Bamford Recreation Ground Trust has opened a stretch of the River Derwent for permanent access to canoeing and kayaking. The site at Bamford provides the only river access for canoeing in the whole of the Peak Park area. The facility is the second of three nationally, that are part of a pilot study supported and part-funded by the British Canoe Union.

 

The access agreement that we currently have in place is for the stretch between Water Lane bridge at the northern end (which is the access bridge to the Recreation Ground) and the railway bridge at the southern end. The accessible section is about 300m long, shallow and mostly slow moving. The River Derwent is fed by Ladybower Dam, so the height of the water is not directly related to the level of rainfall.

 

Access to the river is via a set of steps down the river bank, that are located at about half way along the recreation ground, past the pavilion. For safely purposes, access is controlled via a metal gate which has a combination lock. The current combination is provided at booking.

Bookings

Morning session:                      Before 12.00

Afternoon session:                  Between 12.00 and 17.00

Evening session:                      After 17.00

 

Sessions must be booked at least two weeks in advance, via: 01433 650279

 

Canoeists may only paddle between Water Lane Bridge and the Railway Bridge.

 

Bamford with Thornhill Recreation Ground Trust accepts no liability for the use of the site, a sample risk assessment for the site is available for download.

 

Crayfish Plague and Gyrodactylus Salaris

Canoeists are a possible method of transfer of Crayfish Plague and Gyrodactylus Salaries from one area to the other. Canoes should be either dried or disinfected prior to use if they have recently been used on another river or watercourse.