Backwaters

Adventure Equipment Ltd

 Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful day on the river with a waterside picnic, or spend a weekend or holiday exporing an area 'off the beaten track' moving between campsites or B&B's; canoe or kayak touring offers a peaceful and environmentally-friendly way to travel.

Contact
Home Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Craft for Hire
Trip Planning Advice
Policy Statements:

Environmental; Ethical Trading; Welsh Language; Access statement.

Availability
Prices
 

Waterways á la Carte 

You don't have to paddle rivers to enjoy a canoeing adventure.

The British inland waterways network covers over 2000m (3000km) of placid man-made and improved waterways. These waterways are ideal for canoe touring, offering considerable variety; including canals built in a bygone industrial age, now used mainly for recreation, and some rivers which have been made navigable to larger craft. Some are remote and peaceful, while others are used by larger traffic, and some pass through bustling towns and cities.

Backwaters will hire you a canoe or kayak licensed for British Waterways managed canals and river navigations* equipped with paddles, buoyancy aids and waterproof kit barrels (canoe) or drybags (kayak) to explore the waterways network at your own pace, following your own unique itinerary.

*A small number of navigations, e.g. 'Shakespeare's' River Avon, are managed by private trusts and may require you to purchase a separate licence if you include them in your itinerary.
The only restriction is that you need to start and finish either at the junction of Camlas Maldwyn - the Montgomery Canal and Camlas Llangollen - the Llangollen Canal at Frankton, near Oswestry; or at any of our designated drop-off and pick-up points on Afon Hafren - the River Severn and that you pre-book your pick-up time and place with us.

You will need to plan your itinerary around the B&B's, hotels and camp sites along the waterways. If you do not have camping equipment, we can supply your canoe with tent, stove/fuel, sleeping mat and bag.

 

 

We welcome responsible canoeists will enjoy the waterways and countryside, leaving it as they found it; treating wildlife and other river users with respect.

Waterways á la Carte is new for 2010.

 

2010 Prices**

Canoe (2-seat) per day* £40

Canoe (2-seat) per week £250

Canoe Hire includes: 2 paddles, 2 buoyancy aids, 2 waterproof kit barrels.

Kayak (1-seat) per day* £27.50

Kayak (1-seat) per week* £150

Kayak Hire includes: 1 paddle, 1 buoyancy aid, 2 waterproof kit bags.

 

*minimum total booking fee £300. The total booking fee can include any combination of canoes, kayaks and optional extras.

Optional Extras:

Centre seat for children (please note that this considerably reduces the 'luggage' space): Per day £10, per week £50. Includes up to 2 children's buoyancy aids and paddles.

Camping Equipment for 2 (tent, stove with fuel, crockery and pans for 2; 2 x sleeping bags with mats): Per day £20, per week £100.

Camping Equipment as above for 3: Per day £25, per week £125.

Portaging Trolley (to help move your canoe around locks and weirs etc): Per day £5, per week £25

NB - A deposit is required for optional extras, which will be retained pending return of clean, servicable, undamaged items.

 Not sure if it's for you?

Try it out with a short break on Camlas Mynwy ac Aberhonddu - the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. This scenic and unspoilt canal is a single, self-contained waterway, so you will have no navigational problems! For a really gentle introduction to waterway touring, base your exploration from a single point, travelling out and returning each day to your camp. If you wish, we will even provide the camping equipment and set up your self-catering camp for you (bookings based at Castell Pencelli - Pencelli Castle only - please ask for a quote). All you have to do is arrive and enjoy yourself!

 

Looking for more challenging water?

For those with some experience:

Canoe-hire and outfitting on Afon Gwy - River Wye

Canoe-hire and outfitting on Afon Hafren - River Severn from Pool Quay

 

Prefer a structured holiday?

Guided Canoe Camping Tour Afon Gwy - River Wye

COURSES IN CANOEING AND KAYAKING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CANOEISTS

You are responsible for your own planning, and your safety on the waterways. Canoeists should be aware of the Waterways Code.

Contact
Home Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Craft for Hire
Trip Planning Advice
Policy Statements:

Environmental; Ethical Trading; Welsh Language; Access statement.

Availability
Prices

Backwaters is associated with Mountain & Water: Wales-wide Adventure Ltd.