Over view
Ordnance Survey maps are wonderful things and show detail that is enormously useful. We have some great books (real ones bought from bookshops!), and online booklets as well as websites. I’ll add to this list as I write more blogs and would love to hear of any other useful sites you know about… Don’t forget that Tourist Information Offices often have helpful, friendly staff who really know their area. We’ve had wonderful help when we struggled to find campsites or other information. It’s so nice to talk to someone for a change!
Maps
Ordnance Survey Maps are indeed superb things. For canoeing you can see waterways and work out which way they flow, weirs are shown as lines on rivers and there’s also great information to be gleaned about the local area, pubs, country parks, and place of interest (both historic and modern). Bing maps allow you to see them as OS, street view or map views. The OS view also lets you measure distance (just right click). Keeps me quiet for hours…..
Books
Canoeists Guide to the River Wye – R Shoesmith Published by the National Rivers Authority (Welsh Region) 1990 ISBN 0 86097 058 2
Welsh Canoe Classics – A Canoeist and Kayaker’s Guide – Eddie Palmer, Adam Robson and Nigel Wilford. Pesda Press 2016. ISBN 978 1 906095 55 0
The Welsh Rivers – Patrick Clissold, Tom Laws, Chris Sladden. ISBN 978 0 9516147 3 0
Wye Canoe- A Canoeists Guide to the River Wye. Environment Agency Wales ISBN 978 1 84432 914 4
Websites
A directory of day trips for canoeists in the UK, with details of suggested launch sites and navigation features.http://www.canoedaysout.com
The online home for those with a love of, or an interest in, open canoes and canoeing. http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk
Forum and ‘booklet’ of trips around the UK https://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk
Get to know the nation’s beautiful canals and rivers https://canalrivertrust.org.uk G
The place for getting good information, training and all things canoeing including the licences you need https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
Canoe hire https://www.herefordkayakcanoe.co.uk
Dynamics Coaching – how we learn. https://dynamics-coaching.com/
Up and Under – outdoor supplier and great for watersports http://www.upandunder.co.uk/
Cardiff International White Water Centre https://www.ciww.com
Maps https://www.bing.com/maps
Social Media
UK Kayakers and canoeists – well moderated group with a wide variety of members. Interesting and helpful.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/300245403790928/
West Coast Paddlers – private group but keen, helpful and well-informed
https://www.facebook.com/groups/447250091977768/
World Backyard Rolling Championships – A bit of fun during Lockdown. Creative and amusing. Over 2000 members in just 20 days!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/worldrollingchampionships/
Womens Paddling Community – friendly, helpful and informative group
AC Canoe Adventures 