How does it work?

When you book, we will send out directions to the start point for your trip. We meet you there with the canoes/kayaks and any additional equipment you have booked. You need to tell us where you intend to finish, and at what time, and we will meet you to pick up the canoes.

Where do I leave my car?

Parking is limited at many of the start points. If possible, we recommend that you arrive by public transport. If this is not possible, it can work well to leave your car at the end point or overnight camp site (check with site operator) and travel to the start by taxi or car-share. Visit the Traveline Cymru website for information on public transport in Wales, or the Traveline Index page for public transport journeys starting outside Wales. Feel free to contact us to discuss your transport arrangements.

Is it safe?

Canoeing is as safe as you want to make it. If you are a beginner, you can build up your experience and confidence on placid sheltered water before moving on to more challenging waterways. You can also book a skills course and/or a 'River Awareness Day' before setting off on your own.

What about my children?

Canoe touring is a wonderful way for a family to enjoy the countryside together. However, looking after children in unfamiliar and potentially hazardous situations can be unexpectedly challenging, particularly if anything goes wrong. We recommend that parents taking children on the water for the first time, particularly when the parents are also beginners, choose a placid/sheltered location where you can easily leave the water at any time, such as the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, or learn the basics on a guided trip or instructed course.

Can we bring the dog?

We don't have a problem with this. However, bear in mind that not all dogs can swim! If a dog will not sit still in the canoe, it can make it difficult to paddle, and may capsize the canoe. The waterways flow through farmland, and livestock are often present on the banks. You will need to check whether dogs are allowed at the camp sites you intend to use.

Do I need any qualifications?

There is no official requirement for competence to hire canoes, and it is your decision whether you can cope with your planned trip. Our web site gives the grade for each of the rivers we hire on, and describes common hazards of each grade. If in any doubt about your ability, choose a placid/sheltered location where you can easily leave the water at any time, such as the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, or learn the basics on a guided trip or instructed course.

Do we need to camp at official sites?

The river banks are privately owned, and many landowners object strongly to trespass. We do not recommend trying to camp anywhere other than recognised sites, without the permission of the owner.

Do we need to book at camp sites?

We strongly recommend that you book your camping in advance. Some of the sites are seasonal, and at busy times, popular sites may be full.

I want to get away from it all, can you suggest a quiet route?

It is more a matter of when you choose. Summer weekends and school holiday periods are very busy (particularly bank holidays) and you can expect to meet a lot of other canoeists, and other river users. Camp sites are likely to be crowded at these times. Out of season, you may hardly see anyone at all! However, you need to make sure your planned camp sites will be open, as some only ope for the peak season.

Are there places to eat along the way?

These are few and far between, and opening times can be erratic. We strongly advise that you check before travelling whether food will be available at your chosen stopping points. It is advisable to be self-sufficient for food, drink and shelter, even if you are planning a pub-lunch stop or evening meal. On the river, you can be several miles from the next stopping point, or from roads or buildings, often without mobile 'phone coverage.

What do I need to bring?

Our 'Advice on Trip Planning' and 'Clothing and Equipment' pages will help you prepare for your canoeing adventure.