British Rowing Tours

The origins of the tour go back to a visit to a rowing event in Spain by Greg Jones (Weybridge) and Pat Sherwin (Southsea). On their return they discussed the idea of a tour with Alan Meegan of the ARA.  He was very supportive and helped to co-ordinate the organisation of the first tour from Wallingford to Weybridge in 1994.Geraldine Ellis, Alan’s secretary, booked the accommodation, which moved each day to where the boats were overnight.  June Lewendon (Southsea) transported the luggage.  There were only 8 residential participants, plus some others who joined in the rowing.

By the second tour – Worcester to Evesham – word had spread and 36 rowers took part.  The 1999 tour from Stourport to Gloucester was the first to use coaches to transfer rowers from accommodation to launch locations.

The early tours, which were organised by Pat Sherwin and Pip Lewendon, alternated between the Thames and the Severn/Avon.  The first tour to go further afield was in 2004 on the Norfolk Broads, organised by John and Caroline Turnbull, who have organised most of the subsequent tours. tjhough some other tour organisers have come forward - Stef Roseblade (St Neots) in 2006, and Peter Barker (Upton on Severn) in 2009 and 2014.  As more and more clubs acquired suitable boats, the tour has grown – 54 participants in 2007, 70 in 2009, and over 80 in recent years. 

The tour can be said to have achieved its aims – to encourage more rowers to think beyond competition and to open up new waterways for touring rowing.  Long may it continue!

Click on a year to see tour details