Where are the best places to kayak in the UK? It’s the natural question to ask once you’ve got a taste for kayaking or canoeing. It’s also an awfully big question. After all, there are a lot of rivers in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales - and we wouldn't have it any other way. That's what makes the kayaking in the UK so special.
The United Kingdom has fantastic options for every level of paddler, which feels only fair given the regularity of the rain across the UK. There have certainly been a few occasions in the past few years where kayaking or taking a canoeing trip down to do the weekly grocery shop might have been safer than walking.
As well as the damp conditions though, the United Kingdom is also blessed with a whole lot of beautiful countryside and forest. From the rolling hills of England to the rugged mountains of Wales and Scotland to the remarkable coastlines of Northern Ireland, there's no lack of beautiful scenery and beautiful inland waters. Kayaking in the UK is the opportunity to discover these waterways.
In this feature, we’re going to give you an introduction to some of the best rivers to kayak in the UK, as well as some other beginner knowledge to get you started.
What’s the Difference Between a Kayak and a Canoe?
Both canoes and kayaks are terrific ways to get out and explore the waterways of the UK, but there is a difference between the two. A canoe has an open deck, higher sides and you kneel or sit (elevated) in it while rowing with a one-bladed paddle. A kayak has a closed deck with only one entry point. You sit on your backside inside it with your legs stretched out in front of you, and paddle with a double-bladed paddle.
A canoe is typically for two people, and a kayak is typically for one - but you can also get a tandem kayak, which can be ideal for family holidays. You may also come across a sit on top kayak, too. These are very easy to get in and out, and there's no confinement, but the downside of them is they offer less protection.
In a canoe, you'll have more storage space, under the benches or around your feet, while in a kayak, you often have a storage hatch at one end where you can stick your stuff. When you get inflatable kayaks, these are often open-top. Read our full article on the difference between a kayak and a canoe.
Canoeing and Kayaking License for the UK
Kayak Licenses: Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, the beloved 2003 land reform act (the same one which is responsible for the “right to roam” and all that wild camping access) covers water too. It says that “everyone has statutory access rights to most of Scotland’s outdoors, if these rights are exercised responsibly, with respect for people’s privacy, safety and livelihoods, and for Scotland’s environment.” This includes waterways, largely thanks to the work of the Scottish Canoe Association, and so you're able to paddle in more or less whatever waterways you would like to in Scotland. Hurrah!
The Paddlers’ Access Code, which revolves around care for others, the environment and responsibility for your actions, must be followed, of course. You will also need a license to dock your kayak or canoe in certain places, and the same applies if using locks on the Scottish canals. Similarly to Scotland, no license is needed to paddle on the waterways of Northern Ireland. For information on Northern Ireland, head to the The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland.
Whether you're on a canoeing trip on inland waters, or on a day trip out on the sea, make sure you stay legal when you do it.
Kayak Licenses in England and Wales
In England and Wales, the easiest way to get past license issues is to join the British Canoe Union (BCU) or Canoe Wales (CW). Do that, and you will automatically receive a license for many rivers. As the BCU state on their website: “an individual Membership of British Canoeing includes a licence to paddle over 4,500km of river navigations and canals.”
Joining the BCU or CW costs £45, whereas purchasing an individual license for a specific waterway costs from £35, so it’s not bad value for money. You will also get access to insurance, competitions and coaching qualifications for those looking to take their kayaking and canoeing more seriously. There are certain UK rivers not covered in the license of the BCU or CW however.
The BCU is specifically for canoe or kayakers based in England, while the CW is for those in Wales. Right. Now that we're done with the admin, let's look at some of the best places for kayaking in the UK.
Kayak UK | The Best Rivers to Kayak or Canoe in Scotland
River Tay
The River Tay is the longest river in Scotland and can be canoed in sections or – if you’ve got a good bit of time on your hands – in its entirety. It runs from the slopes of Ben Lui in the west of the country across to Loch Tay, where the river then starts proper, and from there it runs over to the east coast at Dundee where it joins the sea via the Firth of Tay. Aberfeldy, not far from Loch Tay, is a particularly popular spot for kayaking - and is also a good place to spot beavers, which inhabit much of the River Tay. Meanwhile there are beginner options on Loch Tay itself and rapids also nearby. Scotland’s slalom course from Grandtully to Strathtay can also be found on the Tay, and offers grade three river rapids. Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is the perfect way to cap off a day on the water, too.
River Spey
The Spey runs from a little east of Elgin up through the Cairngorm mountains. Those fond of a tipple will recognise the name. Speyside is famous for its whisky distilleries. The region produces more whisky than any other, and it does it well. It’s home to big hitters like Glen Livet, Glenfiddich, Balvenie and an abundance more. The river is also renowned for the quality of its salmon and fishing and, yup, it’s not so bad for kayaking either.
The River Spey isn’t a particularly technical river, but there are a selection of Grade 2 rapids. The water levels are reliable throughout the year. Newtonmore is the highest common starting point, and there’s a wealth of information on the route on the Canoe Scotland website. This is a beauty of a river, with all the typical Highland views that come with a river that runs through the Cairngorms. Plus, you know the food and drink won’t be half bad after.
The Caledonian Canal
The detectives among you will have worked out that the Caledonian Canal is not actually a river. It’s a canal. The first clue was in the name. But we thought it was worthy of a mention on this list since it grants access to the Great Glen Canoe Trail – a beauty of a kayak trip. On an 100km paddle, you can travel from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east – traversing the legendary Loch Ness and Loch Lochy along the way. While we appreciate the latter loch may sound like it was named by a three year-old, we assure you Loch Lochy is just as beautiful as the one with the monster in it just up the road. Perfect for a paddle.
River Findhorn
One of Scotland’s classic white water rivers, the Findhorn can be found in the north east of the country, flowing into the Moray firth. It attracts paddlers from around the country with rapids ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 5. Particularly past the point of Randolph’s Leap – a viewpoint with a nice bit of Scottish folklore behind it – there’s great kayaking opportunities.
For more information on Scottish kayaking head to the Scottish Canoe Association.
Kayak UK | The Best Rivers to Kayak or Canoe in Northern Ireland
River Blackwater
The River Blackwater Canoe Trail stretches 20km through the countryside of Armagh and Tyrone, finishing in Lough Neagh. There’s plenty of places to stop off for a cup of tea or a bite to eat on the way too – from The Argory to Bond’s Bridge or early on in Blackwatertown itself. It’s worth noting that Lough Neagh, where this 20km finishes, is also one end of the Canoe Trail of the Lower Bann, which runs 58km through Portglenone, Drumaheglis and Coleraine to Portstewart and the Atlantic Ocean. So you could even combine these two tours over a few days for a bigger canoe trail on the beautiful rivers of Northern Ireland.
River Foyle
Dipping in and out of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the Foyle Canoe Trail runs 53km long, starting from Lifford, travelling through both countryside and city (the historic city of Derry/Londonderry) and bringing you out at the Atlantic Ocean. Canoe NI also write that “since the trail is tidal – the river section can even be paddled upstream!”
The Coastline Canoe Trails
Okay, so we’re cheating here. We know, sea kayaking is an entirely different ballgame, and an article about the best rivers to kayak in the United Kingdom really shouldn’t include the ocean. But… particularly in Northern Ireland… it’s just so darn pretty! There are North Coast, East Coast and South East Coast Canoe Trails, all well documented on the Canoe NI website, and what trails they are – rugged cliff faces, ocean waves and the famous Giant’s Causeway. Then back to Portstewart for a Guinness and a packet of Tayto crisps.
For more information on Scottish kayaking head to Canoe Northern Ireland.
Kayak UK | The Best Rivers to Kayak or Canoe in Wales
The River Usk (Beacons Water Trail)
The Beacons Water Trail is an established canoeing trail in Wales. It uses the River Usk and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. The trail was launched back in 2011 by the Brecon Beacons National Park and Brecon Canoe Club to encourage canoe touring on the aforementioned River Usk and canal. The cool thing about this tour is that you can actually paddle down to Brynich Aqueduct, then change from the river to the canal and paddle back, making your return trip on a completely different stretch of water. A great option for those who want to try out canoeing or kayaking, and take in plenty of views on the way.
Brecon Promenade is the best known access point on the River Usk.
River Wye
The River Wye runs from Plnlimon in mid Wales to the Severn estuary, much of the time forming the border between England and Wales. The Wye Valley has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you know the surroundings are going to look good on your Instagram. The 100-mile segment of the River Wye from Hay-on-Wye to the Bristol Channel is renowned for canoe and kayak touring. Elsewhere on the Wye, access is as set by Wye and Usk Foundation, so you need to check up and make sure you’re not trespassing. One popular village is Symonds Yat, which straddles the River Wye close to the Gloucestershire border.
River Mawddach
Mawddach Estuary is where the River Mawddach meets the sea – and it’s also a great kayaking route through Snowdonia. You won’t get any rapids here but due to the close proximity to the sea, there is a possibility of waves, and if you fancy going for a paddle on the ocean, this is a great gateway, too.
For more information on Scottish kayaking head to Canoe Wales.
Kayak UK | The Best Rivers to Kayak or Canoe in England
River Stour
The River Stour is a river which runs through Kent, flowing into the North Sea at Pegwell Bay. This is a great river for beginners and an incredibly scenic paddle as well. The river is incredibly accessible, and you can paddle through Stodmarsh Nature Reserve between Westbere and Grove Ferry – a unique area of wetland with marshes, reedbeds, lakes and woodland. This is an incredibly relaxing, idyllic canoe or kayak tour, and you’ve got some good chances of seeing rare wildlife (in particular water birds).
River Allen
River Allen can be found in Northumberland and is one of the best rivers in England for white water rafting. Because of all those rapids though, the River Allen isn’t perhaps the best for beginners. The rapids are often Grade 3, up to Grade 4. There isn’t an awful lot of flat water on which to get your composure. There’s a boulder garden early on to test if you’re up to it, and it doesn’t let up much from there.
River Thames
The River Thames is probably the most famous river in the United Kingdom. Though many people don’t give much thought to where it leads after or before London. From the origins in the Cotswolds, right out to the ocean, it’s actually a beautiful 184 mile route through the English countryside. Canoeing from Oxford to Windsor is possibly one of the most scenic sections, coming in at around 65 miles overall with camping options available along the way.
East Lyn
Rising high in Exmoor in the county of Somerset, the East Lyn is a river which flows through the East Lyn Valley in Devon. In kayaking terms, it’s not an easy paddle. This, not unlike the Allen, is one for those who have spent a good few years in a kayak. With grade three rapids and plenty of demanding segments, this makes for a great kayak for those after a challenge. And the fact you can go from the source to the sea makes it all the more appetising.
For More
If it’s a particular part of the United Kingdom you’re after, we’d recommend checking out the UK Rivers Guidebook, who have a detailed website full of information on rivers in Scotland, England and Wales, or check out the British Canoe Union for more in England.
Inspired? Check out our range of kayak holidays in the UK.