Lady sitting on a clock

Things are taking a little longer than usual, please bear with us...

Canoeing and Kayaking In Peak District

Read our guide for Canoeing and Kayaking In Peak District and Find and Book experiences, courses, activities and tours! Browse through the list of experiences, either instantly book onto your dates or enquire to book. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy! If you’ve got any questions about any specific experience, send a message and the providers will aim to get back to you as soon as possible. Have a specific experience in mind that we don’t have listed? No problem, drop us a message and we’ll send your quote around to hundreds of the best experience providers nationwide and come back with you the best quote, making it easy for you to make the most of your spare time!

1 / 2

Peak District

Because of its central geographical location, the Peak District is one of the most accessible places to head to for an outdoor adventure in the UK. In the five hundred and fifty plus square miles it encompasses, there's no shortage of opportunities to practice all sorts of outdoor activities.Famous for its limestone crags like High Tor and Windgather Rocks, and Gritstone climbs, the Peak's attracts climbers, abseilers and boulderers of all levels to test their skills on the hundreds of climbing routes throughout the district. As beautiful below ground as it is above, the Peak District is also a popular spot for caving with Speedwell Caverns being a great starting place for novices to the sport. The River Derwent among others, is a magnet for watersports enthusiasts who want to participate in canoeing, kayaking or rafting and has several excellent spots for wild swimming.
canoeing and kayaking in Peak District

Canoeing and Kayaking In Peak District

There is a wealth of stunning canoeing and kayaking available - on rivers, canals, reservoirs and lakes - with guided tours in plentiful supply to help you make the most of the area. From gentle paddles on Carsington Water or the Peak Forest canal to an introduction to gentle white water on the River Derwent, whatever your preference and fitness there’s bound to be something perfect for you here, and plenty of hire and guiding available to help you on your way.
White water kayaking in Peak District

Canoeing and Kayaking on the River Derwent

For a slightly more challenging paddle (not suitable for young children), try the brilliant 4 mile stretch of the Derwent between Darley Bridge to Matlock Bath. Mostly grade 1 it is a lovely stretch for paddlers to get their first taste of faster flowing water. Stretches above and below this section are more suitable for more experienced paddlers.

Canoeing and Kayaking on the the Peak Forest Canal

Featuring magnificent views of the surrounding hills the canal between Marple and Whaley Bridge makes for a really tranquil paddle and giving a different perspective of the stunning landscapes.

Canoeing and Kayaking on Tittesworth Water

Nestled beneath the Roaches on the borders of the Peak District National Park, the lake offers a great range of activities that includes canoeing and kayaking, with sessions and courses to suit all levels, including instructor training.
Canoe and Kayaking Hire in peak District Near Me

Safety Advice for Canoeing and Kayaking

A license is just one small part of the puzzle when it comes to working out where and when to paddle. See our list below on things to consider before going canoeing or kayaking:
  • Weather, flow, tides and visibility: Attention should be paid to the flow of the river by checking the environment agency website and others. A significant flow on the river can be caused by excessive rain, often hundreds of miles away, that over a number of days, pour into the river can cause significant currents. Whilst its often hard to see ‘flow’ just by looking at the river the National River Flow Archive can provide specific information on the flow to enable you to decide if it’s worth the outing. Often, it’s much nicer to paddle in calmer waters, rather than battling a surging river and having greater risk around meanders, bridges and other boat vessels, so this is something to consider. Likewise, wind, tide, weather and visibility should be taken into consideration when planning your canoeing or kayaking trip.
  • Conditions within your level of capability Always err on the side of caution when going out in your canoe or kayak and make sure you’re comfortable with the conditions of the water
  • Tell your friends: Let people know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Ideally go with a group of people so if someone falls in, you’ll have others to help or raise the alarm
  • Get training: Book in a canoeing or kayaking instructor course or experience days on Beyonk
  • Practice falling in drills: In calmer waters and with the supervision of an instructor, practice how to fall in and what to do when you do fall in, so you’re prepared on what to do
  • Consider wearing safety equipment such as buoyancy aids, which can be life-savers in many scenarios even if you’re a strong swimmer. The water temperature, flow or taking a knock to the head can all present risks that will make your swimming skills useless and a buoyancy aid life-saving
  • Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions of your paddle. Don’t risk getting soaking wet and cold in the rain if you’re going out for prolonged periods
  • Be aware of waterway restrictions, from boating lanes, military operations and more, to avoid any dangers
  • Make sure to get stacked up on nutrition and water to maintain energy levels if you’re going for over an hour's paddle.
  • Take a communication device, mobile or radio in case of emergency and call 999 if needed.

Canoe and Kayaking Hire Near Me

Where can I go canoeing or kayaking in Peak District?

Unfortunately there are all sorts of restrictions on where you can go canoeing or kayaking in Wales, as many bodies of water are owned by different organisations and there are more specific protections in place. It’s not quite as simple as just rocking up to your closest river and going for a paddle. There have been stories of authorities asking to see licenses and being able to fine those canoeing and kayaking without a license.
There are some places where licenses aren’t required, like paddling in the sea, estuaries or most tidal water (which can often travel quite far up many rivers). However, these are the areas that require skill and experience to go paddling. Nevertheless, estuary and sea kayaking can offer some of the most rewarding experiences with sightings of seals, a wealth of other animals and stunning coastal scenes.
Canals and inland rivers can be great places to kayak and canoe as waters can be easier to navigate and manage than tidal waters. However, for many inland rivers in the UK you’ll need to work out whether you are able to canoe or kayak there due to both private restrictions and licensing restrictions. In Wales, check out the Canoe Wales website for the rivers where you can canoe or kayak under their membership. If there are any questions, you’re best off sending them a message to see what license is required (if any) for your stretch of river. Restrictions also exist for where land is privately owned (e.g. beaches), where there are environmental protection schemes such as Nature reserves, where there are military bases or activity happening or where there are restrictions due to safety such as avoiding shipping lanes, waste disposal or dangerous wrecks.

Canoe and Kayak Clubs, Hire and Lessons in Peak District near me

Search through our map of hundreds of canoe and kayak clubs, places to hire equipment or find lessons. If you’re looking for something specific, drop us a message and we’ll find it for you.

Canoeing and Kayaking for Families and Kids in Peak District

Canoeing and Kayaking are great family friendly sports. Canoes are more of the stable and spacious choice that allow for gentle and calm paddling experiences. Kayaking also offers the option for two-seaters that are a great way to bond with a friend or family member. Sea Kayaks and Touring Kayaks are incredibly stable, like Canoes, so it's more difficult to fall in or get wet. When it comes to the types of water to look out for, calmer water makes for a more enjoyable experience with kids. Look out for local lakes or canals for safer and more tranquil paddling. The beauty of canoeing and kayaking are that they are 'sit down' sports. The level of fitness required for both - at entry level - is relatively low, so most people can get involved with the sport.

Other searches

Book Experiences

Looking to sell tickets to your own experiences?

Try Beyonk, the all-in-one ticketing system to grow your business. Trusted by top organisations to maximise bookings and ticket sales.