Paddleboarding-River Ouse, Lewes and Hamsey Island Loop

Paddleboarding-River Ouse, Lewes and Hamsey Island Loop

Historic Lewes, a charming market town, is the starting point of this tide assisted route around Hamsey Island

A full route description can be found in our book Paddleboarding South East

Access restrictions No license required.

Starting Point Below Pheonix Causeway Grid ref. TQ 419 103; What3Words drops.solving.upholding

Parking Pheonix Causeway Car Park (charges), Malling Street, Lewes, BN7 2JW. Grid ref. TQ 420 103; What3Words rehearsal.remembers.quail

Launching River bank near Pheonix Causeway

Pitstops Historic Harvey & Sons pub about 100 steps from the Bridge Wharf brewery, The Dorset, 01273 474823.

Tours www.thekayakcoach.com/experiences-river-trips/river-ouse-lewes-hamsey   

Getting there Leave A27 for A26 towards Lewes town centre; 1^st exit at roundabout onto A2029 towards town centre; 1^st exit at roundabout (tescos opposite) onto Malling St. R onto Harveys Way past Dorset Pub to car park on R.

Special points

There is one weir to portage

Can be paddled at all states of the tide but leaving on a flooding tide means you benefit from the flow upriver and it’s easier to get onto the water as the water will be higher up the bank. HW Hamsey is 1hr.45 after HW Newhaven. On some spring tides the weir can be completely covered otherwise portage on LHS. The cut is narrow and has a few rapids at low water towards the end of the cut as it rejoins the river. Can be slightly overgrown in summer months.  You can continue the paddle upriver towards Barcombe.

River Ouse, Lewes to Hamsey Island Loop Paddleboard route