The Shrewsbury to Ironbridge route is 13-15 miles long and should take between four and six hours, depending how quickly you paddle and water flow. You can put in off the boat yard’s launching ramp in the centre of town just over the Welshpool bridge.

For sit on top kayakers the only real thing to watch out for is a weir which stretches across the river just as you leave Shrewsbury. Access to get out and back in the other side, if you don’t fancy testing your mettle, is easy enough. If the water level is low then this is graded one (easy) but it can increase to two or three if in flood – water flows off the Welsh hills can top up the Severn pretty swiftly.

Paddling round the outskirts of town you head into countryside and navigate along a great stretch of water – passing many wonderfully built bridges in the process. It’s a great beginner route when not in flood and is well worth a day out.

For those looking to stop off for a bite to eat, or a swift half, there’s only one pub which you’ll come across after about an hour and half on your left hand side. It could be at this point you’re done, in which case this location makes a good take out point.

How to get there:

Shrewsbury lies to the NW of Birmingham and is clearly sign posted as you navigate along the M54 or A5.

Facilities:

The put in has a boat house and launch ramp but there aren’t many facilities along the route. There’s a pub an hour and a half into the paddle but little else.

Hazards:

Up to grade three (moderately difficult) white/moving water river dependant on time of year and flow. Paddlers will also need to watch out for the weir stretching across the route just outside Shrewsbury. If you’re not confident then get out and walk around it.

Further downstream, near Ironbridge, you’ll come across Jackfields Rapids which is great fun if you have the skills. Most sit on top kayakers should avoid this though.

Ins and Outs:

Put in off the boat house slipway in Shrewsbury and take out at the Ironbridge Museum – if you go past here you’ll hit Jackfields Rapids, which is the next take out point.

Notes:

Moving river that varies in level of difficulty dependent on water flows, weather and time of year.

As far as an introductory to moving water spot goes the Shrewsbury to Ironbridge run is great for intermediates looking to build confidence. It could be worth paddling here with someone who knows the area so they can show you the ropes.

Overview:

The River Severn is the longest stretch of inland water in Britain. There are sections which cater for novice kayakers while other parts are domains of the more advanced paddler. Shrewsbury to Ironbridge is just a snap of what the Severn can offer but is a good bet during low water levels for most paddlers.

Shrewsbury is an historic market town in Shropshire and is the second largest of its type in the county. With over 660 listed buildings, including examples of 15th and 16th century timber frame structures, it’s a great place for a visit – regardless of paddling antics. Shrewsbury Castle and Abbey (a former Benedictine monastery) are available for mooching around and well worth checking out.

Just nine miles from the Welsh border Shrewsbury serves as the commercial centre for the surrounding area – including mid Wales.

Ironbridge is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution – smelting iron with coke was invented here. This allowed much cheaper production. The famous bridge, that spans the gorge – a 30 metre expanse – is another reason visitors flock to the area.

Location:

This is a very diverse paddle taking in city centre sights right through to peaceful country side settings. In Nottingham city you can see the old “British Waterways” building adjoining the canal and catch glimpses of Nottingham castle on top of its hill. Its a clean canal as it has a small flow from the Trent passing through it. and for the most part is quite wide to accommodate the barges that travel along its length. On the canal is a marina to be explored en route and there are terrapins swimming in the canal if your lucky to catch a glimpse. Returning on the river you pass the war memorial on the left bank which is a good spot to find an ice cream van if you fancy one. The river can be busy on nice days with all manner of traffic from Tour boats to rowers but its very wide allowing plenty of space for all.

How to get there:

Just put in Victoria Embankment # London Road (A60) Nottingham on sat nav

Facilities:

Easy parking in the city and a good picnic spot at the halfway point with hot food and toilets

Hazards:

The first portage requires boats to be carried up a stairway and the switch from the canal to the Trent again requires a short carry of boats. Although getting in after Beeston weir the flow can be felt for half a mile or so and at low river levels there can be some shallow spots on the river.

Ins and Outs:

The best spot to start this circular tour is to park and launch from Victoria Embankment off the London road (A60) in Nottingham city centre where you can usually park within fifty feet of the road cross the grass and launch off the concrete steps bordering the river. Push off with the flow and pass under the Trent bridge (A60). After a few yards there is a current of water on the left from the canal lock spill (can give a small push to right) immediately after this is where the canal joins. Go past and get out on the floating pontoon on left and carry up steps off pontoon re launching onto the canal. There are a couple more easy locks to portage around (low get outs on flat) then follow the canal out into the country side for a 5 mile paddle in total of the canal section finishing at Beeston lock where you need to get out on the left hand bank immediately before lock. its a short carry up the steps past the Canal Trust toilet block onto the path across the grass to the River Trent embankment, right just past the weir. This is a very good spot for a picnic with table and chairs provided on grass. If you fancy some hot food walk back over canal bridge and turn left. Go 250 meters to the Boat House café.

The launch into the river needs the boat to be lowered a couple of feet down a concrete step (river level dependant) and head out into the flow some submerged rock are around so paddle with caution until out into the middle then enjoy a 5 mile paddle down a scenic river back to the finish at Victoria embankment. At low river levels the shallow spots are mostly toward the right bank.

Overview:

Great 10 Mile loop of the Nottingham canal and River Trent going through urban and rural locations

Location:

Carsington Sports and Leisure Ltd is a privately owned company that are located on the banks of Carsington Reservoir and provide equipment hire and coaching to those who require. At 750 acres, and with a reputation for crystal clear water, there’s something for everyone – all would enjoy a visit here.

The reservoir borders the Peak District National Park and as such gives visitors access to some fantastically stunning scenery. Carsington is an extremely picturesque location for a spot of spooning action and even though it’s an inland stretch of water, there’s still plenty of tucked away nooks to explore.

Wildlife in the area is abundant – birds are a typical case in point and a big draw for the area. Little Owl, Little Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Tern, Common Redshank and Barnacle Geese are all common visitors to the area. Viewing these species from a kayak is a great way to enjoy your sport and Mother Nature’s spectacle.

How to get there:

Carsington Water sits roughly half way between Ashbourne and Matlock in Derbyshire. Stoke-on-Trent and Derby town aren’t too far away either. The B5035 runs close by on the western flank of the lake with the turn off for Carsington just before you get to the village of Knockerdown. Carsington Watersporst Centre sits right on the banks of the reservoir.

Facilities:

Carsington Watersports Centre has a fully singing/all dancing watersports establishment that provides lessons, hire and gear. Showers, changing areas and a car park is also on site.

Hazards:

One thing to be aware of with Carisngton is low water levels. Unfortunately during times of drought the depth can drop leaving a muddy launch. It’s still possible to head out for a paddle but this may be worth keeping mind. Other water users need to be avoided and weather fronts can sweep in quickly – particularly out of season.

Ins and Outs:

Getting your boat to the put in is really easy with a short drag and drop from the watersports centre.

Notes:

Some of the cycle routes and walking paths around the reservoir are great for those seeking respite from H2O antics.

Overview:

Carsington is operated by Severn Trent water in Derbyshire and filters in water from the River Derwent and Ambergate during winter months. In summer the process is reversed. England’s ninth biggest reservoir holds 35,412 mega litres of liquid.

Carsington is a noted spot for varied leisure activities including watersports and land related pastimes. The site has hosted music events in the past and continues to attract visitors from all over the country.

Fishing and kayaking are both very popular which could prick the interest of keen kayak anglers out there. For those looking to indulge in some flat water paddling fun, the lake offers a relatively sheltered and tranquil experience compared to what you may find at the coast.

Location: