A boat trip is the ideal activity for you if you’re looking for a relaxing experience where you can immerse yourself in the arms of nature with friends or family. Perfect for touring on rivers, lakes and estuaries, with some canoes intended to carry three or more people, they are ideal for single camping or a family trip up the river.
If you are trying to decide where to go canoeing in the UK, read on to discover 5 great Open Canoe travel destinations in the UK.
- Ullswater
Ullswater, considered to be one of the most scenic lakes, is the second largest lake in the Lake District. Ullswater’s ‘Z’ shape is due to the combination of multiple glaciers, which also results in a variety of breathtaking views. The three distinct sections of the ‘Z’ – also known as reaches – are quite visually distinctive from each other in many ways. The Southwestern reach is known for its dramatic views of craggy mountains, whereas the north-easternmost reach near the village of Pooley Bridge is mostly rural.
- The River Wye
As the fifth-longest river in Great Britain, the Wye begins in the Welsh mountains before carrying on through the Welsh marches and further into the Severn Estuary at Chepstow. There are also a number of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in its lower valley. Possibly the most popular river in the whole of the UK for open canoe trips, the River Wye is considered to be part of Britain’s paddling heritage. A canoe trip along its meandering and sometimes tumbling waters will transport you to idyllic countrysides and dramatic wooded valleys.
- River Tweed
The Tweed River, rising in the Scottish Borders, is renowned for its canoe touring opportunities and is steeped in history. Tweed river used to be a natural resource and the main route for nearby trade, but nowadays, it is the ideal route for a fantastic canoe trip with breathtaking scenery for anyone interested in paddling. Throughout its journey to the North Sea, the Tweed flows through both England and Scotland. In parts, it forms a border between the two countries. Each section is easy to break down and the road is always nearby, allowing easy access to the river. It is best to explore the Tweed in May and June when the days are longer and the weather is nice, but the region can be enjoyed all year round, even as an autumn or winter destination.
- River Thames
Thames-head is the name given to the trickle of water that forms the River Thames which then flows through a field in the Cotswolds, north of Kemble. By the time it reaches the charming town of Lechlade, the river has widened to accommodate smaller boats, and this upper stretch of the river makes for some nice paddling. From Oxford to Windsor, an open-canoe journey down the Thames is the perfect way to see old houses, colleges, churches, and even a castle! The Thames River winds through the lovely countryside of the Thames Valley, where lush green riverbanks and wildlife abound the more you follow down the river. The Thames becomes tidal once it reaches Teddington, but confident paddlers may still wish to continue on, past the landmarks and beautiful sights of London.
- The Great Ouse
The Great Ouse drains vast areas of East Anglia’s flatlands, providing a wide variety of wildlife and scenic sights. From Bedford, it winds its way upstream to Kings Lyn, Norfolk, where it flows into the sea. However, the most common paddled section of the river is between Bedford and Ely.
It is home to all sorts of wildlife, including herons and kingfishers, as well as deer that come to the water to drink. With environmental agency management, the river is thriving and popular with a wide range of leisure users. A serene journey down the UK’s fourth longest river takes you through open meadows and drooping willows.
Open canoeing is a comfortable experience as you don’t have to stay sitting; you are able to stand up and even stretch so you feel comfortable. Take an open canoeing trip in the UK and find yourself becoming one with the enchanting waters. There’s no better way to embrace nature rather than paddling down a river in an open canoe.
With a multitude of options for open canoeing in your reach, you don’t have to travel to far-flung ends of the world to explore the wonders of nature when the UK has it all right here. Book your adventure with Beyonk today!
