Paddling to Gloucester Docks - a trip for kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board (SUP)

The docks are on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal in the centre of Gloucester.

They provide a link with the canal and the River Severn. They are Britain's most inland port.

Gloucester docks are currently home to retail shops, apartments and two museums - the Gloucester Waterways Museum and the Soliders of Gloucestershire Museum.

The canal makes this a perfect paddling trip at most times of the year. There are refreshment opportunities at the docks or you can take your own as Dave did in the video at the bottom of the page.

The trips starts at the Rea Swing Bridge (W3W). It's an easy put in from a low bank and there is a car park there too (W3W).

The car park has opening and closing times so please check these before commiting to your trip.

The Rea Swing Bridge swings open to allow large boats through.

Park up and walk over the bridge with your craft, turn left and put in above the bridge. There is a sloped bank down to the canal.

Sometimes there is a Canal & River Trust representative present giving out leaflets and information.

Once on the canal, head underneath the bridge and north east towards Gloucester.

Dave paddling towards the Rea Swing Bridge

The first stretch is a long straight going up to another swing bridge. This is the Sims Swing Bridge.

There are plenty of canal boats and live onboards moored at the side of the canal.

As you progress, you'll go under the A430 road bridge and see McDonald's on your right hand side.

Dave paddling under the road bridge by McDonald's

The canal kinks under the bridge before straightening again to head towards the docks.

There are commercial units on the right and open space and houses and apartments on the left. So nice to be able to live next to such a scenic canal.

Under another swing bridge (Hempsted Lane) and you'll see Monk Meadow Marina on your left so do take a moment to look at the boats.

This is a long straight piece of the canal and it does catch the wind so wrap up well in winter!

There is a large bridge to let St Ann Way go over the canal.

On your left will be the LV14 SULA light ship. This is currently operating as holiday accommodation - what a place to stay!

Kayaking past the LV14 SULA light ship

Under one last bridge - the Llathony Lift Bridge. This bridge actually lifts up like London Bridge and you can see it do this in the video at the end of this page!

You are now entering the final part of Gloucester Docks and the junction with the River Severn.

This junction allowed ships to travel from the sea, up the river Severn and unload their cargo at Gloucester Docks.

Today, the docks are surrounded by shops and eateries. Plenty of apartments too which demonstrates canal side living.

A view of Gloucester Docks from Dave's kayak

There are other craft on the canal and some of them are very large ships. Be carefully around these craft. If in doubt, move to the side and get out.

There are places to stop and get out. You could lock your craft and have a walk around or enjoy a visit to one of the museums.

The return journey retraces your steps back to the put in.

The total trip is around 6 miles and will take 3 to 4 hours depending on your paddling speed and stop offs.

All in all, a lovely paddle and very scenic.

Here's the video showing the full trip.

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