Tim is a UKCC Level 2 Paddlesports Coach, BCU Level 3 Inland Kayak Coach and holds British Canoe Union 4 star awards in inland kayak, open canoe and sea kayak. We offer instruction and open canoe and kayak journeys mainly on the Afon Dwyryd, where there is good access. We can also make journeys on the Afon Glaslyn between Aberglaslyn gorge (near Beddgelert) and the Glaslyn Osprey Centre. Alternatively you can sign up to one of our “Snowdonia Canoe Journeys” on AirBnB (search in AirBnB Experiences for ‘Snowdonia Canoe’) and you will find us there. Contact us to discuss any specific requirements or requests.
Tim is a UKCC Level 2 Paddlesports Coach, BCU Level 3 Inland Kayak Coach and holds British Canoe Union 4 star awards in inland kayak, open canoe and sea kayak. We have 6 Pyrannah 15′ and 17′ open canoes which are normally paddled tandem (2 people seated, one on the front and one in the rear). The paddler in front is responsible for steering and you will learn ow to do this using the J-stroke or Stern Rudder. The paddler at the front can help with steering, but generally just provides the forward propulsion.
We always wear a buoyancy aid (provided) – as the name suggests this is an ‘aid’ and not a life jacket (which is generally believed to be too bulky and cumbersome for canoeing). A buoyancy aid with help you to float if the canoe should capsize, though most parts of the rivers we paddle are shallow enough to stand up in, there are parts where you might need to swim to the side or you will be assisted by your guide to the bank. In certain circumstances, and with some training, you can get back into the canoe. In the event that it is just possible that you could capsize doing this activity, we recommend that you bring a spare set of clothes and a towel. We provide a dry bag to keep these and your valuables in while in the canoe. As we are paddling on Grade 1 slow moving water and not rapids, we don’t usually wear helmets. When you become confident at paddling tandem, you can try paddling a canoe solo
The access points for the Afon Dwyryd are 2-3 km from Coed Obry. Journeys can be carried out departing: (1) from Pont Briwet (GR 619 382) by starting around 1-2 hours before High Water. If you wish to go all the way to the Bridge at the Oakley Hotel (where the A487 crosses the river, at GR 656 608) it’s around 7 km so you’d need 1-2 hours depending on your speed, and the same to get back (14 km return). (2) there is also a good access point at Bryn Mawr (from a layby on the south side of the A487 at GR 649 601) from where you can go upstream and/or downstream. You only need to carry the canoe 15m to get from the lay-by to the river here. (3) there is another good access point 100m west of the Oakley Hotel where you park in the layby on the south side of the A487 at GR 658 605 and carry your canoe 50m over a style to launch from a fairly steep bank. (4) in calm weather it’s possible to paddle down the estuary from Pont Briwet towards Portmeiron and to get out at Borth-y-Guest (7km), but as this is a linear trip you would need a pick-up at Borth y Guest OR wait until the tide turns to paddle back upstream on the flooding tide. If you wish to guide yourself you can hire our canoes and we can arrange drop-off and pick-up if you wish.
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We also offer canoe journey on the nearby lower Afon Glaslyn from just downstream of Beddgelert (access below the Afon Glaslyn Gorge) to the Glaslyn Osprey Centre, a distance of 4km.
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FULL DAY: Prices are in £s per person for a FULL day or minimum of 6 hours activity (normally 10am-4pm) with one guide/instructor.
Children aged 16 or under pay half the adult fee but must be accompanied by a full fee-paying adult.
Students in full-time education qualify for 20% discount.
For half days (10-1pm or 2-5pm) please enquire.
| Number In Group (maximum 8) | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3-8 Max Persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Canoeing/Kayaking | £130.00 | £110.00 | £90.00 |
British Canoe Union (2002) Canoe and Kayak Handbook. Bangor, Pesda Press.
British Canoe Union (2006) Coaching Handbook. A Manual of Coaching Techniques, Advice and Guidelines for the Canoe and Kayak Coach. Bangor, Pesda Press.
Goodwin, Ray (2016) Canoeing. Bangor, Pesda Press
Mason, Bill (1988) Song of the Paddle: An Illustrated Guide to Wilderness Camping. Toronto, Key Porter Books Ltd.
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For people who have not been in a canoe before, we normally start off by rafting two canoes together (as seen in one of the photos), so that it’s not possible for the canoes to capsize. Once clients become comfortable and more confident, we can easily remove the connecting wooden spar which is fixed with velcro straps.
There is an equipment list on this page (above). We recommend that you bring a towel and spare set of clothes just in case you somehow end up in the water. We provide one large 60L dry bag per canoe so that you can carry your spare clothes and valuables with you in the canoe. We carry an emergency shelter so that you can get dry quickly and change on the river bank or back at the van.
Normally the course/experience you have booked requires you to bring your own lunch. We moor up the canoes and get out onto the river bank. If it’s wet or windy we set up a shelter using canoes, paddles and a tarp (see photo above). Your guide, Tim, will normally make tea/coffee for the group using a gas camping stove.
