Oxford City Paddling Tour - Canoe and Kayak

Canoe, Kayak or SUP the River Cherwell through the heart of Oxford City Centre passing ancient and historic colleges, bridges and lots of history on this city tour with a difference.

Level: Grade 0 - This means it is a flat paddle and should be within most people’s abilities with a few portages

Specific published dates or book a private session for your family, club or group
Contact us for a private group booking
£99

Next Trip Dates: Contact us for more info
Duration: 6 hours

Explore Oxfords spires and incredible architecture from the comfort of your canoe or kayak(SUP's are available) and join us for this city tour with difference threading the backwaters and meanders of Oxford University college and City. Paddle past historic bridges, Tolkeins Tree, and archways as we head to the mighty Thames River.

Options: Choose from canoes, kayaks and paddleboards when booking

What's Included

Craft
Buoyancy Aid
Basic Map
Bank Based Briefing
Dry Bag
Paddles
Professional Coaches
Guiding

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.

We welcome all abilities for this leisurely paddle by canoe, kayak or SUP through Oxford on the River Cherwell.,

Trip Description

Visit one of Britain's most famous visited world class destinations with ancient stone university arches, buildings and architecture to capture your imagination and heart. Its a truly breath taking paddling trip, choose from kayak, canoe or SUP to paddle through the city.

Explore Oxford’s winding network of narrow waterways, historic buildings and the chance to spy a spire or two make this short but delightful paddle a favourite with our team and customers. The start point is on the outskirts of rural life at Cutteslowe and flows gently downstream into the city centre and then finishes on the River Thames. At almost every corner there is a folly, university hall, left turn, right turn, bridges and punts to capture your imagination. You pass by New College and St Catherine’s College on your magical mystery tour with beautiful Mesopotamia Walkway, separating the two channels, which widens on to a small island at Magdalen Fellows College Garden. On one bend on the meandering river channel is Tolkein's tree symbolizing his contribution to the world of literary adventure with Lord of the Rings and the shire.Make a short break of it by booking this Canoe Trail paddling trip along with an overnight stay to visit some of the museums and buildings of the city on the next day. Visit the Pitts River Museum dedicated to the great age of exploration. We finish on the River Thames with views of this major arterial river of Britain.

What you will need to bring

Personal Kit
A Sense of Humour!

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

MEET OUR GUIDES

Ashley Kenlock

Ash has led expeditions in Canada, Scotland, and some of the other coldest places the world can still offer moving water!

She is is a qualified Level 2 coach UKCC and is also a qualified SUP coach and has over 10 years of paddling experience. She has also completed her canoe leader training.

Experience includes leading trips on iconic rivers and Lochs including Loch Ness, River Wye, Norfolk Broads, and numerous Scottish Rivers.

Calum Steel

Calum is a White Water Kayak Leader, Canoe Leader, and Expedition Leader with 14 Years of Experience in the Outdoors.

He has paddled all over the world, running waterfalls, long distance big-wave sea kayaking, and some of the most dangerous white water in the northern hemisphere.

BASI Level 3 Ski & Snowboard. Scottish born and bred, he has led many canoe and kayak expeditions across Scotland, Greece, and Europe.

Richard Harpham

Richard has completed human-powered adventures all over the world including sea kayaking the channel, 1000 miles from Vancouver to Alaska, canoeing the Yukon River as well as many iconic trips and expeditions closer to home.

Richard has over 30 years experience of in paddling and is a UKCC Level 2 coach, 4-star canoe leader, and has completed his 4-star sea kayak training.

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.