Not only will you get to see Birmingham from a ducks-eye-view, you’ll discover some of the hidden green areas of our city.’
The Green Escape kayak tour explores green spaces around the Soho Loop, a section of the canal that saw the birth of the industrial revolution and played its part in turning Birmingham into the city of a thousand trades.
Today, the Soho Loop connects many green spaces and is used by wildlife as a quick shortcut, so you’ll likely see some local birds and animals. If you’re extremely lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive otters that have been spotted in this part of the canal.
There’s lots of paddling during this tour with a few stops for a rest and to discover the history of the canals. Kayaking on the canal is very easy as there is no current and you can glide along taking in the scenery.
You don’t need any kayaking experience, specialist clothing or equipment – but a basic level of fitness (walking up the stairs without being out of breath) will ensure you can enjoy our kayak experience.
The tour is around 5 miles in total and is led by a professionally qualified British Canoeing Instructor.
All kayaks, paddles and safety equipment are provided. You must wear a buoyancy aid, regardless of your swimming ability, so you’ll be safe if you fall in. Sit back, paddle and have fun!
8 years plus, all under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Guided tours will go ahead in all but the worst of weather. If we do need to cancel a tour due to high winds or thunderstorms we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity.
Please provide proof of your eligibility for concessions or discounts on arrival.
Spectators are welcomed but unfortunately we can’t guarantee full sighting of the participant for the whole duration of the tour.
What to wear:
It is best to wear gym-style clothing because these won’t hold any water when wet; jeans, leather and wool are not ideal for kayaking.
Everyone must wear footwear; old trainers, crocs, flip flops are all great.
You’ll get a wet lower half, as you are exposed to the drips from your paddles and splashes. You may get a small puddle in your seat, so we’d recommend wearing some waterproof trousers if you have them. If you don’t own any, we do have some waterproof trousers and jackets available to borrow.
There’s a small chance you may fall in, so we recommend bringing a towel and a change of clothes, just in case. Should you be unlucky enough to fall in, we have an onsite shower.
Guided tours will go ahead in all but the worst of weather. If we do need to cancel a tour due to high winds or thunderstorms we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity.
Please provide proof of your eligibility for concessions or discounts on arrival.
Spectators are welcomed but unfortunately we can’t guarantee full sighting of the participant for the whole duration of the tour.
What to wear (more detail):
It is best to wear gym-style clothing because these won’t hold any water when wet; jeans, leather and wool are not ideal for kayaking.
Everyone must wear footwear; old trainers, crocs, flip flops are all great.
You’ll get a wet lower half, as you are exposed to the drips from your paddles and splashes. You may get a small puddle in your seat, so we’d recommend wearing some waterproof trousers if you have them. If you don’t own any, we do have some waterproof trousers and jackets available to borrow.
There’s a small chance you may fall in, so we recommend bringing a towel and a change of clothes, just in case. Should you be unlucky enough to fall in, we have an onsite shower.
Valuables:
We have lockers available for your bags, and we recommend that no valuables are brought to the Roundhouse. We strongly recommend that no phones, wallets, or sunglasses are taken on the water and we will not be held responsible for any loss incurred.
We have lockers available for your bags, and we recommend that no valuables are brought to the Roundhouse. We strongly recommend that no phones, wallets, or sunglasses are taken on the water and we will not be held responsible for any loss incurred.
Do you need experience to kayak?
Kayaking is easy to pick up, we cater for all abilities on our tours and our guides are trained in being able to assist you should you require further advice.
Do kayaks flip easily?
Many people may think that kayaks are easy to flip over but they are a lot more stable than they might look, we have chosen the kayaks specifically for their stability.
What should I wear to go kayaking?
Sports clothing is light, dries easily and doesn’t make you freeze, simply stay away from denim, leather and wool and you will be fine. We can provide waterproof jackets and trousers to keep you drier too!
What kind of shoes do you wear kayaking?
You need to wear something on your feet during the tour; old trainers, crocs, sandals all work well.
Will I get wet?
There will always be the odd splash and dribble that will get you damp and, because of the nature of the kayaks that we use, you will get a wet bottom!! We can provide waterproof jackets and trousers to keep you drier though.
And, of course, we recommend bringing a change of clothes should you capsize.
I can’t swim – can I still go kayaking?
Yes, we always assume that no-one can swim. If someone should capsize our guides will be there to assist you; normally, because the canals are only 4-6 feet deep, you could stand up.
All participants regardless of ability will be required to wear a buoyancy aid provided by us.
Are there changing rooms/showers?
We do have facilities for changing available in our visitor centre and a shower should you take a dip in the canal, however the shower is not for general use.
Is there a weight limit?
Due to equipment limitations the maximum weight we can currently cater for is 18 stones.
Our buoyancy aids have a maximum chest size of 50 inches.
What’s the age limit?
8 years old and upwards (because of the size of our equipment)
Can I take my phone with me and can I take pictures?
We don’t recommend taking any valuables on the water, we are not responsible for any damage and loss.
We have lockers available free of charge for tour participants.
What do I do with my bags and belongings?
We have lockers suitable for bags and personal items available for all tour participants free of charge.
Where is the meeting point for tours and sessions?
Please visit Visitor Reception to book in, your guide will meet you there.
What’s the difference between canoeing and kayaking?
A canoe is paddled with a single-bladed paddle, and you will have seen these paddled generally by two people. A kayak is paddled from a sitting position with a two-bladed paddle.
We use sit-on-top kayaks, which mean should you fall off you’ll simply slide into the water.
Can I watch if I’m not participating?
We paddle on the canals so if you are not participating you can walk alongside but there is a lot of places that can’t be accessed by pedestrians.
Is it possible to share a kayak?
We do have 2 x Two person kayaks available; these are ideal for an adult and young person. These will need to be arranged on the day so please mention this at the earliest opportunity.
Do I have to book in advance?
It’s better to book all our tours in advance. You may be lucky if you show up on the day and one of our guides will be available but we recommend always pre-booking.
The Roundhouse, 1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham, B16 8AE
0121 716 4077
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Registered Charity No. 1169232
