A right to navigate a river does not mean there is a right to get access
to it.

As a beginner you really shouldn't paddle alone, join a proper club,
preferably a BCU affiliated one. Learn from the club coaches in pool
sessions and go on club organised trips and learn from the people you
meet which local rivers you can do.

When you have more experience and start to organise trips for others you
will need access to more information, there is a wealth of it in the
guides mentioned, and the BCU has access advisors you can contact for
more information. There are lots of different views on access and the
best way to find out what to do is to paddle with your local club where
people know what they can run, when etc.

I mention the BCU above, many people feel they do not do enough to
secure access for us, I do feel that some of the information they have
is useful, and I would therefore recommend joining an affiliated club,
but not necessarily joining as an individual member until you know more
about it.

JIM

Darren wrote:
Hi'

can anyone help me? Just a couple of questions.
im new to to kayaking and just wondering what a good newbie river
would be to go on? i live in the northwest so anywhere fairly close
e.g. midlands, northwest and north wales. Also can you give me an
idea of what rivers in the uk have a 'right of navigation'. Ive heard
the Wye & Lugg do, is the true? Also can anyone recommend a good river
guide book for a beginner? Thanks for your help

Darren