Many who are new to canoeing are confused about where they
are able to use their canoe legally. This is not always straightforward to sort
out and is an area that is currently being hotly debated.
First let us talk about an area that has exceptionally good rights of access.
Scotland
Scotland has traditionally had good rights of access for paddlers and the passing of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code has served to underscore this. In essence, using an open canoe, without an engine, you are allowed to use any watercourses in the country with a few sensible exceptions. The exceptions are generally reservoirs to supply drinking water. The code also gives the right of reasonable access across the land to get to the water.
So you can see that the situation in Scotland is good for the canoeist, however, with these rights comes a lot of responsibility. We must ensure that we use these rights in a respectful way so as to keep landowners on side and ensure that there is no pressure to curtail the access that we now enjoy.
For more information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code visit www.outdooraccess-scotland.com . Also you can download a leaflet from the Canoe Scotland web site, specifically addressing the access rights and responsibilities of canoeists by clicking HERE.
England & Wales
England and Wales have a much worse access laws for canoeists. Essentially you need the permission of the person who owns the river to use it. The owner of the river is usually the landowner of the adjoining land. There are rivers that have a public right of way / navigation but these total about 2% of the rivers that a canoe could be used on.
To take your open canoe on canals you need a licence. The best way to obtain one is to join the British Canoe Union, as this licence and others for some rivers is included in the membership. Also they have local access officers that can advise you of the best places for you locally.
Law permits access to tidal waters. So if you are near the coast these are options, however, great care should always be taken as the hazards of paddling the sea can be considerable for the beginner. I would strongly advise taking you first trip with someone experienced in these conditions.
The introduction of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code has
increased the demand for similar rules to be adopted in England and Wales. The
BCU has created a web site to focus these calls and gather together all
interested parties to try and increase their voice with the government. The web
site is http://www.riversaccess.org.
I doubt there will be many canoeists who do not support this project and hope
for positive results.
The above information is intended as a helpful guide but I do not guarantee it is the definitive position. So as with everything in life it is your responsibility to ensure that you are paddling within the law.