Understanding our trips

We don't just offer trips - we often run 'static sessions' at our centre. By 'static' we mean we get on and off the river at the same place. We go for a little trip up river, then turn around and come back to the start point.

We offer trips on rivers and canals. We start at one point and then paddle (with the flow) to get off at another point. This requires clients (you) to sort out transport to pick you up or drop you off. (See below)

A Guided Trip

This run by a River Leader and River Assistants who accompany you on the water for your comfort and safety. They help you launch and get the boats off the river. They provide help if you have a capsize or have problems steering. We offer canoes, rafted canoes, and Sit on Top Kayaks on these trips. You also are given paddles, buoyancy aids and (if appropriate) a helmet.

A Self Guided Trip

Our staff do not get on the water with the group. Our staff will meet up and help you select the correct equipment. They will give you a brief safety briefing but then you carry your own boats, launch yourself and carry the boats out to our trailer at the pick up point. You are completely responsible for your own safety and rescue. You must replace our equipment if you lose it.

We offer trips of different lengths - you will need to understand how long those will take, and if they are too long or difficult for you, your children or group. See below for our more popular options.

Many things can make a trip feel longer and harder - the type of craft, the fitness of your weakest person, the length of the river section, the wind, the amount of flow, and if it is cold and raining.

Static v Trips

We don't just offer trips - we often run 'static sessions' at our centre. By 'static' we mean we get on and off the river at the same place. We go for a little trip up river, then turn around and come back to the start point.

We offer trips on rivers and canals. We start at one point and then paddle (with the flow) to get off at another point. This requires clients (you) to sort out transport to pick you up or drop you off. (See below)

Most groups leave a car at the get off point before coming to the start.

How this works: Everyone in your group meets at the get off point, gets changed and leaves their change of clothes in some cars at that car park. They all car-share to the get on point (normally our centre in Heaton Mersey) Remember to bring the car keys for the cars left at the get off. Also bring your waterproof coat and trousers, even on a sunny day)

• Alternatives:
  Book a taxi/minibus taxi to meet you at the end point - remember to bring towels and bin bags to sit on as they may refuse to take you if you are wet. We can bring your change of clothes to the get off point.

• You book our ‘Metrolink Paddle’ to Jackson’s Boat Pub as this has Metrolink stations at both the start (East Didsbury Station) and end (Sale Waterpark). You come on your own bike and we bring your bike to the Get Off point on our canoe trailer. You must bring a lock and the bike remains your responsibility whilst locked to our canoe trailer.

You book our ‘Metrolink Paddle’ and then starting in 2024 hire bikes from us at Jackson Boat Pub and cycle back to our base. Please check that both bikes and boats are available beforehand.

Sometimes - and only by prior agreement. This must be agreed before you book to avoid disappointment. So please email us before booking.

It would be at your own liability. We can sometimes fit these in our van or on our canoe trailer. But do not assume that will be the case for your trip. We often have other things in the van when we pick up multiple trips on the same day.

Yes, but it will depend on the group size you have, and if we have staff available on that day.

Sometimes if we don't need the boats for our activities.

You need to join a scheduled date to make it economical for us to have a member of staff set you off, drive to the get off point and pick you boat up.

On Self-guided trips

• We always like two adults to book together so there is safety as others on the same trip are not obliged to stay with you.

• When one adult and children are booking self-guided we ask that all children are strong swimmers as you are in sole charge of them.

Individual/couples/smaller groups. – Click on the booking links above to see which dates and time slots are available. These are ‘Open trips’ and there is no minimum number of bookings, so you can come by yourself. But be aware that we do not run these if there is only one person booked on the trip. You may not get your pick of date and time.

Group Booking (6 or more) Follow the link to the booking site to see what dates and times our trips are going ahead. Book onto the advertised trips. If there are not enough places left on the trip for your group then get in touch and we may be able to increase the slots.

Group booking (6 or more) for a different date? We may be able to organise a River or canal trip for your group on any day you request. Get in touch to discuss.

No experience is needed for any of these trips, the river is grade 1 with a few easy Grade 1-2 rapids. We regularly take adults and children who have never been in a boat and who may not be able to swim. Capsizing is rare and the river is shallow and slow flowing usually. Everyone wears a buoyancy aid, helmets* and our River Leaders hold national qualifications and are experienced.

Groups are given a quick brief on how to paddle before they launch and then we drift along for a bit whilst paddlers get the hang of it. For very large groups or nervous groups we raft the canoes together to make them impossible to capsize and easier to steer.

Paddleability – British Canoeing have accredited us as Paddlesport Providers for people with disabilities (Paddleability Provider). Some of our trips, equipment and venues are suitable. Please contact us to discuss your needs

For an explanation of the types of boat we can use please read out page. Which type of Boat to choose?