Old Windsor - Magna Carta tour

Exploring a fascinating stretch of river we will start on the riverbank by The Bells of Ousley pub and head downriver. Passing the meadows where the Magna Carta was signed.

The Magna Carta, or Great Charter, was a landmark document signed by King John of England at Runnymede Meadows beside the Thames on June 15, 1215. It was a pivotal moment in the development of English law and established the principle that even the king was subject to the rule of law. It has become a symbol of individual liberties and freedom worldwide.

We then pass a small wood steeped in history. It contains one of the oldest trees in England, the 2000-year-old Ankerwycke Yew, as well as the ruins of a 12th-century Benedictine priory.

This beautiful stretch of river is home to herons, kingfishers, cormorants, grebes, swans, ducks and other water birds. On the banks wild red and muntjac deer are often seen. You will learn about Thames Flooding causes and effects. Also riverbank erosion and its threat to trees.

You are likely to see Red Kites - birds of prey once hunted to extinction in England but now successfully breeding and quite prolific along parts of the Thames Valley. With a wingspan of 1.5 metres and weighing 1.1 kilos they are impressive raptors with beautiful colouring, a distinctive whistle and graceful in flight.

For this tour we have canoes, kayak and SUPs. All equipment is provided including buoyancy aids but if you would like to bring along your own craft there is a discount.

The tour will include :

Likely location Magna Carta

1. Local flora and fauna - Red Kites
2. Impacts of flooding
3. speeding boats (riverbank erosion)
4. locks and weirs and Roles of the Environment Agency

You do not need to be a proficient swimmer, but should be comfortable about falling into water while wearing a buoyancy aid.

A certain level of flexibility and ability to get up to standing from kneeling is required for learning to paddleboard. For Canoeing this isn't applicable.

You should shower / wash thoroughly after the session if you have fallen in or been splashed and need to ensure any open cuts are covered.

We have taken people with physical and mental disabilities out on the water however please contact us before booking as we may need to take you out privately to ensure you receive the coach's full attention.

We will also need to know of any recent injuries prior to the session.

No preparation is needed but dress appropriately for the weather, bring a change of clothes and footwear to wear on water.

We advise checking the weather forecast before your session and dressing appropriately based on the weather conditions on the day - taking wind and rain factor into account.

What should I bring:

1. Shoes you will wear on a SUP (depending on the time of year - read below)
2. Spare clothes
3. Sun protection (sunscreen and sun hat)
4. Retainer for your glasses
5. Refillable water bottle
6. Dry bag if you are planning to take things with you on water including waterproof phone case for your phone.

Warmer weather

Quick drying sportswear/gymwear - short or long sleeve tops, leggings, shorts, quick drying trousers (avoid denim and heavy cotton - it can get heavy when wet and holds moisture making you chill down quickly).

Colder weather

1. Windproof/waterpoof light jacket.
2. Thermal top.

In colder weather we strongly advise wearing light thermals and wetsuits and a wooly hat (we lose lots of heat through the head!)

1. Spare clothes, warm jumper/throw on cosy top are essential in winter to keep you warm after exercise.

We start with a safety briefing where we discuss tides, navigation rules and safety on the river before heading out on the water - after a short on land lesson for anyone with little or no previous paddleboarding experience.

Exploring a fascinating stretch of river we will start on the riverbank by The Bells of Ousley pub and head downriver. Passing the meadows where the Magna Carta was signed.