Up the Little Ouse

The Lttle Ouse (aka Brandon Creek) is one of the 3 or 4 tributaries of the Great Ouse navigable for several miles.  It is the only one we have never cruised before so now is a good time to have a look at it.

Cruising on the Little Ouse

We set off at 10am from our mooring on the Great Ouse and turned right onto the Little Ouse.  As we were against both the wind and a noticeable flow of the river our speed was limited to about 3 mph and for most of the time we kept to a steady 2.7.  The river is much smaller than the Great Ouse but still reasonably wide and deep.  The scenery is a lot more interesting as there good views of the countryside thanks to the general absence of high flood banks and much of the riverside is lined with trees.

Moored at Hockwold Fen

The first couple of miles are spoilt by the long line of boat morings but when one leaves them behind everything is peaceful and attractive.  5 miles later at lunchtime we stopped at the only moorings on the river other than those at each end.

Sadly we have yet still to see a kingfisher and there was little birdlife around apart from pigeons.  However we chatted to another boater who told us the cranes and golden oriole could be found near to the moorings and that kingfishers are common further up river.  So we are hopng for the best.

7.34miles 0 locks 3 hours cruisng.