Exploring our favourite routes on PaddlePoints

A Paddle UK team has been on a mission to try as many of the routes on PaddlePoints as possible.

PaddlePoints is a central hub for finding launch locations and trails for paddlers to explore and share with others. Through its unique mapping tool, the platform signposts useful information about great paddling routes, the location of weirs, pubs, picnic areas, as well as delivery partners and clubs.

A Paddle UK team have been making videos on Instagram and YouTube (@PaddleUK) to give the viewer a flavour of what you’ll find along the trail and tips on where to get in and out of the water. This includes beautiful landscapes, historical landmarks, and areas rich in nature.

1. Llangollen Canal and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
The Llangollen Canal takes you along the beautiful Welsh countryside and valleys, through tunnels and over the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. ‘The Stream in the Sky’ rises 39 metres above the Dee Valley.
Distance: 14.4km (9 miles)
Time: Three hours
Sat Nav: LL20 8RY
What3Words: ///misted.jars.breeze
Find the full route on PaddlePoints: https://gopaddling.info/paddlepoints/?PP=21578
Watch our video about the route: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXH6O9NFYO4

Llangollen Canal and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

2. Houghton Mill to St. Ives, Cambridgeshire
Paddle from the historic Houghton Mill along the Great River Ouse. Launching from the National Trust’s Houghton Mill, you’ll paddle towards the medieval market town of St Ives. You’ll spot lots of wildlife and fascinating church buildings along the way before reaching the 15th-century St Ives bridge and turning back.
Distance: 8.6km (5.4 miles)
Time: Two hours
Sat Nav: PE28 2AZ
What3Words: ///scrolled.havens.animals
Full route on PaddlePoints: https://gopaddling.info/paddlepoints/?PP=21501
Watch our video about the route: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hs1GVoMluPI

Houghton Mill to St. Ives, Cambridgeshire

3. Birmingham’s city & countryside canal system
Starting from the heart of Birmingham, you’ll paddle a section of the city’s extensive canal system. With 35 miles of canal, it exceeds the length of Venice’s waterways. You’ll see both industrial heritage and the area’s leafy suburbs from the water. You’ll be spoiled for choice with pubs and restaurants following your trip.
Distance: 14km (8.8 miles)
Time: Three hours
Sat Nav: B1 2AN
What3Words: ///pass.spit.belt
Full route on PaddlePoints: https://paddleuk.org.uk/paddle-birminghams-extensive-canal-system/
Watch our video about the route: https://youtu.be/CV1h_1WnbS0

Birmingham’s city & countryside canal system

4. The River Avon & Shakespeare country
The River Avon is a great place to paddle due to its scenic beauty and gentle flow. Stratford-upon-Avon is, of course, a huge draw for tourists due to being the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The medieval market town boasts over 800 years of history and features numerous surviving historic buildings.
Distance: 16.4km (10.2 miles)
Time: Three to four hours
Sat Nav: B50 4PG
What3Words: ///sugar.crouches.loosed
Full route on PaddlePoints: https://gopaddling.info/paddlepoints/?PP=455
Watch our video about the route: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQAq3ErdgH4

The River Avon & Shakespeare country

5. Hoarwithy to Ross-on-Wye via the River Wye
The River Wye flows for over 250km, crossing the border from Wales to England, passing through a range of scenery. From luscious countryside to bustling towns, the river takes it all in.
Distance: 18.4km (11.5 miles)
Time: Three hours
Sat Nav: HR1 4TT
What3Words: ///basic.bypassed.meatball
Find the full route on PaddlePoints: https://gopaddling.info/blog/sup-kayak-canoe-paddler-personal-stories/paddle-the-river-wye-hoarwithy-to-ross-on-wye/
Watch our video about the route: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ybnaicbh8M

Hoarwithy to Ross-on-Wye via the River Wye

6. The Barrow Loop via the River Soar
The Barrow Loop is a gentle, picturesque paddle trail for all types of craft and abilities, starting and ending in the delightful Barrow Upon Soar. The Broadway’s Meadow campsite, which Paddle UK owns, is a fantastic place to use as a base to explore the Grand Union Canal and the River Soar.
Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
Time: Ninety minutes
Sat Nav: LE12 8XJ
What3Words: ///clocked.tested.deleting
Find the full route on PaddlePoints: https://gopaddling.info/rivers/river-soar/
Watch our video about the route: www.youtube.com/shorts/5pABk_uVivE

The Barrow Loop via the River Soar

Visit PaddlePoints for places to paddle: https://gopaddling.info/paddlepoints/