Paddle in the world of concrete cows and roundabouts
In the heart of a New Town that become an amazing City, we will paddle our way along the Grand Union Canal for 5K.
We launch at Campbell Park and head North for 1.25k, passing under Portway (H5) and continuing through some of Milton Keynes suburbs including Downhead park being careful of low bridges at various points before turning just before the Danstead Way bridge.
We repeat this route TWICE to make 5K
Experience the unique blend of urban design and natural beauty at AquaPaddle Milton Keynes. This great location is situated on the historic Grand Union Canal, winding through the very heart of the city at Campbell Park. Managed by The Parks Trust, this section of the canal offers a serene, lock-free 5km route that is perfect for paddlers of all abilities. As you paddle along the water, you will be surrounded by award-winning landscaping, iconic public art, and the vibrant wildlife that calls this "City in the Country" home.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a "Newbie" looking to improve your fitness, AquaPaddle Milton Keynes provides a welcoming, weather-resistant, community-focused environment. The route takes you past the modern Campbell Wharf Marina and through the lush greenery of the park, offering a fresh perspective on Milton Keynes’ pioneering architecture. After completing your timed 5km social paddle, you can soak in the atmosphere of one of the UK's most successful new towns, where the water truly acts as a bridge between the busy city centre and the tranquil Buckinghamshire countryside.
Why not donate to help your local community?
Your donations keep AquaPaddle afloat and safe. Contributions directly fund essential equipment, such as defibrillators, their renewable pads, first aid kits that go out of date and walkie-talkies. Additionally, the safety software that is used to manage every event. While our team is almost entirely voluntary, we prioritise professional IT services to ensure your data and our site remain secure.
Once these core operational costs are covered, all surplus funds go toward our mental and physical health activities.
For those who want to do more, please consider becoming a Friend of AquaPaddle through an annual subscription to help us help others.
Convenient parking is available at the Campbell Park off-road car park, located just a short walk from the canal's edge. FREE parking is also available at the cricket pavilion nearby.For those arriving from the city centre, there is also ample pay-and-display parking along Silbury Boulevard, which borders the southern end of the park. If you are launching closer to the marina, please check local signage at Campbell Wharf for visitor parking availability. We recommend arriving early to ensure you have plenty of time to unload your craft and reach the meeting point before the safety briefing.
PLEASE NOTE, THE TOILETS ARE A SHORT WALK AWAY, WE ARE HAPPY TO LOOK AFTER YOUR BOARD WHILE IT'S INFLATING IF NEEDED.
If you are a wheelchair user, or have a special parking requirement, please text the Aquapaddle Captain on 07899897416 with prior warning of your needs. so we can help accommodate your request. Access to the water is limited, but we are quite good at finding ways to make things happen!
THERE ARE HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON THE CAR PARK, THERE IS HOWEVER ON ROAD PARKING AND PARKING OVER AT THE CRICKET PAVILLION AVAILABLE.
After your paddle, there are several fantastic spots nearby to refuel and chat with fellow AquaPaddlers. The Grand Union Canal towpath leads directly to the Warbler on the Wharf, a contemporary pub and restaurant overlooking the marina that offers a great selection of food and drink. For a more relaxed vibe, the Canal Street Coffee Shop provides artisan coffee and delicious treats right by the water. Alternatively, a short walk into the heart of the park will lead you to various local kiosks and seasonal pop-ups perfect for a post-paddle snack.
The Milton Keynes section of the Grand Union Canal is known for its excellent accessibility, featuring wide, well-maintained towpaths that form part of the city’s famous Redway network. Launching is made easy via the purpose-built slipways and pontoons near the Canal Broadwalk. The route is largely level and free of locks, making it an ideal location for adaptive paddlers and those using various types of craft, including SUPs, kayaks, and canoes. Public transport users will find the location easily reachable, with Milton Keynes Central station just a short bus or cycle ride away via the park's connecting pathways.
On request and with prior arrangement we have adaptive kit that can be borrowed and we can offer extra support if needed as follows.
While we don’t claim to be experts in all your adaptive needs, our commitment to learning ensures a collaborative experience. Together, we can navigate your journey to the water with confidence. Between us we can figure out a way to get you on the water safely.
Red All ride adaptive board
Adaptive inflatable kayak seat
Different size paddles
Kayak Paddles
Ramp
BA/PFD's side opening, front opening different sizes and different lengths
We can provide a guide/crew member to paddle with you
A BSl interpreter can be arranged for the briefing in person or via FaceTime/Zoom
Accesible toilet is at Whitemills Marina
If you are a wheelchair user, or have a special requirement, please text the AquaPaddle Captain on 07899897416 with prior warning of your needs so we can help accommodate your request.
If we are missing something, please do ask.
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