Where do you need a licence in Wales?

In Wales, a licence is only required for canals managed by the Canal and Rivers Trust. These canals include:

• Llangollen Canal
• Montgomery Canal
• Monmouth and Brecon Canal
• Swansea Canal

If you're planning to paddle on any of these canals, you'll need a waterways licence. But the good news is that getting a licence is straightforward! By joining your home nation governing body for paddlesports you will automatically get a licence that covers you for Wales plus canals and some rivers in England. If you live in Wales, you will get a licence by becoming a member of Canoe Wales. If you're from another part of the UK, you can join Paddle UK (England), Paddle NI (Northern Ireland), or Paddle Scotland (Scotland).

To make things even easier, some of the canals, like the Llangollen and Monmouth & Brecon, can be found on the "Paddling Trails" section of Canoe Wales website, helping you plan your next paddling adventure.

What About rivers, lakes, and reservoirs?

You might assume that because you only need a licence for canals, you’re free to paddle on other bodies of water. That’s not entirely true, but the situation varies.



• Reservoirs and lakes: There are a few reservoirs and lakes in Wales that allow paddling access; typically, at a cost. These locations offer excellent recreational opportunities, and you can find more information about them on the "Where to Paddle" page on Canoe Wales website. LINK
• Rivers: Rivers in Wales offer some of the best paddling experiences, especially in the autumn and winter months when the water levels are higher. Even in the summer, you might catch an exciting spate run. However, except for a few rivers where there is a Statutory Public Right of Navigation, most rivers in Wales don't have confirmed public rights. The rivers with clear navigation rights are:
• The Lugg (downstream of Presteigne)
• The Severn (downstream of Pool Quay)
• The Wye (downstream of Hay-on-Wye)

For other rivers, the legal situation is murkier, and Canoe Wales acknowledges that there are differing opinions on whether paddlers have the right to access these waters. Whilst we believe that paddlers should have the right to enjoy being on a river, we encourage paddlers to make their own considered decisions about where and when to paddle.

Navigating the legalities: land Access and trespassing

Whilst the rights to paddle on some rivers are open to interpretation, the law around land access is clear: if you need to cross private land to reach a river, you must have the landowner’s permission.

If you’re unsure about where you can paddle, resources like PaddlePoints on the Go Paddling website offer a growing list of places where people paddle. This can be a great tool for finding accessible locations near you.

Enjoy your paddling adventure and stay safe

Wales is home to some of the most scenic paddling spots in the UK, and whether you're a seasoned paddler or just getting started, there's something for everyone. As with any water activity, it’s important to stay safe and paddle responsibly. The Paddlers’ Code is a fantastic resource for tips on how to enjoy the waterways while respecting the environment and other people.

So, whether you're exploring the peaceful canals or taking on the rivers of Wales, make sure you’re informed, and prepared. Enjoy your time on the water and make the most of Wales’s stunning paddling opportunities!