Kayaking and Canoeing in Derby

There are quite a number of friendly, recreational canoe clubs based in Derby. They welcome paddlers of all ages and all abilities. They have a range of Canoes, Kayaks and other equipment for their members to use. They also have qualified coaches who run a variety of courses throughout the year.

A popular Canoeing spot in the area is the river Derwent. Many Canoeing clubs organize regular Canoeing tours on the area. The start is at the pleasant suburb of Darley Abbey, near to a narrow toll bridge (£1 for cars), over the river, on the west side. Just downstream of the bridge is an obvious weir, and then an open area with a car park and green space. There is a good access point down the bank which is below the shallows at the bottom of the weir.

The river is quite narrow and overhung by trees, a green tunnel in summer. The first mile is quite open, then suburbs crowd in, and a quiet stretch leads to one road bridge, and then the busy inner ring road bridge. Once under this, the paddler is in the middle of Derby, and on the right bank is a former Silk Mill, now restored and a tourist attraction. A pleasant more open part of the river is crossed a new and modern pedestrian bridge, framing on the right Derby Cathedral, with new flats on the left, and paths on each side of the river.