Discover
Kayaking & Canoeing Spots in the UK.
The view from water level is different to any other. Kayaking and canoeing spots open up a side of the landscape you can't reach any other way. Pullover's community has found 18 kayaking & canoeing spots in the UK — each one submitted with honest notes on parking, access and what to expect when you arrive. No sponsored listings, no tourist guides — just honest, community-led recommendations from people who've actually made the trip.
Belper River Gardens
5.0 ★ (1 review)
Beautifully maintained river gardens with cafe, bandstand and kids play area. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy sitting by the River Derwent and watching the world go by, with the old east mill overlook
DRB-010
St Chad's Water
5.0 ★ (1 review)
Hidden in a spot, near Draycott in Derbyshire- this is a stunning local nature reserve. Built on a former gravel pit.
DRB-037
Wyver Lane, Nature Reserve
5.0 ★ (1 review)
Park up at the mill and walk the lane. By the time you reach the hide, the rest of the world has disappeared.
DRB-001
Ladybower Reservoir
5.0 ★ (1 review)
Vast reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley. Submerged villages, Dambusters history, and big moorland views.
DRB-009
Lake Vyrnwy
Despite its name, Lake Vyrnwy, is a reservoir built by the Victorians to supply fresh water to Liverpool. It was once a village and you can sometimes see some of it when low water.
POW-006
Sheepwash Car Park- Carsington Water
Stunning views of Carsington, away from the main visitor site
DRB-015
Claerwen Dam - Elan Valley
5.0 ★ (1 review)
Off the main Elan valley track. Rugged and remote
POW-004
Little Langdale Tarn
A quiet tarn in the peaceful Little Langdale valley.
CMA-029
Bassenthwaite Lake
The only true 'lake' in the Lake District, and home to ospreys.
CMA-023
Brothers Water
A small, scenic lake in the Patterdale valley.
CMA-028
Lake 86, Cotswold Waterpark
Kayaking, paddle boarding and open water swimming. Excellent value for money! Beautiful lake!
GLS-002
An Lochan Uaine
The famous 'Green Loch' near Glenmore.
SCT-023
Loch Morlich
A sandy-shored loch ringed by Cairngorm pines.
SCT-025
Symonds Yat (River Wye)
The Wye's iconic horseshoe bend, with a hand-pulled ferry.
HEF-001
The Strid, Bolton Abbey
Where the Wharfe roars through a narrow rock chasm.
NYK-016
Loch Muick
A grand loch beneath Lochnagar on the Balmoral estate.
SCT-024
Burnsall (River Wharfe)
A classic Dales village green right by the Wharfe.
NYK-017
Rydal Water
A small, lovely lake between Grasmere and Ambleside.
CMA-026
Most popular in this area
Most viewed by Pullover visitors
Wyver Lane, Nature Reserve
5.0 ★ (1 review)
Park up at the mill and walk the lane. By the time you reach the hide, the rest of the world has disappeared.
DRB-001
Belper River Gardens
5.0 ★ (1 review)
Beautifully maintained river gardens with cafe, bandstand and kids play area. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy sitting by the River Derwent and watching the world go by, with the old east mill overlook
DRB-010
St Chad's Water
5.0 ★ (1 review)
Hidden in a spot, near Draycott in Derbyshire- this is a stunning local nature reserve. Built on a former gravel pit.
DRB-037
Meet the people finding these spots
The Pullover contributors who know this area best
Frequently asked about kayaking & canoeing spots in the UK
Where are the best kayaking and canoeing spots in the UK?
Pullover has 18 kayaking and canoeing locations in the UK, all found and reviewed by real people who've been there. Browse the list above or switch to map view to find spots nearest to you.
Is kayaking and canoeing in the UK suitable for beginners?
the UK has waterways ranging from gentle canals to faster-flowing rivers. The spots on Pullover include access points noted by community members. Always check river levels and conditions before you paddle, and wear appropriate safety gear.
Is there free parking at kayaking and canoeing spots in the UK?
2 of the 18 spots in the UK have free parking noted by the Pullover community. Always check local signage on arrival — conditions can change.
How do I find kayaking and canoeing spots near me in the UK?
Browse the locations on this page or switch to map view to find spots closest to you. Each one has been submitted by someone who has actually been there. Create a free Pullover account to save favourites, get directions, and share your own finds.