The design of a kayak makes it one of the most versatile crafts for getting around in the water. The basic structure of a long, thin hull, a covered space for usually just one person, and the iconic double ended paddle can be adapted and enhanced to face any kind of water, from fast still inland waters to rough seas. You might have tried kayaking on the calm waters of a lake, or paddled off the beach on a summer holiday, but in Denbighshire there are two unique experiences that showcase the capabilities of these boats, and will make any visit to this northern region of Wales a trip to remember.

The first is a wild ride down the natural rollercoaster of the River Dee. This is what’s known as white water kayaking, because the river, as it flows towards the town, tumbles over a series of rapids, rocks and falls, creating splash pools, eddies and all kinds of aquatic obstacles which you have to navigate. It’s a hair-raising, adrenaline-pumping descent that will leave you out of breath from the effort or keeping on course, and from laughing all the way down. The second option is breathtaking for another reason - it’s a paddle along the Llangollen canal which takes you over the engineering marvel of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This carries the canal high above the River Dee itself, one of the only places in the world where you can kayak on a canal over a river.

Where are the best places to go kayaking in Denbighshire?

• River Dee white water route: The River Dee carries most of the water that falls on the highlands of North Wales, including the mountains of Snowdonia to the sea. Unsurprisingly, this makes it a lively waterway, brimming with water all year round. When the river approaches the town, the river bed and banks turn the river into a heaven for white water lovers. The route starts at an artificial weir called Horseshoe Falls, where the broad river drops over a crescent shaped step and is funnelled into a fast flowing channel. Once you drop over the step, there’s no going back. The current takes you under bridges and over a series of falls with names like Tombstones and Factory Falls, as well as a notorious rapids section called the Serpent’s Tail. After facing these obstacles, you follow a bend in the river before reaching the town, where more falls, and the journey’s end, await you.

• Llangollen Canal: This is part of the proposed Ellesmere Canal, which was conceived of in the early industrial revolution to connect the River Mersey in Liverpool to the Severn in Shropshire. The entire project was never fully realised, but several sections of canal were constructed, including this stretch which connects Denbighshire to Hurleston in Cheshire. And we’re glad that it was, because it features one of the industrial wonders of Wales - the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which is the longest aqueduct in the whole of Great Britain and the highest canal aqueduct in the world. It’s over 300 metres long, and carries the canal across the River Dee at a dizzying height of 38 metres above the water. You can take a kayak trip along this canal, enjoying beautiful green surroundings, before reaching the aqueduct and taking in spectacular views in 360º and peering over the edge of the watercourse, to the rushing river below.

What are the options for organising a kayaking experience in Denbighshire?

- The two kayaking routes in Denbighshire are very different experiences, so your choice will depend on what you want to get out of the trip. When it comes to white water kayaking, you don’t worry about the propulsion because the current does that for you, you just use the paddle to try and keep the nose pointing forward and get out of the way of rocks. Going down the River Dee in this way is a bit like riding a wild horse - you just get on and see where it takes you, hanging on for dear life for the duration! That duration will depend on the speed of the river, which varies a little bit throughout the year, and how quickly you want to go. When you take into account the whole experience, including safety briefings, time for kitting up and a bit of practice, it’s a half day activity - or make it a full day and ride the river twice!

- The canal, on the other hand, brings out the other side of kayaking. Far from the frantic crashing and splashing of white water kayaking, paddling along the canal allows you to relax and unwind, contemplating nature and exploring a unique waterway. This journey can appeal to people from all walks of life - children, history buffs, those looking for a chance to disconnect from the stresses of modern life, and more. And it’s not every day that you get to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site by boat! This route takes 3 hours to complete - so you can fit in a half day descent of the Dee into the same day if you’re keen to do both!

Requirements to do this activity

Both of the fantastic kayaking adventures in Denbighshire are family friendly. You can take the kids down the River Dee when they’re older than eight years old, and on the Canal even younger children will be considered if they’re big enough to hold a paddle and a parent is with them at all times. You don’t need any prior experience of kayaking because you’ll be in the good hands of an expert guide for the duration. They can make sure that everyone in the group has a chance to get familiar with the equipment on calm waters before starting the journey in earnest and they’ll be on hand for the duration to help anyone who gets into a sticky situation.

What do you need to bring the day of the actvity?

The equipment that you need depends on the route that you’re going to complete. If you’re going for the white water experience on the River Dee, you’re going to get wet. Your guide will provide you with a wetsuit and a special splashproof jacket. You just need to bring a swimsuit, to wear under the wetsuit, and a pair of lace up trainers that you can expect to get wet. If you’ve chosen the Canal and the weather’s good, you can wear the clothes that you want. In the colder months of the year, your guide may give you a wetsuit or jacket to keep you warm out on the water.

Are you ready for a once in a lifetime experience here? All you need is one of these boats!