Great British Paddling Adventures - by Richard Harpham & Ashley Kenlock (Paperback)

About the Book

This unique travel guide uncovers 50 of the best secret places in Britain, spectacular routes and exhilarating adventures only accessible by kayak, canoe or paddleboard.

Book Synopsis

This unique travel guide uncovers 50 of the best secret places in Britain, spectacular routes and exhilarating adventures only accessible by kayak, canoe or paddleboard.

Next time you visit Britain, see the wilderness from the water, discover ancient sites hidden from paths and roads, or stay at remote wild campsites only accessible by river. Each location, route and activity is graded for difficulty, from 1 paddle for beginners to 5 paddles for daring adventures only to attempt once you've cut your teeth. All the essential information is included, such as the best locations to access the water for each paddle, and stopping points for a bite to eat, something to see or do, or a place to stay. Packed with gorgeous photography taken throughout the year, and as inspiring as it is practical, this is a travel guide like no other.

Varied highlights from the book include:

- Paddle over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - at 126ft the tallest aqueduct in the world, with a breathtaking view over the Vale of Llangollen... and a sheer drop below
- Get back to nature on the River Great Ouse - paddle from Bedford's Victorian embankment out into a wilderness of overhanging willow trees, curious otters and diving kingfishers before wild camping in the middle of nowhere for an awe-inspiring night under the stars
- Follow the Whisky Trail - paddle down the River Spey as it winds its way out of the Cairngorms; after the aptly name Washing Machine white waters and the Knockandoo rapids you'll be glad of a chance to stop for a taste of the local Speyside malt!
- Travel back in time on the River Stour - see beautiful Constable Country, largely unchanged in centuries, from a captivating new angle
- Leave the shore behind - for the more adventurous paddlers, sea kayaking opens up the entire coastline and the more than 6,000 islands, large and small, that make up the British Isles

Review Quotes

"Rich and Ash have spent decades paddling, racing and exploring in canoes, kayaks and SUPs. They have poured their passion for paddling into this unique guide to UK places to paddle." --Steve Backshall

"Rich was born a water baby with a passion for messing about on the water. He has raced, explored, toured and completed many thousands of miles of paddling adventures by canoe, kayak and SUP. I can not think of many people better equipped to share a love of paddling and the best locations around the UK." --Sir Ranulph Fiennes

"Ash and Rich are adventurers at heart with a lifetime of exploring the great outdoors. Their paddling book provides a unique guide to paddling some of Britain's most iconic rivers, coastline and lakes. It is bound to provide a valuable resource for British canoeists, something that has been missing for far too long." --Ray Mears

"Adventures are good for the soul. And adventures on water are even better! You don't need to jet away when there are hidden diamonds strewn across this country. This book gives you the information and tips you need to have a cracking time with your friends or family and it will have you yearning to see what's around the next bend in the river!" --Etienne Stott MBE

"Drawing on decades of experience, Richard and Ash share some of their favourite paddling spots in this informative guide. Complete with top tips on logistics, practicalities and sights to see along the way, it's a must-buy for any paddler." --Miranda Krestovnikoff

About the Author

Richard Harpham is the founder of CanoeTrail, whose paddlesport holidays have been voted one of the top 50 things to do by Lonely Planet. He has written for many magazines, including Adventure Travel, Paddler and National Geographic Kids. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, he is a regular speaker at events and shows, and has hosted the Great Outdoors Stage at the BBC's Countryfile Live festival.