River Nidd

River Nidd

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WATERWAYS LICENCES

Many waterways in England and Wales require a licence to paddle. Check the licence section below to see if this is one. Save money on your licence and secure paddling insurance by joining British Canoeing. Use our easy step RapidJoin process. Open the slider to join.

Welcome to PaddlePoints Waterways. These pages focus on individual bodies of water across the UK. On this page you'll find a map, launches, routes, licensing information, paddle trail downloads, services, and more about one particular river or canal. For the full PaddlePoints with search bar follow this link.

PaddlePoints can be accessed without creating a free account, but registering will allow you to map your own public and private routes on this waterway. You will also be able to comment on others' points, upload images, and create Personal Information Markers to receive updates about new routes and points.

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River Licensing Information

Licence Required?

No licence required

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 for beginners or those looking for a relaxing paddle. Paddlers can enjoy scenic views of woodlands, farmland, and occasional small rapids or weirs that add interest to the journey. Further downstream, the river picks up speed, especially near Knaresborough, where small rapids and obstacles offer a challenge for intermediate paddlers. Paddling through Knaresborough is particularly scenic, with the town’s historic castle and cliffs as a dramatic backdrop. The river’s final stretch near York is calmer, offering a peaceful end to the adventure. With a mix of tranquil and faster-moving sections, the River Nidd caters to all levels of paddlers, providing a memorable experience through some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful landscapes.