Go Paddling

Go Paddling Go Paddling is a nationwide initiative from Paddle UK that encourages people to paddle.

Follow for canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding tips + inspiration 🛶

18/06/2026

Explore North and East London from a new perspective this summer with this easy one-way paddle with Anu from My SUP Stories🌊

Following Regent’s Canal from Islington to Haggerston, this route is perfect for stand up paddleboarding or an inflatable kayak as no car is needed. It will take you past historic buildings, colourful canal boats, leafy stretches and some of London’s most unique waterside spots.

You’ll pass City Road Basin, spot the Alfred Hitchcock sculpture at Gainsborough Studios, and paddle through the lively Kingsland Towpath — with plenty of cafés and food spots to stop along the way ☕️

🌊 Waterway: Regent’s Canal

📍 Launch: Eastern portal of Islington Tunnel

🚆 Public transport: London Underground – Angel station (8 min walk) | London Overground – Haggerston station (6 min walk)

🛶 Distance: 1.5 miles (one way)

⏰ Time: 30–60 minutes

🪪 Waterways licence required, included within Paddle UK membership

🚧 Locks/portages: 2

Launch at the eastern portal of Islington Tunnel and follow Regent’s Canal east towards Haggerston.

As you leave Islington behind, the canal quickly changes from city scenes to leafy stretches, with weeping willows, wildlife and colourful narrowboats lining the water.

Portage at City Road Lock and take a break at City Road Basin, where there are plenty of waterside cafés nearby.

Keep paddling past old industrial buildings, a floating sauna and ice bath barge, before reaching Sturt’s Lock. Hop off here and look out for the Alfred Hitchcock sculpture at Gainsborough Studios.

Continue towards Kingsland Towpath, where the canal comes alive with food spots, cafés and the vibrant energy of East London.

Finish your paddle at Haggerston, or keep going towards Mile End if you want to explore more of Regent’s Canal.

🗺️ Find the full route and plan your paddle on PaddlePoints: gopaddling.info/paddlepoints

Thanks to Anu for another great London route! Keep an eye out for more paddling adventures around the capital 👀

Everyone should have the opportunity to spend time on the water 💙 Whether you're paddling independently, with support, o...
08/06/2026

Everyone should have the opportunity to spend time on the water 💙

Whether you're paddling independently, with support, or alongside someone you care for, getting out on the water can be a great way to explore the UK's blue spaces and support your health and wellbeing.

Carers, companions and paddlers with disabilities can now access discounted Paddle UK membership through the National Disability Card, National Carers Card and Carers Card UK. You can get 20% off.

Your On The Water Membership includes a waterways licence, liability insurance and a range of exclusive member benefits, giving you added confidence and flexibility to enjoy more time on the water.

Find out more here 👉 https://orlo.uk/wJ2fr

There's no better place to be on a sunny bank holiday weekend than on the water ☀️⁠⁠Whether you're paddleboarding, kayak...
22/05/2026

There's no better place to be on a sunny bank holiday weekend than on the water ☀️⁠
⁠
Whether you're paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing, there are a few simple steps you can take to help keep you and your friends safe on the water ⬇️⁠
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✅ Always wear a buoyancy aid⁠
✅ Tell someone where you're going ⁠
✅ Carry a mobile phone⁠
✅ Check the weather ⁠
✅ Know your limits⁠
⁠
These basics go a long way in keeping you and others safe on the water. Save our top tips!
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For more advice on trip planning and checking conditions, visit our website 👉 https://gopaddling.info/blog/tips-and-advice/safe-paddle-summer/

15/05/2026

Starting in Hackney Wick, this easy circular paddle with Anu from My SUP Stories is one of the best introductions to paddling in East London 🛶 The Olympic Park Loop is ideal for paddleboarding or an inflatable kayak — no car needed!

Following the Lee Navigation and surrounding waterways on a loop around London Stadium and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, you'll pass street art, spot wildlife, and paddle past the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit – a symbol of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

📍 Launch: Towpath by Olympic Park, Hackney Wick

🚆 Public transport: London Overground – Hackney Wick station (~5 min walk)

🛶 Distance: 2.5 miles (loop) – can be linked with Hackney Wick to Clapton for a longer route

⏰ Time: 1–1.5 hours

🌊 Waterways: Lee Navigation, River Lee, City Mill River, St Thomas Creek

🪪 Waterways licence: Required for all waterways on this route. Included with Paddle UK On The Water membership.

🚶 Portages: 2 (Old Ford Lock)

🚾 Toilets: Near Olympic Park

Head to Hackney Wick and walk past Moo Canoes and the food boats. Launch from the towpath next to the Olympic Park.

Portage at Old Ford Lock (watch the drop!), then turn left onto the Old River Lee.

You'll pass colourful street art and plenty of wildlife – keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons, cormorants, coots and moorhens.

Take in the varied urban scenery that makes East London paddling so unique!

Keep paddling, and you'll soon see the ArcelorMittal Orbit come into view.

Continue along City Mill River for views of London Stadium, home of West Ham United.

Then on to St Thomas Creek before turning right back onto the Lee Navigation and heading back to the start.

Finish with a well-earned drink in Hackney Wick – there are plenty of food carts by the water 🍺

Don't have your own board or boat? You can hire equipment at Moo Canoes.

🗺️ To download the full route and plan your paddle, visit our PaddlePoints map: gopaddling.info/paddlepoints. Search 'Hackney Wick'

Thanks to Anu for the route! Keep an eye out for more London routes coming soon.

Did you know that any water below 15°C can trigger cold water shock — even on a warm, sunny spring day?⁠⁠☀️ As the sunsh...
08/05/2026

Did you know that any water below 15°C can trigger cold water shock — even on a warm, sunny spring day?⁠
⁠
☀️ As the sunshine makes a return and we dust off our boards and boats, it's worth knowing that UK seas, rivers and lakes can stay cold enough to cause a serious reaction, regardless of how warm the air temperature feels. ⁠
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And it can affect anyone — no matter your age, fitness or swimming ability.⁠
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We're not trying to scare you — we just want you to be equipped with the knowledge so you can stay safe and enjoying your time on the water.⁠
⁠
Swipe through to learn what cold water shock is, how to prevent it and this spring👉️⁠
⁠

🎉 Being a Paddle UK member just got even better!🛶 We've just launched our brand new member benefits platform, and it's P...
22/04/2026

🎉 Being a Paddle UK member just got even better!🛶

We've just launched our brand new member benefits platform, and it's PACKED with savings on brands you already know and love, plus many more.

Paddle Perks gives you quick and easy access to a huge range of discounts, so you can gear up for less, save on your day-to-day shopping, or plan your next paddling adventure.

Save on paddling brands like Decathlon UK, KITBRIX, Aquapac and Tootega, as well as lifestyle brands and experiences like the National Trust, Warwick Castle, Tesco, Crocs, Garmin, Ordnance Survey and plenty more.

And the perks will keep on growing — keep checking back for the latest offers!

Ready to save? Log in to your updated Members Dashboard to unlock your personalised paddling information and access Paddle Perks 👇
https://paddleuk.org.uk/dashboard/

Not a Paddle UK member yet? Join today and get instant access to discounts 👇
https://paddleuk.org.uk/membership/

*Exclusive rewards are reserved for Paddle UK members, with selected rewards also available to club associates and members of Paddle Scotland, Paddle Cymru and Paddle NI.

🌞 Extra daylight = extra paddling time! The forecast is looking perfect for getting out on the water this week.We've got...
21/04/2026

🌞 Extra daylight = extra paddling time! The forecast is looking perfect for getting out on the water this week.

We've got over 170 free paddling trails for you to download. Take a look 🗺️ 👉 https://orlo.uk/lMVP3

Or want to plan your own route? Use our PaddlePoints map to find launch points, places to park and cafes 📍 👉 https://orlo.uk/aM087

📷 River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon

Thinking about buying your first kayak but not sure where to start?🤔 With so many different styles out there, choosing y...
20/04/2026

Thinking about buying your first kayak but not sure where to start?🤔

With so many different styles out there, choosing your first one can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

Whether you're dreaming of paddling at the coast or enjoying a paddle on your local canal, our latest blog breaks it all down for you.

Take a read 🔗 https://orlo.uk/HT9GY

We're falling for these beautiful paddles 💙 Add these 10 beautiful locations to your bucket list for 2026! With romantic...
13/02/2026

We're falling for these beautiful paddles 💙

Add these 10 beautiful locations to your bucket list for 2026! With romantic landscapes, stunning architecture and calm waters, what's not to love?

📍Lake Vyrnwy, Powys, Wales
📍River Thames, Oxford, England
📍Monmouth and Brecon Canal, Wales
📍Llangollen Canal, England & Wales
📍River Cam, Cambridge, England
📍Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex, England
📍River Ouse, York, England
📍Loch Tay, Aberfeldy, Scotland
📍Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, Somerset, England
📍River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

Plan your routes on our Paddle points map. Link in our bio 🔗

Beautiful waterways to paddle this winter ❄️🛶Stunning all year round — but especially magical in the colder months! Whet...
06/02/2026

Beautiful waterways to paddle this winter ❄️🛶

Stunning all year round — but especially magical in the colder months! Whether you paddleboard, kayak or canoe, there’s something for everyone in these stunning locations ⬇️

📍 Lake Windermere
📍 Birmingham Canal Navigations
📍 Norfolk Broads
📍 River Cam
📍 Paddington Basin
📍 River Conwy
📍 Caledonian Canal
📍 River Dart

Routes can be easy to moderate, depending on which stretch of water you paddle. Always check the routes before getting on the water and make sure it’s within your ability.

Winter conditions can change quickly. So keep safe by checking the weather, water levels and tide times and dressing for the conditions.

Plan your route using our free PaddlePoints map 🗺️🔗 gopaddling.info/paddlepoints

Address

National Water Sports Centre
West Bridgford
NG122LU

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+443000119500

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