{"id":104,"date":"2015-11-11T14:20:19","date_gmt":"2015-11-11T14:20:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/grandwesterncanal\/?page_id=104"},"modified":"2025-04-04T13:34:18","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T12:34:18","slug":"boating","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grandwesterncanal\/thingstodo\/boating","title":{"rendered":"Boating"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"boating[1]\"<\/p>\n

Canoeing, kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle-boarding are all popular activities on the canal and require an Unpowered Boat Permit (see permit section below). Please note: British Canoeing membership and Canal and River Trust permits do not apply on the Grand Western Canal, so you will also need to buy a permit. Please take care around the swans that live on the canal – they can sometimes be quite aggressive during the spring and early summer, when on eggs or with young cygnets.<\/p>\n

Motorised boating is recognised as an important leisure activity in the Country Park, and since early 2003, has been positively promoted as an attraction. Until then, very little motorised\u00a0boating has occurred on the canal but in recent years improved facilities such as moorings, slipway, landing stages, pump out and water supply points, plus an extensive dredging programme, has meant that it is an increasingly attractive proposition for many boaters seeking a peaceful, lock-free waterway.<\/p>\n

However, Devon County Council is committed to maintaining the superb natural environment and wildlife habitats found along the Canal. We seek to ensure that increased boating activity does not harm the natural value of the Canal. Therefore in addition to speed limits and engine size restrictions set out in the terms and conditions when boaters purchase their boat permit, we actively encourage\u00a0environmentally-friendly boating and is keen to promote initiatives such as The Green Blue, backed by the British Marine Federation and the Royal Yachting Association. The Green Blue is an exciting environmental awareness initiative that is testing out practical projects, conducting research and providing advice, to help recreational boating go green.<\/p>\n

\"Kayaking<\/a>For more information on good boating practice please refer to The Boaters Handbook<\/a>\u00a0which has been developed by Canal and Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency. This provides clear information on how to handle a boat safely and effectively. Please also refer to the Navigational Notes below and the Rules and Regulations given on the back of the boat permit, which are specific to the Grand Western Canal.<\/p>\n

This landlocked canal is a Category A waterway and is a wide canal. It has one Lift Bridge, a height restriction of just under 2 metres, and is totally lock free.<\/p>\n

A permit must be bought in advance if you wish to explore the canal using your own boat. For prices and outlets that sell the permits please see below.<\/p>\n

Please Note:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There are several pairs of Swans nesting throughout the canal (near William Auther’s Footbridge; Ebear Bridge; between Sampford Peverell and Battens Bridge). They can be very aggressive and can attack paddlers, so it is a good idea to get out and walk past them.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n