A proper day on the water — gliding 3 miles of Lancashire's Leeds–Liverpool Canal, finishing with wood-fired pizza and cold drinks at the Thirsty Duck. No experience needed. All kit provided.
We meet you at the Windmill in Parbold. Safety chat, kit on, and then it's three miles of slow, beautiful water — 250-year-old lock gates, herons fishing, narrowboats drifting past. At the end: wood-fired pizza and cold drinks at the Thirsty Duck in Burscough.
It's the canal we walk every morning. Paul will point out where every heron nests. Amy will know the best spot to stop and watch the locks. There's no rush — that's rather the point.
This stretch of the Leeds–Liverpool Canal — the longest single canal in Britain — was dug by hand between 1770 and 1816. The water you paddle on has carried coal, limestone and cotton for over 250 years. Here's what you'll pass.
Paul and Amy posted a clip of doing the experience with their friends. Within 24 hours, 85,000 people had watched it. The history, the scenery, the laughs on the water — turns out a lot of people have been looking for exactly this. Come see why.
250 years ago, a lock-keeper lived here and tended the gates. Now there's a hot tub on the deck where his vegetable patch used to be, a log burner he'd recognise, and a view of the canal that hasn't changed a bit.
Want to make a weekend of it? Book the cottage separately on Airbnb — it sleeps four, the hot tub's always on, and the canal is right outside your door.
Take the whole canal for yourselves. Your own pace, your own group. We sort the kit, the safety, and the finish-line feast.
Private experience, your group, your pace. We can arrange fizz at the finish. Sashes optional — but usually encouraged.
Enquire nowNo silly games. Just a brilliant day on the water with proper food and drinks waiting at the Thirsty Duck.
Enquire nowOff-sites, client days, team events. Fresh air, beautiful surroundings, and a proper meal at the end.
Enquire now
We moved up the canal from Wigan eight years ago and never quite got round to leaving. Paul's the one who knows where every heron nests. Amy's the one who knows which spot on the towpath catches the afternoon sun.
Paddle for Pints started as a thing we did for mates' birthdays. People kept asking. So we made it a proper job — but we kept it small, kept it ours.
We're not an activity company. We're two people who love this stretch of water and want you to love it too.
Whatever you don't mind getting a bit damp. Trainers or old shoes (not flip-flops — they fall off). A jumper for the canal breeze. Bring a change of clothes for the finish. We provide dry bags for your stuff.
You don't need to. We provide all safety equipment and do a full briefing before anyone gets on the water. The canal is shallow and slow-moving — it's very well suited to beginners.
We paddle in light rain — it's honestly lovely on the canal. If it's a proper storm we'll reschedule you to another date, no quibble. We watch the forecast carefully and give you plenty of notice.
Two adults per canoe (or one adult and a couple of small humans). Solo paddlers — we'll match you with someone friendly.
Everything you need on the water — canoe, paddle, all safety equipment, dry bag, and a full briefing. Wood-fired pizza at the Thirsty Duck at the end is also included. Drinks at the finish are on you.
In a stable canoe with a calm dog — yes. The cottage is dog-friendly too. Just let us know when you get in touch so we can sort the right kit.
You start at the Windmill in Parbold (WN8 7NB) — there's free parking right there. You finish at the Thirsty Duck in Burscough. Getting back to your car: short taxi or arrange a lift in advance.
Just fill in the contact form below or drop us an email at hello@paddleforpints.co.uk. Tell us your preferred date, group size, and any questions — we'll come back to you quickly.
Pick your date and book your kayak directly below. Payments handled securely at checkout. Any questions, drop us an email or find us on socials.
Paddle for Pints