Recreational canoeing appeals to paddlers of every age, level of ability and fitness. The adventurous can attempt steep mountain streams looking for the excitement of speed and action. Others tour on the slower
flowing rivers, lakes and canals finding enjoyment from the scenery, water environment and wildlife.
Please click here to read '100 Paddles in England' as published by the BCU
British Waterways river navigations and canals
All BW river navigations and most of the canal system can be used with Canoe England membership.
Some canal tunnels and commercial waterways are closed to canoeists and listed in the leaflet
“Enjoy Britain’s Waterways by canoe” visit www.waterscape.com
Map of water managed by British Waterways
Other Waterways
Stratford Avon (from Alveston to Twekesbury); Basingstoke Canal; Bridgewater Canal, Bridgewater Canal (North West Region); Rochdale Canal; Norfolk Broads Authority (Broads and rivers); Wey and Godalming Navigations.
Environment Agency navigations
Thames (Cricklade Bridge to Teddington); Great Ouse (from below Kempston, Beds); Little Ouse, Wissey, Lark and Cam (below Bottisham Lock); Ancholme; Nene (below Northampton); Welland and Glen; Suffolk Stour (below Brundon, Suffolk); Medway below Tonbridge.
Using navigations and canals
Canoe England has arranged for the membership identification sticker to be used as a licence on many of the statutory navigations and canals. Display the sticker and carry your membership card as you may be required to produce it by the navigation authority officers.
Navigations and canals where the Canoe England sticker is not applicable and a separate licence is required from the Navigation Authority:
Europe
Please Click Here to find out where to paddle in Europe
Access Advice
If you would like advice on the access situation on a particular river contact a LRA - Local River Advisor for details. Please note that LRAs are volunteers.
Rivers and Coastal Information Service
Canoe Trails
Canoe trails that have been suggested by paddlers can be found here
Resources
100 Paddles in England
A book with descriptions of paddle trips, for details visit www.bcushop.org.uk