UK Kayaking News Roundup – 16 October 2026
Welcome to the Paddle With Tom UK Kayaking News Roundup for Friday 16 October 2026.
This week we follow Ash Dykes deep into the Congo Basin, report a serious canal closure in Bath, check the latest River Thames restrictions and look at autumn paddling options.
Ash Dykes: Day 9 of his 700km Congo Basin kayak adventure
15 October 2026
Welsh explorer Ash Dykes is nine days into an extraordinary 700-plus-kilometre inflatable kayak expedition along the Sangha River in Central Africa. Starting at Nola in the Central African Republic, his team is aiming for Mossaka in the Republic of the Congo as part of his Project 6 challenge.
In his latest Day 9 update, Ash said the next hurdle is reaching Ouesso and sorting entry paperwork for the Republic of the Congo. He has described exhausting heat, insects and difficult camping conditions, while previous updates have shown dramatic wildlife encounters. Crucially, there is no verified live GPS position or exact distance paddled, so reports that he has already reached Ouesso would be premature.
Ash hopes to release the first full Project 6 episode on YouTube while the paperwork is being handled. It is one of the most ambitious inflatable kayaking adventures currently being documented.
Bath Tunnel closed: major disruption on the Kennet & Avon Canal
Council update: 12 October 2026
A structural issue beneath Beckford Road in Bath has forced the closure of the Kennet & Avon Canal and adjacent towpath at the north end of Sydney Gardens. The problem occurred during road improvement works above the canal tunnel.
Bath & North East Somerset Council says engineers are assessing the structure. For recreational paddlers, the closure blocks through-navigation at this point and could affect routes between Bath and Bathampton, Dundas and Avoncliff. Do not plan to pass through until the canal authority confirms reopening.
The council's official update does not give a firm reopening date. Check the latest notices before travelling, especially if you are organising a point-to-point paddle.
River Thames: lock works, reopened navigation and stream warnings
Environment Agency updates: 13–16 October 2026
The Environment Agency has extended Boveney Lock hydraulic works until 30 October. Navigation remains possible, although there may be some disruption. Shiplake Lock reopened on 12 October after repairs, while Penton Hook reach has temporary restrictions for footbridge removal between 12 and 23 October.
The latest River Thames stream warning bulletin was updated on 16 October and reported no changes to warnings. That is not a blanket all-clear: check the colour-coded warnings for the precise reach you plan to paddle, and be mindful of current strength, weather and submerged hazards.
If you are heading out this weekend, check both the restrictions list and live river conditions before launching.
Autumn paddling: where to go as conditions change
Autumn paddling guide — October 2026
Autumn can be a beautiful time to paddle in Britain, with quieter waterways, golden trees and crisp mornings. Sheltered canals such as the Oxford Canal and suitable open sections of the Kennet & Avon can be attractive alternatives when faster-flowing rivers become less appealing.
But this year is a reminder that even canals need careful planning: the Bath Tunnel closure and other local stoppages can interrupt a route unexpectedly. On rivers, check Environment Agency warnings and remember that shorter days, colder water and changing winds reduce your margin for error.
For route inspiration, explore the Paddle With Tom guides and choose a sheltered, open stretch with confirmed access, a straightforward exit and conditions within your experience. This is seasonal advice, not a report that any specific waterway is currently safe.
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