GETTING THERE
The best bases are at Queenborough Harbour (www.queenborough-harbour. co.uk), which has moorings and alongside berthing, and Chatham Marina (www.mdlmarinas.co.uk).
East Coast Pilot by Garth Cooper & Dick Holness, 5th edition (Imray, £27.50). East Coast Rivers Cruising Companion by Janet Harber, 20th edition (Fernhurst, £34.99). Imray 2100
Upstream of the cranes of Felixstowe, the gentle, open banks of the River Orwell become more wooded as the river captures you in its embrace. There are several marinas to choose from, but lovers of Arthur Ransome will know that the heart of this bustling river lies at Pin Mill with its pub and boatyards, its barges and barge blocks.
From Halfpenny Pier at historic Harwich the River Stour leads west into Constable country, totally encompassed within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is a river of serenity and sunsets, best savoured at anchor to the sound of the oystercatchers.
Harwich entrance is straightforward but stick to the small craft route just west of the main channel and keep an eye out for container ships and smaller coasters.
Pick up a visitor mooring off Pin Mill or anchor off the small beach. Don’t try to get onto the hard at the bottom of the tide! There is usually a vacant mooring at Wrabness, but you can anchor anywhere on the Stour, outside the channel. East Coast Pilot by Garth Cooper & Dick Holness, 5th edition (Imray, £27.50). East Coast Rivers Cruising Companion by Janet Harber, 20th edition (Fernhurst, £34.99). Imray Y12, 2000