Orton Mere
Grid Reference TL164972
Nearby Postcode PE3 6SG
Proteus Canoe Club meet every Wednesday evening from 6pm onwards throughout the year. Gates, lighting and coaching available. Additionally, generally the club meets on Sundays from 2pm onwards, assuming club members are not away at an event. Training sessions are organised on Tuesdays from 6pm onwards, by invitation only. Gates are permanently available for use. The site is located at Orton Mere, Orton Longueville, Peterborough. For further information look at the website Proteus CC on Facebook
Proteus Canoe Club's site is on the River Nene in Peterborough, on the outskirts of Ferry Meadows and about 2 miles from Peterborough town centre. From the car park walk over the railway line and the club hut is just on the left.
Orton Mere is located in Nene Country Park with lots of walks, cycle ways and sailing. There are two golf courses a few miles away and a rowing lake 1 mile away. It is 6 miles to Queensgate shopping centre. Another attraction for the family is Nene Valley steam railway that runs alongside the river, with a station next to the car park.
The rapids are caused by water flowing over a sluice gate, making for an easy grade 2 most of the year. Proteus run two Division 3/4 slaloms and two winter events here. The slaloms make for a good introduction for beginners, and a good place to learn white water canoeing.
Some poles remain up throughout the year. Access is below the fence or over the bridge, and from the canoe portage steps.
During winter months the water levels can change in an instant, going from boils (dangerous stopper when there are boils) to a large surfable top wave with a good play hole behind it. Avoid the two sluice gates on the right when water levels are big - they are dangerous.
Orton Mere is a great, family friendly slalom with camping on site and it is good for spectators who can view the whole course from one spot. Camping is on the north side of the river Nene and it is possible to drive around to unload – collect the key for the gate and instructions from the club on the south side of the river. Portaloos are on site on slalom weekends as the council recently closed the public conveniences and we will ensure there is fresh water available on site.
Access is great as it is located just off the A1 or A47.
The site is accessed off Oundle Road (A605) in Orton Longueville – South of the river Nene: Postcode PE3 6SG (South side of river) (TL 164972) and is part of Nene Park.
JS Grading: B
B: Slightly moving water, giving some eddy-lines, but not enough to worry paddlers; and with at the most one small drop which paddlers simply have to run down.
Even courses that are usually easy can become dangerous in exceptional high water conditions. If in doubt, seek advice or stay off the water.