FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Our River Severn canoe trips are one way self-guided journeys down river which means you will finish your paddle at a different location from where you started. Don’t worry, there are several easy ways to plan your journey.

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🚂 Return or Arrive by Steam Train 

The Severn Valley Railway runs between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. This means you can easily combine your canoe trip with a scenic heritage steam train journey by either starting or finishing your trip with a train trip. Tickets are available from us when booking your canoe trip. 

 

There are two popular ways customers use the train:

 

1. Get the train to the start of your canoe trip

For our Hampton Loade to Arley or Hampton Loade to Bewdley routes, you can:

• Park your car at the station (Arley or Bewdley)

• Take the steam train to Hampton Loade

• Walk down to the river where we meet you

• Paddle back to your car in Arley or Bewdley

 

2. Get the train back after your canoe trip

For our Bridgnorth to Arley route, many customers:

• Start their canoe trip in Bridgnorth

• Paddle down to Arley

• Then take the steam train back to Bridgnorth

 

You can add train tickets when booking your canoe trip with us.

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We recommend checking the latest Severn Valley Railway timetable before your trip:
https://svr.co.uk/whats-on/calendar-timetables-and-roster/

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🚌 Canoe Bus

You can get to Bridgnorth by bus in time for the start and this is a really easy and affordable option. 

The 297 bus runs from Upper Arley to Bridgnorth (09:10 departure) and a short riverside walk will take you to the canoe launch point.

Please note: the bus does not run on Sundays.

 

🚗 Two-Car Option

Many customers choose to leave one car at each end of the route.

 

Suggested parking locations:

• Severn Park, Bridgnorth (start point)

• Arley village car park (finish point) 

• Hampton Loade car park (National Trust) 

• Dog Lane Carpark, Bewdley (where your canoe trip finishes on this route) 

 

🚖 Taxi

You can also book a local taxi or Uber.

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2. How old do children need to be for canoe hire?

 

We love seeing families getting outdoors and exploring the river together.

 

River Severn Canoe Trips

• Children must be 7 years or older

• Children under 14 must share a canoe with an adult

 

This is for safety and insurance reasons.

 

Kinver Canal Kayak Hire

The canal is calmer, so children can kayak from age 5+ when accompanied by a parent.

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3. what do we need to wear & take with us on the canoe trip?

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Once you book, we’ll send you a helpful kit list with everything you need.

As a guide we recommend bringing:

• Comfortable outdoor clothing

• Shoes that can get wet (old trainers or water shoes)

• A waterproof jacket or jumper

• Sunglasses and suncream

• A picnic or snacks

• Phone or camera for photos

 

Each canoe includes a waterproof barrel or dry bag so you can safely store your belongings.

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On cooler days we recommend bringing spare clothes in your barrel just in case.

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If you're paddling on the canal and planning to visit the pub afterwards, bringing a spare pair of trousers can be a good idea.

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4. do we need to have been canoeing before? 

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No experience is needed on our day trips. 

Many people who hire our canoes are first-time paddlers, and that’s absolutely fine.

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When you arrive, Monty (the owner of River Severn Canoes) or one of our experienced instructors will:

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• Show you basic paddling techniques

• Give a river safety briefing

• Help you get confidently onto the water

 

All we ask is that you are comfortable around water and able to swim.

Once you've been out on the river, we're sure you'll want to come back again — it's beautiful out there!

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5. do you provide buoyancy aids? 

Yes.

Buoyancy aids are included with every canoe and kayak hire and must be worn on the water.

Your safety is always our top priority.

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6. what's included? 

Your canoe hire package includes everything you need for a great day on the water.

 

River Severn Canoe Trips

• 2 or 3-seater Canadian canoe

• Paddles

• Buoyancy aids

• Waterproof barrel for belongings

• Canoe drop-off and collection

• River briefing and paddling instruction from expert paddlers

 

Kinver Canal Kayak Trips

• Sit-on-top kayak

• Paddle

• Buoyancy aid

• Small dry bag for valuables

• Canal briefing and paddling instruction from an expert paddler

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7. can dogs go on the canoes? 

Yes — we love dogs!

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on our River Severn canoe trips as long as you think they’ll be comfortable in the canoe (most are!).

For Kinver Canal kayak trips, dogs can come along if:

• One adult is booked onto a kayak, or

• You choose the 3-seat canoe option with two adults

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8. where can we stop for food and refreshments?

On the River Severn, you can either enjoy a lovely picnic on one of the beach areas along the way or stop at a pub. Click here to find out more.  Riverside pubs include: The Unicorn, Hampton Loade & The Harbour in Arley. There is also a tearoom in Arley by the river and also the Arley Arboretum cafe, a short walk away from the river. 

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In Kinver, your trip ends at The Vine Inn which serves pub food and woodfired pizzas in the canalside garden. 

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9. what availability do you have? 

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Our availability can be found on our handy online booking system which guides you through all the options and when you've found the date/time/route that you want you can book and pay online, making it really easy to hire a canoe. Weekends get booked up, so we recommend booking early. ​

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10. Why choose River Severn Canoes?

River Severn Canoes is a small, family-run business owned by Katie and Monty, who live locally in Alveley in the Severn Valley.

We have over 40 years of paddling experience and many years exploring the River Severn, so we know the river extremely well. We run canoe hire on the River Severn from Bridgnorth, offering scenic downstream paddles to Hampton Loade, Arley and Bewdley as well as kayak trips on the canal in Kinver. 

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Both of us have backgrounds in outdoor education and adventure activities, and we love helping people experience the river safely and confidently.

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Our daughter occasionally helps out during the summer too — so when you paddle with us, you’re supporting a local family business that genuinely cares about the experience you have on the river.

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We’re proud to have received Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards in 2024 and 2025, placing us among the top-rated outdoor activities in the area.

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11. Will you be nearby if we need help during the trip?

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Yes.

Our canoe trips follow the river downstream through the main Severn Valley paddling route:

Bridgnorth → Hampton Loade → Arley → Bewdley

Because we operate along this stretch of river, we are usually nearby throughout the day.

If you have any issues or questions during your trip, you can simply give us a call and we will come and help.

We know this part of the river very well and are always happy to assist if needed.

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On the canal, a member of the team is always at The Vine and so nearby if and when needed. 

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12. Is there a maximum weight for canoe hire?

Yes.

For safety and comfort on the water, the maximum weight limit is 18 stone (approximately 114kg) per person.

If you are unsure whether your group will be suitable for our canoes, please get in touch before booking and we will happily advise.

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13. is canoeing and kayaking suitable for beginners? 

Yes — many people who join our trips are first-time paddlers, and that’s absolutely fine.

Before you start your trip we provide:

• A short paddling demonstration

• A safety briefing

• Advice on how to steer and control your canoe or kayak

 

Most people quickly get the hang of it and are enjoying the journey within a few minutes.

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River Severn Canoe Trips

The section of the River Severn we paddle from Bridgnorth to Arley and Bewdley is generally a gentle flowing river, making it suitable for beginners and families.

You’ll simply paddle downstream and enjoy the scenery along the way.

 

Kinver Canal Kayak Trips

If you are feeling a little nervous or have never paddled before, our Kinver Canal trips are the perfect place to start.

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The canal is flat water with no current, which makes it:

• very calm

• easy to control your kayak

• ideal for beginners and families

 

Many people choose the Kinver Canal experience as their first paddle before trying the River Severn.

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How do I book?

You can book your trip online using our booking system (see the Book Now button at the top right of the page) or you can call us on 07904 646162 to book over the phone.

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Got further questions? Please call us or email us at hello@riverseverncanoes.co.uk