There are many options for the enthusiastic adventurer when it comes to canoeing in the UK. The UK is rich in ideal water bodies for canoeing and enjoying the scenic view while engaging in this adventurous exercise.
Below mentioned are a few of some such rivers:
The Best Rivers for Canoeing in Scotland
RIVER TAY
You can canoe the River Tay in sections or in its entirety if you have a lot of time on your hands. Located in the west of Scotland, it begins on the slopes of Ben Lui and runs down to Loch Tay. From Loch Tay, it runs along the east coast to Dundee, where it joins the sea through the Firth of Tay. On Loch Tay itself, there are beginner options, while nearby rapids are also available. A slalom course along the Tay is also available, as well as rapids of grade three. You can then end your day on the water at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.
RIVER SPEY
Spey runs through the Cairngorm mountains from a little east of Elgin. The name will sound familiar to those who enjoy a tipple. There are many distilleries in Speyside. In the region, more whisky is produced than anywhere else, and it is good. There are big hitters like Glen Livet, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and plenty more in the region. In addition to its salmon and fishing, the river is also renowned for its canoeing opportunities.
The Best Rivers For Canoeing In Northern Ireland
RIVER BLACKWATER
A 20km canoe trail along the River Blackwater runs through Armagh and Tyrone, finishing at Lough Neagh. Several stops along the way offer tea and food – from Bond’s Bridge to The Argory or even Blackwatertown itself early on in the journey. Lough Neagh is also one end of the Lower Bann Canoe Trail, which runs 58km between Portglenone, Drumaheglis, and Coleraine to Portstewart and the Atlantic Ocean. These two tours could be combined over a few days for a longer canoe trip along the beautiful rivers of Northern Ireland.
RIVER FOYLE
The Foyle Canoe Trail runs 53km between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, starting from Lifford and taking you through the countryside and the city (the historic city of Derry/Londonderry) before terminating at the Atlantic Ocean. It is known that the trail is quite tidal which allows canoers the opportunity to paddle upstream as well.
The Best Rivers For Canoeing In Wales
THE RIVER USK (BEACONS WATER TRAIL)
Canoeing is a popular activity on the Beacons Water Trail in Wales. It uses the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and the River Usk. Brecon Beacons National Park and Brecon Canoe Club launched the River Usk and Canal Canoe Trail in 2011 to encourage canoe touring. A unique aspect of this tour is the opportunity to paddle from the river to the canal, then paddle back along a completely different stretch of water. Canoeing or kayaking are great options if you want to take in the views along the way.
RIVER WYE
Most of the time, the Wye forms the border between England and Wales between Plnlimon in mid-Wales and the Severn estuary in the southwest. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Wye Valley is a great place to take pictures for Instagram. Canoe tours are popular along the 100-mile River Wye segment between Hay-on-Wye and the Bristol Channel. Access to other parts of the Wye is set by the Wye and Usk Foundation, so you need to make sure that you are not trespassing. Symonds Yat, close to the Gloucestershire border, is one of the most popular villages along the Wye.
The Best Rivers For Canoeing In England
RIVER STOUR
At Pegwell Bay, the River Stour empties into the North Sea. Beginners will enjoy paddling this river, and it is an incredibly scenic river as well. Between Westbere and Grove Ferry, you can paddle the river and explore Stodmarsh Nature Reserve, a unique area of wetlands with marshes, reedbeds, lakes, and woodland. The canoe tour is incredibly relaxing and idyllic, and there is a good chance to see rare wildlife (in particular, water birds).
RIVER ALLEN
There are many rivers in England that are good for white water rafting, including River Allen in Northumberland. Although there are many rapids on the River Allen, it may not be a good place for beginners. Grade 3 to 4 rapids are usually encountered. There aren’t too many flat parts of water on which you can calm down.
In Conclusion
As with any adventurous sport, an adventurer’s true love for nature and need to feel connected to it are delivered in perfect harmony through canoeing. These rivers not only hold multiple levels of speed and roughness, but they also create the perfect scenic cocoon to steal you away from your usual busy life. Canoeing in the UK is truly an adventurer’s getaway to a slice of paradise.
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