Canoeing and kayaking

Canals

For a start, Britain has a dense network of canals (www.waterscape.com/map/) that offer enthusiasts 2,000 miles of secure water to explore, or for beginners to learn in.

Rivers

Also in abundance, fantastic rivers include the Spey (www.snh.org.uk/scottish/ehighland/riverspey.asp) in the East Highlands, the Forth (www.waterscape.com/River_Forth/) in the Scottish Lowlands, the Avon (www.waterscape.com/River_Avon_(Bristol)) near Bristol, the Trent (www.waterscape.com/River_Trent/) in England’s North country, the upper Severn (www.waterscape.com/River_Severn/) in the picturesque Cotswolds, the lower Wye on the England/Wales border and the Thames (www.waterscape.com/River_Thames) in South East England.

Lakes

The Lake District (www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk) abounds with mighty lakes like Windermere, Derwentwater and Coniston. Scotland’s Loch Lomond and famous Loch Ness offer calmer waters in beautiful surroundings.

Sea-kayaking

Popular around the Devon and Cornwall coastline, sea-kayaking possibilities are also endless in the sheltered lochs of northwest Scotland, while Pembrokeshire’s coastline offers optimal conditions and fabulous scenery.

Useful sites:

Comprehensive information on clubs, training courses and canoe locations is available from the British Canoe Union (www.bcu.org.uk/bcu/bcu-standardtemplate1.aspx).

The excellent Adventure Wales (www.adventure.visitwales.com/fe/master.asp?nodeidl1=2&nodeidl2=22) and Adventure Scotland (adventure.visitscotland.com/activities/water/) sites have full details of all activities including sea and river kayaking, rafting and canoeing as well as detailed operator listings.

Waterscape (www.waterscape.com/) is an excellent source of information on exploring Britain’s waterways with interactive maps, regional details and operator information.