Route Summary This trail on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is an excellent place for a first canoe or kayak trip.
Do you need permission to kayak on canals?
Yes, everyone is welcome to canoe on our canals and rivers. However, you will need to get a small craft license before paddling on the water.
Are you allowed to kayak on canals UK?
If you’re kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddleboarding in England or Wales a waterway licence is required to paddle on over 5000km of waterways that are managed by the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, the Broads Authority and a number of other waterway authorities.
Can you swim in Gloucester canal?
However, swimming is prohibited in our canals and rivers. There are too many risks that you can’t see hidden below the surface, and lots of other ways you can cool down with two feet on the towpath.
Are paddle boards allowed on canals?
You will need a licence to use a paddleboard on a canal. If you try stand up paddle boarding with a club, they can arrange a licence for you. If you want to go on your own, you can book a short term licence via the Canal Trust Website. The 30 day licence can be used on 30 different days throughout the year.
Can I use inflatable kayak on canal?
Keep your inflatable in their natural environment such as on canals, sheltered lakes and slow flow rivers. As always when you go paddling, whether you’re in an inflatable or not, there are a few safety precautions you should take just to stay on the safe side. Wearing a BA when you paddle is a must.
Can you kayak without a license?
If you’re paddling on the sea, estuaries or tidal water, or on a river or canal which doesn’t require a licence, then that’s fine, you don’t need one. There are also options to purchase a day licence.
Can you use kayaks on canals?
According to the Canal and River Trust, unpowered craft are not permitted through certain canal tunnels. If you are allowed to use a tunnel, make sure you have a light such as head torch and whistle so you can warn others of your presence, and travel in a group if possible.
Can you launch a kayak anywhere UK?
The sea surrounding the UK is free to Kayak except for a few off-limits areas as stipulated by the Ministry of Defence. This includes any estuaries and tidal rivers. Many rivers have tides that extend far inland so keep that in mind when researching your preferred paddling destination.
What side of canal do you kayak on?
Is there a correct side to pass on on canals and rivers? Ian. as a general rule you should pass left hand side to left hand side. i.e. aim to the right of the boat coming towards you, thereby going between it and the rhs bank.
How deep is the water at Gloucester Docks?
18ft
What is the Depth of the Canal and Docks? The canal and the Main Basin at Gloucester were originally dug to a depth of 18ft, and the water level was later raised six inches to allow larger ships to reach Gloucester. The water level gauges therefore usually show a level of 18ft 6in.
How cold is the water in Gloucester?
Average annual water temperature on the coast in Gloucester is 51°F, by the seasons: in winter 41°F, in spring 43°F, in summer 63°F, in autumn 57°F. Minimum water temperature (37°F) in Gloucester it happens in February, maximum (70°F) in July.
Where should you not paddle board?
Avoid offshore winds.
They will quickly blow your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore.
Do you need a license to paddle board in the sea UK?
In England and Wales, you will need a Waterways License to paddle on all Environment Agency and Canal & River Trust waterways, plus a few other stretches of water across the country.
Can you paddle board without a license?
Do I really need a license? Yes, the use of a paddleboard, or any other portable, unpowered craft on the majority of inland waterways, requires a license obtainable from the relevant authority. On Regent’s Canal, there are two license options: Short term or 30-days explorers’ license from the Canal and River Trust.
What is the 120 rule for kayaking?
A good rule of thumb to follow is the “120° rule.” This means you should wear a wetsuit or dry suit whenever the sum of the air temperature and water temperature is equal to or less than 120°F. Warm weather does not cancel out the danger of cold water, wearing lighter clothing on a warm day increases risk.
Do inflatable kayaks tip over easily?
Inflatable kayaks can tip over, but it’s extremely hard. Today’s inflatable kayaks are built really well and are incredibly stable. Still, if you find yourself in a situation where your kayak has tipped over, it’s actually not that difficult to get back on.
Can I carry a kayak by myself?
If you have a smaller, lighter kayak, you may be able to carry it on your own. You’ll do this by lifting it onto one shoulder. “Lift with your legs, not your back,” professional kayak instructor Carson Lindsay says.
Can you kayak on the River Severn?
We offer a range of self-guided canoe & kayak trips on the River Severn & Canal including Bridgnorth-Arley, Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade, Bridgnorth to Bewdley and Kayak trips based at The Vine in Kinver.
How do I get a kayak licence UK?
You can usually purchase day licences from places like the Canal & River Trust or Broads Authority, or you can purchase yearly licences from these places too. The most comprehensive licence for paddlers though is the British Canoeing membership (or respective home nation membership).
Can you go on any river with a kayak?
Can you go kayaking in London? Well, yes – of course you can! As long as there’s a kayak between you and a large expanse of liquid, then you’re good to go.