Distance: 5-6 miles
Start point: Wootton Rivers SN8 4NQ
Put your boat in the water to the east of Wooten Rivers Bottom Lock and then paddle north through some of the country's most picturesque rural scenery.
This route will take you through Bruce Tunnel. Take care through this tunnel. Find out more about canoeing safely on our canals and rivers.
Your trip finishes at Crofton pumping station where you can enjoy the facilities of a tea room and take a peak around one of the world's oldest working steam beam engines.
End point: Crofton Pumping Station SN8 3DW
Keeping safe on our canals and rivers
Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding can be fun, however, any activity on water brings its own hazards and dangers, please make sure you've the correct equipment and level of experience for your planned trail.
What equipment do you need?
Always wear a buoyancy aid making sure everyone in the group has the correct fit and carry a mobile phone in a waterproof case as well as a whistle.
What should you wear when paddling on the canal?
Wear footwear you don't mind getting wet, and clothing suitable for the weather conditions, carry suitable spare clothing in a waterproof dry bag, especially in colder weather conditions.
What rules do you need to consider paddling on the canal?
Stay to the right where possible, take care around bridges and other structures with reduced visibility. Powered boats have right of way over canoes, kayaks and paddleboards so leave as much space as possible.
What should you do when you reach a tunnel?
All paddlers must wear a buoyancy aid, use a bright white forward facing light and carry an alternative means of attracting attention with an airhorn recommended. When at any tunnel entrance, please follow any powered boats at an appropriate distance.
What should you do when you reach locks and swing bridges
Get out and carry your canoe, kayak or paddleboard past all locks and swing bridges. Most swing bridges need to be unlocked and either manually or electronically operated, so portaging (as it's known) saves you time and saves water in the canal.
What licence do you need to paddle on the canal?
It's not just narrowboats and barges that need a licence on our canals and rivers. All canoes, kayaks, dinghies, rowing boats, paddleboards and even light inflatable craft do too. The only exception is for current members of British Canoeing and Canoe Wales who get to use our waterways for free as part of their membership.
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.
