Can I paddle on the canal?
Yes, everyone is welcome to canoe on our canals and rivers. However, you will need to get a small craft license before paddling on the water.
Why does my small craft need a licence?
Our 2,000 miles of canals and rivers need a lot of TLC to keep them in great shape for everyone to use and enjoy - no matter the size of craft. As well as maintaining things like canal walls or water flow, your licence fee goes towards making sure there are enough easy access points, ramps and slipways for example.
What's the easiest way to licence my canoe, kayak or paddleboard?
A Paddle UK ‘waterways licence' gives you access to 5,000 miles of inland waterways, including our canals and rivers. It also gives you access to the waterways managed by the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority.
For Welsh canals and rivers see membership details for Canoe Wales.
What do I need if I just want to paddle on the Trust's canals and rivers?
Alternatively, you can buy a licence for your small craft through our licensing website. Prices range from around £5 per day and you can apply for a Paddlers Permit on our licensing portal.
Please note that a licence allows you to paddle on our canals and rivers, but not our reservoirs. Some reservoirs have sailing clubs which you may be able to join to paddle on them.
Where can I find out more about paddling on canals and rivers?
If you want to find out more about paddling on our canals and rivers take a look at our paddling pages.
To find out more about prices, use our licence fee calculator.
