Canoeing through tunnels

For your own safety, you’re not allowed to paddle (canoes, kayaks or paddle boards) through some of our canal tunnels. Especially on parts of some larger river navigations. But there are several on the list below you can paddle through.

Tips for paddling through a tunnel

But first, here are our top tips for staying safe while paddling through a tunnel:

1. Always check before paddling through a tunnel. There may be an oncoming narrowboat
2. You must carry a light (such as a head torch) and whistle to warn other craft that you're there
3. Where possible, travel through in groups
4. You can travel through a tunnels listed below
5. Please check for local restrictions because of potential smoke and fumes or a towpath or grab chains are in use

You can find more information and a video about travelling through tunnels in our boating pages.

For more tips on staying safe, visit the British Canoeing website.

Tunnels open for canoes and other unpowered craft

*Saltersford method of working - North Bound - enter on the hour and have 20 minutes to travel through. South Bound - enter on the half hour and have 20 minutes to travel