Canoeing Adventures Derbyshire

What Can I Expect

Go canoeing in Derbyshire and paddle through stunning scenery! These half-day canoe trips around some of the loveliest parts of the Peak District are accessible for all levels of canoeist and can be enjoyed by all the family.

Tom (ex-Team GB kayaker) and Emily, who run this very successful outdoor adventure company, will tell you that the rivers and canals of Derbyshire offer some of the very best scenic canoeing in the country. They are offering two itineraries for you to choose between.

The Cromford Canal Heritage Trail is a tranquil paddle at a relaxed pace, with lots of historic sights to see too. In fact, being in a canoe on the water is the best way to experience this three-mile trail. The waters are very calm and it's a popular choice for paddler with little or no experience.

You will set off from Cromford Wharf, with its Gothic-style warehouses and mills and the impressive limestone White Peak hills as your backdrop. Keep your eyes peeled as you paddle, you might well see some local wildlife - the voles especially like the towpath!

You'll pass by the High Peak railway junction and go around the swing bridge, to then reach Lea Wood Pump House. Under full-steam, this Victorian pumping station would pump four tonnes of water from the River Derwent into the Cromford Canal with each piston stroke. The pumping station is where you'll make your about turn for your gentle paddle back to base.

For those who want to tackle some faster-moving water, we can highly recommend the River Derwent canoe trip from Darley Dale to Matlock Bath. Again, the Derbyshire scenery is simply stunning and ducking under tree canopies is combined with some nice natural eddies and surf waves (if the water flow is good) for you to have fun with. When you reach Matlock Bath you might even be able to have a go at the little slalom there. 

And if you're wondering, you won't have to paddle back against the current, as the meeting point for your trip is Matlock Bath and this Derbyshire canoe team transports you upstream to Darley Dale for the start, so you paddle downstream back to Matlock Bath! Great fun for all.

What's Included

• Enjoy a half day canoeing adventure
• Guided by a fully qualified and experienced canoe leader
• All safety equipment is provided
• Canoes carry up to 3 people 
• A minimum of 2 vouchers must be purchased
• Choose from the following canoeing trips

Cromford Canal Heritage Trail

• Travel along the beautiful heritage site from the Cromford Canal
• See a different perspective of the canals history with stunning views
• The journey is 4.8km (3 miles)

River Derwent Adventure

• Paddle from Darley Dale to Matlock Bath
• The trip combines stunning scenery and small grade rapids
• The journey is 7km (4.5 miles)

When Is It Available

• Selected weekday and weekend dates throughout the year
• Dates and session times are subject to availability

Suitable For

• Minimum age 6
• All under 14's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the same canoe
• Maximum weight 22 stone
• Participants must be able to swim and feel confident in open water
• A minimum of two vouchers must be purchased for this experience

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome to watch the departure