From aquamarine seas to zigzagging rivers and glittering lakes, the spots we look after offer exciting kayaking and canoeing adventures. You can enter a group or hire the boats and kit you’ll require for your venture. Here’s an article on leading canoeing and kayaking spots. What side of the river do you kayak in the UK? Stay tuned!
So, what side of the river do you kayak in the UK? As a matter of fact, you should pass to the left-hand side. So, this indicates to aim to the right of the boat reaching towards you. Remember this!
Table of Contents
The Difference Between a Kayak and a Canoe?
Both canoes and kayaks are excellent methods to get out and explore the canals of the UK. Yet, there is a distinction between the two terms. A canoe has an open deck and loftier sides. Also, you kneel or sit in it while fighting with a one-bladed paddle.
A kayak has a sealed deck with just one access point. You sit on your rear inside it with your legs extended in front of you, and paddle using a double-bladed paddle.
A canoe is generally for two people, and a kayak is often for one. Still, you can also get a team kayak, which can be perfect for family vacations.
You may run into a sit-on-top kayak, as well. These are extremely effortless to get in and out. Also, there’s no detention, but the drawback is they offer less security.
In a canoe, you’ll have more repository space, beneath the benches or near your feet. On the flip side, in a kayak, you often have a storage hatch at one end where you can attach your stuff. When you get inflatable kayaks, these are usually open-top.
License for the UK
#1 Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, the precious 2003 land reform act covers water as well. It states that everyone has statutory permit rights to most of Scotland’s outdoors if these privileges are wielded wisely, with regard to people’s solitude, security, and livelihoods, and for Scotland’s territory.
This retains waterways, especially thanks to the work of the Scottish Canoe Association, and so you can paddle in more or less whatever channels you would love to in Scotland.
The Paddlers’ Access Code, which rotates around care for other people, the setting, and accountability for your actions, must be obeyed, of course.
You will also require a license to dock your kayak or canoe in particular places, and the same applies if utilizing locks on the Scottish canals. Also in Scotland, no permission is required to paddle on the canals of Northern Ireland.
Whether you’re on a canoeing expedition on inland waters, or on a day expedition out on the sea, be sure you stay lawful when you do it.
Tip: Do you know what is the proper way to sit in a white water kayak? This is essential to know!
#2 England and Wales
The Best Rivers to Kayak or Canoe in the UK
River Tay
The River Tay is the lengthiest river in Scotland, UK. It can be canoed in units or – if you’ve got a fair bit of time – in its wholeness. It ranges from the pitches of Ben Lui in the west of the land across to Loch Tay, where the river then begins.
Aberfeldy, not far from Loch Tay, is a quite prevalent location for kayaking – and is also a suitable place to spot beavers, which populate much of the River Tay.
In the meantime, there are newbie choices on Loch Tay itself and rapids also close by. Scotland’s slalom path from Grandtully to Strathtay can also be seen on the Tay and presents grade 3 river rapids.
Note: Are you aware that all kinds of car waxes, together with Turtle wax, should not be used on a kayak?
River Findhorn
One of Scotland’s traditional white water rivers, the Findhorn can be located in the northeast of the land, pouring into the Moray Firth. It draws paddlers from around the motherland with rapids varying from Grade 2 to Grade 5.
Especially past the point of Randolph’s Leap – a standpoint with a lovely bit of Scottish folklore behind it – there are great kayaking options. For more details on Scottish kayaking go to the Scottish Canoe Association.
Tip: If you want to know why it’s so critical to wax a surfboard, remember that wax can be good for many things!
River Blackwater
River Wye
The River Wye ranges from Plnlimon to the Severn estuary. It forms the border connecting England and Wales.
The Wye Valley has been appointed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you understand the surroundings will look right on your social media. The 100-mile part of the River Wye from Hay-on-Wye to the Bristol Channel is well-known for canoe and kayak trekking.
Elsewhere on the Wye, entry is as set by Wye and Usk Foundation, so you ought to be sure you’re not trespassing. One widespread town is Symonds Yat, which perches the River Wye.
River Stour
The River Stour is a river that drives through Kent, pouring into the North Sea at Pegwell Bay. This is a wonderful river for newbies and an exceptionally scenic paddle too.
The river is quite convenient, and you can paddle via Stodmarsh Nature Reserve between Westbere and Grove Ferry – a remarkable area of swampland with marshlands, reedbeds, lakes, and woods.
This is an extremely relaxing, idyllic canoe or kayak expedition. Moreover, you’ve got some solid chances of catching rare wilderness such as water birds.
River Allen
River Allen can be seen in Northumberland and is one of the finest rivers in England for white water ballooning. Because of all those rapids, the River Allen isn’t the best for newbies.
The rapids are usually Grade 3, up to Grade 4. There isn’t a terrible lot of balanced water on which to get your serenity. There’s a boulder garden early on that you can try out too!
Note: Is white water rafting bad for your back? Unfortunately, many back injuries can be a result of this activity.
East Lyn
Ascending high in Exmoor in the land of Somerset, the East Lyn is a river that streams through the East Lyn Valley. In kayaking terms, it’s not an effortless paddle.
This, not far from the Allen, is one for those who have spent a fair couple of years in a kayak. With grade 3 rapids and a bunch of appealing features, this makes for a great kayak for those who want a challenge. Also, the fact you can go from the origin to the sea makes it all the more scrumptious.
River Thames
The River Thames is likely the most notable river in the UK. Though many individuals don’t think too much about where it guides after or before London.
From the roots in the Cotswolds, straight out to the ocean, it’s truly a lovely 184-mile path through the English countryside. Canoeing from Oxford to Windsor is perhaps one of the most panoramic areas, arriving in at approximately 65 miles overall with camping choices available along the way.
