The River Arun is a major river in West Sussex, England, renowned for its stunning landscapes, historical importance, and diverse surroundings. It winds through charming towns, idyllic villages, and unspoiled natural areas, making it a favored spot for outdoor activities such as paddling, hiking, and birdwatching.
The River Swale, North Yorkshire, is often described as one of the fastest-flowing rivers in England, and it certainly lives up to that reputation. Rising on Birkdale Common, high in the moors, it makes a quick descent through the wild valleys of Swaledale before heading east towards Richmond and beyond.…
The River South Tyne rises on Alston Moor in the Pennines and flows northwest through Northumberland and Cumbria, eventually joining the North Tyne near Hexham. It’s a river of contrasts, offering both fast, technical sections and calmer stretches that suit a range of paddling skills. Upstream, around Alston and Garrigill,…
The River Frome, Somerset, is a short waterway, rising near Witham Friary, and flowing north through the town of Frome before joining the Avon at Freshford, just outside Bath. Although much smaller than Dorset’s River Frome, it has its own identity, weaving through steep valleys, wooded banks, and historic settlements.…
The River Frome is a classic Dorset chalk stream that offers paddlers a mix of gentle touring and rich scenery. Rising near Evershot, the river winds east through Dorchester before reaching Wareham, and flowing into Poole Harbour. Unlike some of Dorset’s flashier rivers, the Frome has a quiet charm, with…
The River Hull is a waterway with two very different aspects, and paddling it is one of the best ways to appreciate both. Rising from springs in the Yorkshire Wolds, it winds quietly through farmland and meadows before heading south into the heart of Hull, and eventually joining the Humber.…
The River Coquet is one of Northumberland’s most scenic rivers. It flows for about 56 miles (90 km) from the Cheviot Hills to the North Sea at Amble. Along the way, it passes through wild uplands, fertile valleys, and historic towns, combining natural beauty with cultural heritage. Unlike many British…
The River Blyth is a short, but historically significant, river in southeast Northumberland. Rising near Kirkheaton, it flows for about 30 miles (48 km) before entering the North Sea at the port town of Blyth. It passes through rolling farmland and former coal-mining areas, reflecting the region’s industrial past as…
The River Blyth, in Suffolk, is a small but charming river, flowing about 12 miles (19 km) from Laxfield to the North Sea at Southwold Harbour. Its course winds through farmland, marshes, and coastal meadows, creating a peaceful and scenic environment. The river’s estuary between Southwold and Walberswick is…
The River Stour is a significant waterway in Dorset, running for about 61 miles from its source near Stourhead in Wiltshire to where it flows into Christchurch Harbour and meets the English Channel. Along its route, it passes through a number of towns and villages such as Gillingham, Blandford Forum,…
The River Mint, located in the Lake District of England, offers a delightful paddling experience for kayakers and canoeists of all levels. Originating in the hills, the river flows through scenic valleys and countryside before joining the River Kent. The upper stretches, near Selside, provide calm, gently flowing waters, making…
The River Wharfe is an important waterway in Yorkshire. It stretches for about 65 miles (104.6 kilometers) from its source in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and joins the River Ouse near Cawood.
The River Usk is located in south east Wales. It originates on the northern slopes of the Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It flows for 137 km (85 miles), passing through Newport, before emptying into the Severn Estuary. Historically, the River Usk served as a natural border…
The River Tame flows through the West Midlands. It offers great paddling opportunities, particularly in its quieter, rural sections. Originating in the Pennines, near Stalybridge, the river winds through urban areas. It is best suited for paddling in its more peaceful stretches, such as the Tame Valley. The water flows…
The River Nidd, flowing through North Yorkshire, offers a diverse paddling experience for kayakers and canoeists. Originating in the hills near Pateley Bridge, the river meanders through the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty before joining the River Ouse. The upper sections, near Pateley Bridge, provide calm, gentle waters ideal…
The River Leam is located in central England, flowing through Warwickshire. It is a tributary of the River Avon and stretches for about 32 miles (51 kilometers). Known for its picturesque landscapes, the river passes through several towns and villages, including Leamington Spa, one of the most prominent locations along…
The River Dearne is located in South Yorkshire and flows through the areas of Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham. It is a tributary of the River Don and stretches around 30 miles (48 km) in length. The river’s catchment area has been significantly shaped by past industrial activities, particularly coal mining.…
The River Rothay, located in the Lake District, offers a peaceful paddling experience. Flowing from the northern end of Lake Windermere, the Rothay meanders through beautiful countryside, providing scenic views of fells and greenery. The upper stretches near Ambleside are calm, making it perfect for beginners or those seeking a…
The River Helford, located in Cornwall, offers a beautiful paddling experience for kayakers and canoeists of all levels. Flowing through lush countryside and wooded valleys, the river eventually opens into a stunning estuary. The upper reaches near Gweek provide calm, sheltered waters, perfect for beginners and family paddles. This peaceful…
The River Frome, in Bristol, offers paddlers a unique experience, winding through both urban and rural landscapes before merging with the River Avon in the city's floating harbour. The river spans approximately 32 km (20 miles), originating in the Cotswolds and flowing southwest through Bristol.
The River Colne is a major tributary of the River Thames in southern England. It flows through several counties, including Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, and Surrey. The course spans approximately 58 km (36 miles), with its source near Brookmans Park in Hertfordshire, meeting the Thames at Staines. The River Colne…
The River Calder, which flows through West Yorkshire, is a popular spot for paddlers. It offers a variety of experiences from calm waters to challenging rapids. Originating in the Pennines, and passing through towns like Hebden Bridge and Wakefield, the river provides scenic views and differing paddling conditions. Beginners can…
The River Sow is a tributary of the River Trent, flowing through Stafford, Staffordshire. It offers paddlers a peaceful yet adventurous experience, ideal for all paddle levels. This meandering, short river showcases beautiful landscapes, with lush greenery, wildlife, and occasional fish sightings along its course. Paddling the River Sow allows…
The River Rawthey fantastic river running off the southern Hogwills towards Sedbergh. It has a bit of everything, starting as a small stream with technical falls, a spectacular conglomerate gorge and finishing as quite a big river before emptying in the River Lune. River Rawthey's Water Level It needs a…
Nottingham is one of the busiest cities in the midlands, famous for Robin Hood, lace making, and bicycle manufacturing. With a lot of history in the city, it draws in some of the highest numbers of tourists in the area. One notable feature of Nottingham is the River Trent, and…
Distance: 60 miles Known for providing the spectacular views of Durham Castle, the River Wear is also a well loved paddling spot! With various spots to suit different styles of paddling, there's something for everyone on the River Wear. Meandering right through the heart of historic Durham, the River Wear…
The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation opened in 1797 and is around 13 miles long. It was used to transport coal, bricks and timber inland and mainly grain and flour out. Once commercial craft ceased to use the navigation, pleasure boats were allowed to travel along it. The management of the waterway…
Distance: 20.8 miles The 21-mile New Bedford River is a man-made by-pass of the River Great Ouse at the Fens in Cambridgeshire. It is a tidal stretch of river. You may also know it as the Hundred Foot Drain. This is because of the distance between the tops of the…
Like the New Bedford River, the Old Bedford River is a relatively new navigation. It was designed to by-pass the River Great Ouse at the Fens in Cambridgeshire. The river is named after the fourth Earl of Bedford. Like its newer namesake, it is a relatively straight paddle, straight through…
The River Aire is a major river in Yorkshire. Further past Leeds it actually becomes the Aire & Calder Navigation, another lovely spot to paddle. From start to finish the river measures 92 miles in length. Due to its meandering nature, it creates quite a fun paddle as you weave…
Starting life as a stream and opening into a wide, tidal river when it reaches Snape, the River Alde in Suffolk is a river teeming with wildlife and unique history. Sometimes called the River Ore when it approaches Orford, there are several features to be aware of on the river.…
Although you won’t find much in the way of white water on the River Ancholme, what it lacks in terms of white water fun it more than makes up for in terms of history and the chance to trace the course of our ancestors. Navigating water where they would have…
Grade: 1-3 Described as England’s shortest river at just 2.5km in length, the River Bain is a popular spot for those looking to start out on some white water. The river is classed as grade 0 at the top, meaning it is a flat paddle to start out. However by…
Grade: 2-3 The River Barle, and the valley it runs through, are designated biological sites of scientific interest. The pretty, mainly grade 2 classified river, flows through several beautiful areas with rare plants and kingfishers. There are several sections to note on the river. The sections of the River Barle…
French for ‘beautiful place,’ the 12-mile River Beaulieu is a small river that flows through the New Forest in Hampshire. The most popular section with paddlers is the 4-mile tidal stretch between Bucklers Hard and the Solent. Once a significant shipbuilding centre, Bucklers Hard’s most notable build was Nelson’s ship…
Measuring 43 miles in length, the River Cam is a beautiful paddle on a sunny day. The River Cam is one of Cambridge’s most popular features with tourists and residents alike. On a hot sunny day you will often see swathes of ‘punt’ boats occupying the river. As you paddle…
A beautiful river for a spot of paddling, the River Ant is a 17 mile long stretch of serene waters. Formerly known as the River Smale, the River Ant has been in use from as far up as Antingham Bone Mill since the early 1800’s. The canal, which stretched from…
Linking several of the popular Norfolk Broads, the River Bure is a popular spot for paddlers. Flowing from Aylsham for 32 miles before it reaches the North Sea at Gorleston, the river flows through Wroxham and Horning. It then flows past the pretty St Benet’s Abbey and along the popular…
Rising in Northamptonshire and flowing through the pretty Oxfordshire countryside, the River Cherwell is a gem in the crown of rural England. This pretty, slow flowing, tree lined river stretches for 40 miles all the way to Oxford where it joins the river Thames. It is suitable for paddlers looking…
Located in the Norfolk Broads, the River Chet is a beautiful paddle for anyone looking to explore. The Chet is only a few miles long, and is located to the south of Norfolk. Rising in Poringland it flows east towards Loddon and emptying into the River Yare. A pretty river…
Grade: 2-4+ The upper sections of the River Dart offer some of the best white water canoeing in the country. The Dart is also a great place for flat water touring, especially the lower reaches. Banks of ancient woodland cover the lower stretches. The river becomes tidal at Totnes before…
The River Deben is a popular river with recreational paddlers in Suffolk, and for good reason. It has a lot to offer those looking for a gentle paddle in the area. It stretches for 33 miles from Debenham to Woodbridge before turning tidal. The Deben empties into the North Sea…
The River Dee is a well known among white water paddlers, with exciting features such as the serpents tail and horseshoe falls. This 68-mile long river is mainly considered a Welsh river. However, there are stretches of it that cross into England. It begins its life in the mountains of…
Grade: 1-3 A popular river in Yorkshire, the River Don has much to offer recreational paddlers and white water lovers. Parts of the river are flat, some parts steady grade 1’s and other sections grade 2-3+. It’s a 70 mile stretch that has something to offer whatever you fancy. The…
Grade: 2+ to 4+ Upper section to Harford Bridge is Grade 3+ (4). Harford Bridge to Ivybridge is Grade 4/4+. Ivybridge to Ermington is Grade 2+. A river in south Devon, the River Erme is an ‘all rounder’ river. It has different sections offering different things to paddlers who wish…
Grade: 1-2 with numerous weirs On the River Exe note the large weirs between Bickleigh Bridge and Haven Banks Quay. Rising near Simonsbath on Exmoor in Somerset, the River Exe is a beautiful paddle through largely untouched countryside. Flowing south from the source for around 60 miles, the river reaches…
The River Glen is a river located in Lincolnshire which runs from Ropsley, Lincolnshire, to the River Welland just below Spalding where it then flows into the Wash. The river is navigable for 11.5 miles, with the first 8.9 mile section from source to Guthram Gowt forming part of the…
The River Idle is a river in Nottinghamshire. It is formed where the River Maun meets to River Meden at Markham Moor. It then flows through Retford and Bawtry before entering the River Trent. It is navigable from Bawtry Bridge in Bawtry to Stockwith, where it connects with the tidal…
Crossing the border between Sussex and Cambridgeshire, the River Lark is a tributary of the River Great Ouse. It rises near Bury St Edmunds and joins the Great Ouse south of Littleport. It's 31 miles long, and has been used as a navigation since Roman times. Paddle the River Lark…
Dating back to Roman times, the River Lea is one of the biggest rivers in London. Rising in the Chiltern Hills, it flows southeast through London before entering the Thames in London’s East End. Much of the River Lea is now canalised and known as the River Lee Navigation. This…
