Places to Paddle: Liverpool, Middle Level Navigation and the River Soar
A Paddle UK team has been exploring the wonderful trails on the PaddlePoints website. They recently explored Liverpool’s Docks, the Middle Level Navigations in the east of England, and the River Soar, to produce guides for everyone to try.
Look out for all of the videos on Instagram and YouTube (@PaddleUK) to see what you find on the trails, together with tips on where to get in and out of the water.
Liverpool’s historic docks
Distance: 4.2km
Time: 1-2 hours
Sat Nav: L3 4DG
What3Words: ///outer.linked.gladiators
Explore the historic heart of Liverpool from the water! Launch from Liverpool Watersports Centre or Coburg Dock and embark on a fascinating journey through the city’s iconic docks, a former global hub. Gliding through the clear waters of Queens Dock, keep an eye out for harmless Moon jellyfish; they are a great sign of a healthy ecosystem. Paddle past architectural marvels like the Royal Liver Building with its famous Liver Birds.
Follow the route through Wapping Dock, Salthouse Dock, and the vibrant Royal Albert Dock Waterfront, bustling with cafés and museums housed in renovated red-brick warehouses.
The route ends at Canning Dock, offering spectacular views of the Museum of Liverpool. This paddle offers a unique perspective on Liverpool’s rich maritime history and modern regeneration. It’s a must-do urban adventure!
https://paddleuk.org.uk/places-to-paddle-liverpools-historic-docks/
Middle Level Navigation: 99 Miles, but a ditch ain’t one
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Time: 2-3 hours
Sat Nav: PE26 2XN
What3Words: ///intent.riverside.displays
Discover the peace and tranquillity of the Fens with a paddle along the Middle Level Navigation, a network of 99 miles (160 km) of navigable waterways managed by the Middle Level Commissioners. Ideal for beginners and race training, the extended, straight, artificial drains offer easy paddling. Launch from Ramsey Forty Foot, where steps have been built to ease access, and explore this unique landscape.
Our journey took us westwards, past Ramsey Road bridge to the old course of the River Nene, and Well’s Bridge. Covering over 8km in total, we enjoyed spotting local wildlife like swans, ducks, and kingfishers. With access to towns like Whittlesey, Ramsey, and March, there is plenty more to explore. Uncover this hidden gem of Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
https://paddleuk.org.uk/places-to-paddle-99-miles-but-a-ditch-aint-one/
River Soar and the Grand Union Canal
Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)
Time: 2-3 hours
Sat Nav: LE4 5PN
What3Words: ///issued.employ.device
Discover Leicester’s waterways on an intriguing paddle that blends nature and history. Starting from Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, you’ll paddle along the wildlife-rich River Soar, keeping an eye out for kingfishers. Navigate past green meadows and under historic bridges, with the futuristic National Space Centre tower soaring into view.
A short portage at Belgrave Lock leads you onto the Grand Union Canal, offering a change of scenery. Stop for a well-deserved break at a quirky local café near North Lock. The return loop takes you past the stunning ruins of a 12th-century abbey and a 17th-century mansion in Abbey Park. This paddle is a perfect mix of urban exploration and peaceful river stretches, promising a memorable day out on the water.
https://paddleuk.org.uk/places-to-paddle-leicester-river-soar-grand-union-canal/
