Canoeing & Kayaking

Based in the Derwent Valley near Matlock, Acclimbatize are located perfectly to access and facilitate the best canoeing and kayaking water sport activities in the Derbyshire Peak District.

Water sports in the Peak District


Introductory sessions for canoeing and kayaking usually take place on placid sheltered water but more exciting opportunities to paddle on expanses of open water or along the River Derwent are equally convenient from our operating base.

Join us for a canoeing journey on the river Derwent or for a high jinx raft building session at the spectacular setting at Carsington Water.

Canoeing & Kayaking


Input on our Canoe and Kayak sessions may depend on location, age, ability, time available and weather conditions. Leadership style is mostly action centred and will include some technical demonstrations and the use of appropriate coaching methods.

Structured play and games are a key feature in our water sport sessions. Play helps progress personal skill acquisition and boat handling techniques. Fun deepens the level of engagement and boosts the retention of learning.

Key Learning: Safety equipment, active listening, acquisition and application of new skills, experiential learning, independent progression.

Development


Canadian style Canoes (2 seat boats) provide an excellent medium for micro team working and instantaneous problem solving. Small teams are essentially interdependent making any journey a teamwork challenge.

In Kayaks (single seat boats) like on Bicycles – forward movement and concentration keep individuals focussed on the task at hand. Participants are self-dependant and will grasp and importance of listening and responding to safety instructions and guidance accordingly.

Reviews


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Melanie FA profile picture
Melanie FA
19 January 2026
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Brilliant team building session Another brilliant session with Paul. This time a desk based team building day for our company. Everyone really enjoyed it and some great learning points from the activities. We thoroughly recommend Acclimatize for team building Thank you.
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david b
15 December 2025
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An exhilarating experience - well worth trying. Everyone really enjoyed our morning of abseiling in a beautiful area of the Peak District. Sam was very professional and everyone felt safe in his hands. We had multiple goes of abseiling along with scrambling up the rock faces. What a great day out we had, thanks Sam.
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Hill
27 November 2025
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Brilliant caving trips. 6 days of caving in the Dales and Peak District. Absolutely brilliant! We've used Acclimbatize a several times, every time was a huge success. Great planning and delivery, already thinking about the next one!
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Elijah D
3 October 2025
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Incredible Outdoor Rock Climbing and Abseiling Experience in Peak District Our program did Rock Climbing and Abseiling with Chris and his team in late September. It was such an incredible experience, as none of us have ever tried outdoor rock climbing before. They were thorough and helpful, and it was great for teambuilding in our program. Chris and his team were funny and kepy great conversation with us. Highly reccomended!
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Jane C profile picture
Jane C
29 September 2025
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Rock Climbing Trip September 2025 This was such an excellent experience! Our tour guides, Chris, Daljeet, Clara, and Andy P. were very encouraging and funny. They lightened the mood with jokes, but pushed us and showed us the ropes (pun intended) as well. The climbs themselves were tricky but manageable, and it's really more about getting the experience than making it to the top. They may have inspired a future in rock climbing!
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lucien b
1 September 2025
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Howling winds no deterrent to climbing Had 2 days with these guys well worth it. Despite torrential rain and howling winds they kept us busy climbing, abseiling caving and gorge walking.
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Cory S
29 August 2025
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Excellent, knowledgable, friendly climbing guide Booked a solo rock climbing day and had an ideal experience. Can’t praise my guide, Chas, enough. I am an intermediate climber traveling from the US. I didn’t want to travel with gear nor feel overwhelmed by climbing in an unfamiliar area. So booking a guide made sense. My guide, Chas, was literally the most knowledgeable outdoor climber I have ever met. In addition to belaying me on a ton of routes, he was happy to share his deep experience with setting ropes, trad climbing, knots, climbing techniques, etc. Despite being probably 30 years older than me, I’m sure Chas is a better climber. This guy is a legend. I highly recommend!
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Olana C
26 August 2025
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A great experience in some beautiful settings! What an absolutely wonderful experience! I felt skeptical booking this for my family of 4 (2 daughters aged 9 and 5) as I felt uncertain as to whether the team could cater to all ages. However, the team and experience surpassed all of my expectations. Every team member we came across was so lovely and friendly and our trip leader, Matt, was outstanding - he showed such patience and kindness when my daughter was nervous with the abseiling part of the event. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the experience from start to finish (we did half a day of rock climbing and canoeing) and both myself and my husband felt it was worth every penny - a great experience in some beautiful settings.
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Paul M
25 August 2025
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Abseiling Great day abseiling and gorging in the peak district, brought a group of 12 Scouts and 4 leaders. Special thanks to Chris.
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Jennifer B
21 August 2025
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Brilliant first ever climb and abseiling! We went scrambling, rock climbing and abseiling with Andy. Four children and two adults. It was amazing! The company do everything right. Communication was brilliant and they asked what we wanted out of the experience. Andy had so much knowledge and our experience was fantastic. I highly recommend this company. Fully supportive, great instructions felt safe and able to enjoy the whole afternoon.

Hear what our clients have to say...

Enjoy the Benefits of Canoeing in Derbyshire

  • Paddle back through time on historic waterways in Cromford, a World Heritage site
  • 
Open water canoeing and kayaking at Carsington Water with changing facilities
  • Canoe journeys organised along the River Derwent.
  • Rafting antics for all.
  • All arranged from within 10 minutes of our equipment store
Contact Us

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Frequently Asked Questions

We have capacity for 35 canoeists in single boats (2 in a boat) or 50 in rafted / catamaran style canoes (6 in a boat). Catamarans are a good option for school students. We may make up rafted catamaran style canoes with adults in windy conditions.

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Basic fitness level. Canoeing is a good option for working with physical disabilities.

With notice we are comfortable to travel with canoes as part of a residential outdoor programme.

Yes absolutely. Conoeing combines perfectly with climbing, scrambling, abseiling, caving and other activities.

Accreditations

The association logos throughout the pages of this website represent membership of the highest professional bodies at both national and international levels. Click on any of the logos below to view our safety and quality information.