank you for all your smashing video's. Don't suppose you'd know if there is anywhere near to Thelenham to put in do you ?

[@markevans506]

Jaysus Simon you were about two seconds from having to jump in after your canoe at one point. One sweet looking craft!👍🏻

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - Yes, it was a close one - I’d not have hesitated either! Thank you! Atb, Simon

[@rafaelmendes-browne6994]

Cool video! :D

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+Rafael Mendes-Browne - Cheers Raf! Glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@edpercy1197]

Nice kayak

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+Ed Percy -Thanks Ed, my canoe is my pride and joy!! I've got another video, where I talk more about making it 'A paddle down the Waveney in my cedar strip canoe' Atb, Simon.

[@Darltornjacket]

The Chocolate Brownie bars are very good

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Awesomeness!!!...beautiful craft, whats she weigh?...nicely filmed Simon...Bravo!!!...sand storm in the UK...who'd a thunk it? bit tougher bucking the wind and the current...atb...woods

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+MTwoodsrunner - Thank you my friend. She weighs around 65 lbs, so light enough to portage easily, which is a nice relief after lugging my old 120kg plastic canoe around for years!! Yeah, that's weird about the sandstorms, I suppose the land was very different back then before the forest was planted, it was mostly heathland. But where all the sand came from, I have no idea!! Cheers Woods, Atb mate, Simon.

[@redcanoe14]

A melancholic journey for me, as a child I rowed on the Little Ouse, my grandparents lived in Ely close the Great Ouse, I caught my first fish on the Great Ouse, a Perch!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Ah! A small world! The Little Ouse is a nice quiet river, I need to explore further downstream where it gets even more intimate. Thanks for stopping by! Atb, Simon.

[@rickwright2933]

I live in thetford and it was a lovely river when i was a kid but now a mess,its a shame :(

[@papajeff5486]

Simon, I so enjoy your canoe trips. You seem to have such pleasure and easy go of them. It makes me want to get a canoe and enjoy the lakes and streams here, in central Texas. I wander if you would mind to make a few comments, pros-vs-cons, on canoeing. Is it as easy as you make it look? What is the bad side? Texas

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I’d say go for it! It takes a few paddles to get the hang of paddling - especially solo - learning the j-stroke, so you don’t have to keep changing sides. It’s a great way to explore! 👍

[@papajeff5486]

Simon, a bloke in the woods, thanks for the reply. I had a big ol’ 18 foot aluminum Grumman, (it was my dad’s), when I was a kid. We spent our summers on a lake Ocoee, in East Tennessee. I haven’t been canoeing much, since. Now, I watch you. Sheesh! I gotta do it! Texas.

[@dianejacklin3433]

I think a chainsaw is needed to cut down some of these trees . Another great video Simon x

[@blister4walken]

Not far from me. A mate of mine has suggested a paddle out somewhere. I reckon that would be a good day/2 day trip.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

You can continue right down to where the Little Ouse meets the Great Ouse at Brandon Creek. Nice stretch of river. 👍🛶

[@rigby3780]

Well i've caught up with all your vids and i'm hooked.. great subjects insights and editing.. the only problem i have is with the interim music.. i don't know why youtubers feel it's necessary to drop it in.. here i was imagining myself paddling alongside (due to the excellent POV camera work) with the sound of birds and the swish of paddle THEN music clashes in.. can you imagine travelling the rivers or woods with a boombox going off sparodically? i'm only saying this as your videos are 10/10 without that 'feature' i'll carry on watching regardless but my mouse will always be hovering over the mute icon thanks again for some great videos (oh and can we have some on slingshots please) ;)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

rigby - Thanks Rigby, and thanks for taking some time to watch them all!! I appreciate the feedback about the music, I agree, certainly about my first few videos, they were definitely music heavy! It's a difficult one, because yes, I don't want to detract from the natural sounds of the outdoors, but at the same time it can break up long periods of inactivity (audio wise) and is useful to mask bits of the video where the audio is compromised (by wind noise, distortion etc) some love the music (some music!) whist other don't. I'm trying to reduce it to a minimum, and will bear what you say in mind, but keep that mouse poised, there may still be some! Sorry!! Otherwise, I'm really glad you're enjoying them. Atb, Simon.

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

@@simonablokeinthewoods I am pretty fussy about the music and I can say, except for one video, where I thought it was overdone, the choice and placement of the music doesn't seem to bother me. There are still quite a lot of "nature" sounds to enjoy. Hard to please everyone but your explanation should suffice to keep more critic at bay. C.

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Great video really enjoyed following along on your paddle, and a lovely river. I'm just getting into canoeing ( not got my own yet...) what pfd is that? Fantastic looking canoe by the way 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

+Martin Outdoors69 - Thanks Martin, glad you enjoyed it! It is a nice river, I’m really lucky to have access to quite a few nice paddling rivers where I live. It’s a great way to spend time - you slow right down to the pace of the current. My PFD is a Nookie Ranger - comfy even for all day use and loads of pockets. My canoe is my absolute pride and joy - worth all the pain and effort in making it!! Lol! Thanks for watching, Atb, Simon.

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Simon, a bloke in the woods I live in Cambridge so I'm looking forward to getting out on some of the rivers nearby , the Ouse being one of them.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Martin Outdoors69 - you’ll love it! The world looks different from the waters perspective.

[@carpenterpilot487]

Get volunteers our start up a clean act river campaign to help clean the River hell with the Politician!🥺

[@ninasmith7109]

Hiya, there are regular "clean up" paddles in Norfolk organised by various groups including Surfers Against Sewage. We can all help & pick up litter from the rivers as we paddle along

[@jeffstevens763]

Great vid Simon I don't think you got as far as fullers lock use to be owned by mr tickner owned Abbots ales I believe beautiful gardens

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Jeff - I’ve since paddled all the way to Denver Sluice along the Ouse - I’ll look out for the gardens next time I’m out that way. 👍

[@58Pates]

Nice vids Simon. Where did you get your kneeling pad?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hi Steve, thank you! I got the pad on eBay - it was advertised as a mechanics/garage mat. Similar to this one! rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F182041451834 Cheers, Simon.

[@richlee509]

Would you tackle the Great Ouse or is that too big ?

[@cc-ic7rj]

Hi Simon on the back of watching your great out of town Videos I've bought a Canoe do you know how to get the permits to do all the canoeing in and around Suffolk and Norfolk ? Any help would be greatly appeicated

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hi Chris - congratulations on your new favourite mode of transport!! 😁 If you join the BCU (British Canoe union) you get a licence to paddle (almost) all out inland waterways. Happy paddling!! 🛶

[@cc-ic7rj]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Hi Simon !! thank you for replying I really appricate your help .. I will look into the British canoe. and can't wait to get get there!!! Please keep the visa coming really enjoyed the swedish tour !!

[@carpenterpilot487]

what brand of tea u where drinking ?

[@rorymacpherson2211]

What weight is your canoe ?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It’s about 27kg. 👍🛶

[@dellajames614]

Hi Simon I've just started kayaking I live near thetford I been struggling to find launches to access the rivers. Where can I get maps of rivers and their portage points. Would love to meet up with you for a paddle.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hi and thank you! I use OS 1:25000 explorer maps, although they don’t show actual portage points, the detail is enough that you can suss things out. There are some decent books about too ‘Norfolk Broads Canoe and Kayak Guide’ is great! Won’t show the little Ouse or Thet, but great for other rivers! Next time I’m planning a paddle over your way, I’ll give you a shout! Atb, Simon

[@shaunpatterson2038]

Try paddle points website. I tells you where to put in, if there's parking and obstructions. I then use os maps to find camping spots. www.paddlepoints.net/PaddlePoints.php

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Shaun!

[@paulwhitmore8385]

Hi simon where can I drop my kayak in at fetfod ? Could you send me a location please ? Thanks looks nice there

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hi Paul, I got in from the public car park just off bridge street (used to be the bus station, now a Travelodge) you can also put in by the A11, there is a gravel track just by the roundabout where the Brandon Road crosses the A11. It leads to some fishing lakes - good access to the river there. 👍

[@paulwhitmore8385]

Thanks

[@hermit6208]

300 subscribers? 16K now! 😀

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - bonkers isn’t it!! 😁😂

[@hermit6208]

@@simonablokeinthewoods , it's all Maggie.

[@smokeytexx]

simon i think i am going mad because sitting at my desk watching this and i am ducking down as you navigate under some of those fallen trees. johno

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - that’s a funny image! Glad you enjoyed it Johno!

[@johnbergeron7208]

A bloke on the water not woods.hahaha🤣🤣🤣