Boroughbridge to York (9th-10th May 2026)
This is one of Yokrshire’s most popular multi-day trips. Starting in Boroughbridge you’ll follow the River Ure which later becomes the River Ouse you’ll paddle through open countryside, past historic estates and finally into the centre of York. Along the route you’ll see a variety of wildlife.
What to Expect
Day 1: Boroughbridge to Linton Lock Inn (16.3km)
Starting point for this is at Boroughbridge River Parking at 10:00. After a short briefing you’ll pack your essentials for the day into a drybag before setting off. Your overnight bag will be transported to the campsite. We’ll stop off en route for lunch before continuing onto the overnight stop at Linton Lock Inn. At the campsite you’ll pitch the tent you’ll be sharing with your canoeing partner. Enjoy a relaxing evening and a meal cooked by the Watersport Team.
Day 2: Linton Lock Inn to York (15.5km)
After breakfast pack up your tent before we continue our journey downstream to York. We’ll stop for lunch before making a final push for the finish. As we get closer to York the river traffic will increase and we’ll pass canal boats and river cruises. At the get out there’s usually an ice cream van. Approximate finishing time in York at Marygate Car Park is 16:00.
Both days involve around 5 hours paddling.
Cost
There is a charge of £25 to cover food, camping and fuel expenses.
Kitlist
What’s Included?
- Canoe
- Paddle
- Buoyancy aid
- Splash jacket
- Drybag for personal belonging on the river
- 2/3 man tent
- All food except Saturday lunch
What to Bring?
- Unit necker
- Warm fleece
- T-shirts
- Trousers or shorts
- Spare underwear and socks
- Nightwear
- Waterproof coat and trousers
- Outdoor shoes
- Suitable shoes for paddling
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat/glasses
- Sun cream
- Personal washing kit and towel
- Sleeping bag
- Roll mat
- Plate, mug, cutlery and tea towel
- Torch and spare batteries
- Personal First Aid kit and survival bag
- Polythene bags (for wet/dirty clothes)
- Spending money
- Camp chair
- Water bottle (ideally with a loop so it can be clipped into your canoe)
Leeds and Liverpool Canal (22nd-23rd August 2026)
Completed in the 19th century during the industrial revolution the Leeds and Liverpool Canal stretches 127 miles between Leeds and Liverpool. Originally used to transport goods as coal and textiles across the Pennines, today it is enjoyed by boaters, canoeists, cyclists and walkers. Starting in Barnoldswick which is the highest point on the canal and marks the divide between Yorkshire and Lancashire we will pass through open countryside and towns as we head to Riddlesden.
What to Expect
Day 1: Barnoldswick to Skipton (16.9km)
You’ll meet up with the Watersport team at a local Scout hut at 8:30 where you will be taken to start at Greenberfield Locks. After a short briefing you’ll pack your essentials for the day into a drybag. Your overnight bag will be transported to the campsite. We’ll launch below Greenberfield Locks and paddle towards the market town of Skipton. We’ll stop for lunch on the side of the canal at Bank Newton. After lunch there are several portages around locks before we arrive at Niffany Farm where we’ll stay the night. At the campsite we’ll take our canoes out the water and you’ll pitch the tent you’ll be sharing with your canoeing partner. Enjoy a relaxing evening before getting an early night.
Day 2: Skipton to Riddlesden (18.9km)
After breakfast and packing up your tent we continue our route passing through the town of Skipton. We’ll stop for lunch at Kildwick before completing the remaining distance to Riddlesden. Although today is longer in terms of distance there are no locks to portage making for an easier day. Upon completion you’ll be transported back to a local Scout hut for approximately 17:30.
Both days involve around 5 hours of paddling. This trip also involves a number of portages around locks which means pushing your canoe on a trolley along the tow path.
Cost
There is a charge of £40 to cover food, camping and transport.
Kitlist
What’s Included?
- Canoe
- Paddle
- Buoyancy aid
- Splash jacket
- Drybag for personal belonging on the river
- 2/3 man tent
- All food except Saturday lunch
What to Bring?
- Unit necker
- Warm fleece
- T-shirts
- Trousers or shorts
- Spare underwear and socks
- Nightwear
- Waterproof coat and trousers
- Outdoor shoes
- Suitable shoes for paddling
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat/glasses
- Sun cream
- Personal washing kit and towel
- Sleeping bag
- Roll mat
- Plate, mug, cutlery and tea towel
- Torch and spare batteries
- Personal First Aid kit and survival bag
- Polythene bags (for wet/dirty clothes)
- Spending money
- Camp chair
- Water bottle (ideally with a loop so it can be clipped into your canoe)
Important
Due to the number of seats in canoes there is a maximum of 12 spaces on both trips. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
If you intend on taking your phone on the water we strongly suggest using a waterproof case.
You do not need any previous canoeing experience as all young people will be required to attend two training sessions. By the end they must be able to demonstrate that they are able to control their canoe, rescue a capsized canoe and have an appropriate level of fitness before undertaking either river trip.
- Boroughbrdige to York
- 18th April (12:45-16:15)
- 1st May (18:00-21:00)
- Leeds and Liverpool Canal
- 31st July (18:00-21:00)
- 9th August (12:45-16:15)
Cleveland Scouts Watersport
Registered charity no: 505773
Cleveland Scouts Watersport 