Access

In England and Wales the public cannot assume there is an automatic right to have access to rivers.

Rivers

For flowing water which passes over private land, the landowner owns the land and has a right to take water and certain things from the water. They have a right to stop people from going on their land - i.e. trespassers.

According to Douglas Caffyn and published in The Right of Navigation on Non-tidal Rivers and the Common Law, they do not own the water. Therefore, if you can get down the river without touching the bank, the bottom or rocks sitting on the bottom then there is no trespass. You will also need to access the river from public land or land to which you have negotiated access.

We understand that Canoe England support this view of river access in England and Wales. Paddlers are advised by Canoe England to make their own decision as to when and how to enjoy their English river heritage appropriately, based on environmental considerations.

Canals and Navigations

These are owned and managed by the relevant water authorities and you need a permit to use them. BCU membership covers many of these - though some offer permits individually instead or as well - check before you paddle.

Lakes and ponds

Lakes, ponds and enclosed bodies of water are owned by whoever owns the land under them (different from the case for flowing water).

Coastal

Anyone can paddle on coastal and tidal waters, but there is still the need to check who owns landing sites.

This is why no permit is needed on the Thames up to Teddington as that is the tidal limit.

More

• Where to Paddle on BCU web site
• Rivers Access Campaign - web site funded by Canoe England