Today marks the start of this year’s National Go Canoeing Week. Last year there were over 13,000 people that took part and got on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or have never picked up a paddle before, what better time to take to the water, jump in a canoe or kayak and enjoy some thrilling outdoor fun for the whole family? We’ve also done a bit of the hard work for you and scoured the internet for some of the best places to go canoeing or kayaking in the UK. Here they are…
Rapid Horizons – Matlock, Derbyshire
Based in Matlock in the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District, Rapid Horizons offers an exhilarating 7km kayaking adventure package on the River Derwent – featuring small grade rapids. Minimum age: 6 years. Find out more at https://www.rapidhorizons.com/book-online/river-kayaking-adventure-matlock
The Bude Canoe Experience – Bude, Cornwall
Gold award winners in the 2018/19 Cornwall Tourism Awards, The Bude Canoe Experience provides great fun for all the family on the tranquil Bude Canal. The canal is teeming with wildlife, further adding to the experience. Canoeing prices start from £35 per person dependant on group size. Minimum age: 5 years. Visit their website for more information: https://budecanoeexperience.co.uk/
Keswick Canoe and Bushcraft – Cumbria, Lake District
For those visiting the stunning English Lake District, Keswick Canoe and Bushcraft is the perfect option. They’re specialists in canoeing and even provided consultancy and canoe safety cover for ITV’s Wild Britain series! They have a number of packages to choose from with varying difficulties and prices. Minimum age: 6 years. Learn more: https://www.keswickcanoeandbushcraft.co.uk/wp/
Want To Canoe? – Hay-on-Wye, Wales
Situated near the fifth-longest UK river, the River Wye, Want To Canoe? provides a fantastic canoeing experience in Wales. They offer canoe hire, guided adventure packages and overnight expeditions for adventurers looking to spend more time on the water. No minimum age is listed on their website but all children must be accompanied by an adult. More details can be found at https://canoehire.co.uk/
CKT Canoe & Kayak Tours – Windsor, London
CKT Canoe and Kayak Tours specialise in providing guided tours of the River Thames, in Windsor on their open Canadian Canoes. They also hire out canoes and kayaks for those with experience – allowing you to paddle around Windsor at your leisure, taking in wonderful views of your surroundings which could include the historic Windsor Castle depending on the route you take. No minimum age is listed but children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Welton Waters Adventure Centre – Welton, Yorkshire
Welton Waters Adventure Centre offers fun for the entire family with a huge range of activities that include canoeing and kayaking. They are located by a beautiful stretch of the Humber River not too far from Hull. Canoeing and kayaking experiences are guided by a specialist British Canoe Union paddle sports instructor to ensure you get the most out of the day. Open to all ages and abilities. Find out more by visiting https://www.wwac.org.uk/
In Your Element Scotland – Inverness
In Your Element, situated in Inverness, Scotland, offers a great range of canoeing activity experiences handled by experienced staff to give you confidence on the water. Flat water canoeing is available on the picturesque Loch Long, Loch an Eilein and more. Visit their website to learn more: https://iye.scot
Mobile Team Adventure – Belfast
For our Northern Irish readers looking to get out on the water this National Go Canoeing Week, Mobile Team Adventure is the ideal choice. They’re based in Belfast and provide canoeing on the River Lagan and sea kayaking on Strangford Lough. Adventure, fun and gorgeous views are guaranteed. Book your activity at https://www.mobileteamadventure.co.uk/
A comfortable journey home
Whether you opt for canoeing or kayaking, you and the family are sure to have a fantastic time. However, as with all water sports, you’re most likely going to get a little wet! To help minimise damage to your car interior and keep it looking pristine, a set of Travall Mats and a Travall Liner are wise additions – allowing you to enjoy a comfortable journey home. Visit https://www.travall.co.uk/ and fill out our vehicle selector to get started.
