Matlock Whitewater: Canoe or Kayak

Join us for an exciting experience canoeing and kayaking along the Derwent River, with a very friendly and enthusiastic team of guides. It is the perfect river for an introduction to moving water ski…

Level: Grade 1-2 one day canoe journey

Book for the next available dates or contact us for a private group booking
10 to 12 customers
From £99

Next Trip Dates: 9th August and 11th October 2025 09:00 - 15.00
Duration: 1 days

A fantastic introduction to white water canoeing and kayaking at Matlock on the River Derwent. This classic intro to moving water skills with professional tutition is located in the Peak District National Park.

Options: An intro to canoeing and kayaking on moving water

What's Included

Craft
Buoyancy Aid
Basic Map
Dry Bag
Paddles
Helmet
Professional Coaches
Water
Cooking Kit
Your Campsite
Guiding
Food and Meals
Activity Equipment

We also have some back support for those with back problems

What else we can provide on request

Waterproofs
Hire of Wetsuits
Hire of Drysuits

If you are not able to book this trip then it is at full capacity. Please do contact us if you would like to be added to the waiting list or have group of friends, family or workmates that you wish to book on and we can look at booking a bespoke trip for your group. We run this ever popular trip several times a year.

Dates & Requirements

Next Trip Dates: 9th August or 11th October 2025 09:00 - 15.00

We welcome all abilities, and our coaches will help support your learning journey and experience. If you are more experienced then our expert coaches can help you hone and develop more advanced skills, whether in canoe or kayak.

Feel free to contact us to discuss further as we can help bring your skills up to speed.

If you have a group of friends or club then why not contact us to arrange a private booking.

Trip Description

The perfect combo of a stunning river trip combined with professional coaching. Enjoy your lunch on the river bank mid way. Lock in white water skills by the end of the day. This is a great trip to develop skills before some of our bigger trips and expeditions.

Included

Expert tuition from professional experienced guides who have run expeditions and adventures all over the world
Hire of drysuits is available on a first-come-first-served basis
Craft, BA’s, Cags, Trousers, Helmets, Drybags, Paddles, and safety equipment

What you will need to bring

Personal Kit
A Sense of Humour!

Trip Itinerary

Schedule for the day

The day is the perfect blend of paddling time on the water. We start upstream at Darley Dale joining the water near the Square and Compass PH. The first few miles are a perfect intro to moving water skills with twists and turns as the river winds its way towards Matlock. The faster flowing sections allow you to learn the essential foundation skills of white water with breaking in, breaking out, ferry gliding and manouvering on moving water under the expert eye of our coaching team. The river arrives at Matlock where we paddling under the town bridge and battle the small rapid there.

Its then a non stop series of small bends, fast moving sections and small drops to hone your skills. The River Derwent now takes on a gorge paddle with towering cliffs on the left hand side. We finish the journey just above Matlock white water slalom course. This is the perfect opportunity to practice skills on the fastest section with several hundred metres of pools, waves and rapids. Its the perfect end to a great day spent learning on one of Britain's best intro rivers.

Note: Itinerary subject to change at any time if deemed necessary by Canoe Trail

Hire FAQ's

What's the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

If you're not sure of what each craft is, then read our guide here.

Are the trips guided?

There are no guides or instructors needed for hire. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point. We recommend our preferred route, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river.

What if it rains?

Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a couple of times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.

How does the booking process work?

We use a live booking system that will assign you the relevant craft and resources. Once you have confirmed your booking date, it is not then transferable and non-refundable in the same way you book an airline seat. Bookings are to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather, or non-usage as per our general terms & conditions.

Location

River Derwent trip from Darley Dale to Matlock