How It Works

Trip Planning

With a full day to canoe along the Thames you can expect to cover 10 to 15 miles at a rate of 3 miles per hour. It is possible to cover more than 15 miles in a day but this will require fitness, determination, and will provide little opportunity to fully enjoy the river's various hostelries and tea shops! In high season the locks get very slow so you need to add about 20 minutes per lock.

Canoes are capable of carrying large loads and of keeping occupants dry and comfortable. We can provide dry sacks to put your kit into.

Once you decide your route and book a start time will be advised. For our set routes this is normally 9 am but sometimes varies a little. If taking public transport you’ll need to work out what times that arrives and what time you will need to be at the end point. This can easily be done via the web.

Coaching

Thames Canoes work closely with the canoe school Kayakojacko who provide coaching. A coaching session is not necessary but offers a great opportunity to hone your skills if you are intending taking the activity further.

Transport

We meet you at the start with all the equipment then collect when you finish.

All our routes have great public transport links that allow you to easily get to the start and home from the finish point. We can advise on best options.

What To Bring

Canoeing on the Thames is a very relaxed way to experience the river. We supply a buoyancy aid that you should wear at all times, apart from that, there is little need to wear anything in excess of what you would normally wear for a walk in the countryside at a similar time of year.

If you are taking one of our multi-day packages, you will need to take all your own camping equipment.Canoes have a large capacity and can transport extra kit with little effort. There is a maximum but you can afford to take a few luxuries with you. We recommend taking plenty of water and sun lotion.

Canoes

Each Canoe can easily accommodate two adults and one child, with space for luggage. Three adults will fit but we don't recommend it as a comfortable way to travel, especially on multi-day trips.

Bespoke Packages

We are canoeists with life long experience all around the world so have lots of ideas of bespoke touring packages, for example full descents of the Thames or journeys on the River Kennet or Wey. Please call or email to discuss ideas and your requirements.

Safety

The River Thames is a carefully managed river which offers clean water and safe cruising almost year round. Canoeing is a simple to learn, environmentally friendly and safe way to experience the river.

However, the river is deep and at times, especially after heavy rainfall, cold and fast flowing. The many weirs that control the river along its length are in some cases very dangerous. Other river traffic also presents a hazard, as do you to them.

Our Safetly Recommendations Are:

• Never remove your bouyancy aid whilst on or near the water. Ensure that bouyancy aids worn by infants are securely fastened at all times
• Avoid all weirs. Channels containing weirs will normally be indicated by a large red danger sign
• On the river always drive on the right hand side. Keep an eye and ear open for other river traffic, especially rowing boats which are fast, silent and whose drivers may not see you. A canoe is highly manoeuvrable, take action to avoid contact with other river traffic.

As a courtesy, avoid fishermen's lines and pass them quickly and quietly with the minimum of fuss.

Our canoes are permitted to travel through the locks and this is highly recommended as a fun way to travel along the river. The lock keepers are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and will let you know how they want you to behave in the locks. Please follow their instructions carefully.

The Stag & Hen Package

Sonning to Maidenhead

Quick Facts

This trip is suitable for all and perfect for Stags and Hens. It's a rural trip taking in classic Thames towns of Henley, Marlow and Maidenhead. Along the way you'll see much wildlife, landscape and architecture. Camping and breakfast are included in this package.

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Henley to Marlow

Henley to Marlow

Quick Facts

This trip is suitable for all. It's a short rural trip taking in classic Thames towns of Henley and Marlow. Along the way you'll see much wildlife, landscape and architecture

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Culham to Purley

Culham to Purley

Quick Facts

This trip is suitable for all. It's a very rural trip taking in the best of British countryside with much wildlife, landscape and architecture to be observed. Meandering, rural, green and pleasant ... The British countryside at its best!

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