Canal Quest Glasgow: Free Kids Kayaking, Paddleboards & Archery on the Forth and Clyde Canal

Read the full experience

The Forth and Clyde Canal at Pinkston Watersports Centre in Glasgow provides the setting for Canal Quest - The Glasgow Edition, a lively community day along a historic urban waterway. Beginning at Pinkston and finishing at Stockingfield Bridge, this free, family-focused event invites kids aged 7–16 to try kayaking, paddleboarding, archery and woodland team games while the towpath fills with music, food stalls and interactive art. On the water you'll find mixed-craft 'Splash Zone' sessions run by instructors from Pinkston Watersports Centre. Children are fitted with buoyancy aids and wetsuits, then guided through playful paddling drills, cooperative games and confidence-building progressions in a calm canal environment. Sessions last 1.5 hours and include a safety briefing, kit distribution and time to change — the schedule is designed for quick turnarounds so arriving five minutes early to check in keeps things running smoothly. On land the programme moves into nearby woods for bushcraft, team challenges and beginner archery, finishing with a campfire and marshmallows. The event links historic canal infrastructure, urban green space and community resilience: families traverse the towpath by foot, bike or boat, collect stamps or scan QR codes, and discover activity hubs that highlight Glasgow’s local culture and outdoor skills. What makes this edition special is the collision of city and water: the Forth and Clyde Canal’s long industrial past frames a contemporary festival atmosphere where watersports sit comfortably alongside arts and food. The setting is unusually accessible for an urban paddling experience — non-swimmers are welcomed with appropriate support, and instructors manage group sizes to keep sessions fun and safe. Note the 110kg buoyancy aid limit and the requirement that young participants be supervised waterside by an accompanying adult. Practical tips: wear your swimsuit under clothes for a fast change, expect wetsuits to be rotated and cleaned between sessions, and bring weather-appropriate layers for the woods. This event is ideal for families wanting a low-cost introduction to paddling and outdoor skills, for youth looking to build water confidence, and for visitors curious about Glasgow’s canal corridors during the lead-up to Commonwealth Games 2026. If you’re planning to attend, book a free spot through the supplied link, check age brackets (7–16), and contact organisers about accessibility or additional support needs. Canal Quest turns a short urban paddle into a memorable community rite of passage for Glasgow’s young adventurers. Sessions are capped at a maximum of 24 participants for water-based activities and eight for land-based groups, ensuring close instructor attention and safer rotations of kit. If your child needs extra assistance or is a reluctant swimmer, email the organisers before booking to discuss adaptations. Bring a small towel, change of clothes and a waterproof bag for phones; plan to stay nearby.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

1.5 hours.

Fitness level

Children should be comfortable being active for 90 minutes and able to follow basic safety instructions.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a free spot?

Use the supplied referral link to reserve one of the free spaces for Pinkston sessions; spaces are limited so book early.

What ages can participate?

The watersports and land sessions are for children aged 7–16; adults must remain onsite/waterside for the duration.

Where do we meet?

Meet at Pinkston Watersports Centre reception by the blue kayak attached to the pole to check in five minutes before the session.

Are non-swimmers allowed?

Yes—non/reluctant swimmers are welcome; please contact organisers in advance to discuss support and adaptations.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, the maximum buoyancy aid rating is 110kg, so check before booking to ensure participants fit safely in provided kit.

Can I get one-to-one support?

These are group sessions and not set up for 1:1 support; contact organisers if you’re unsure about suitability or need extra assistance.

Local insights

Wildlife

Kingfisher
Grey heron

History

The event celebrates Glasgow’s hosting of Commonwealth Games 2026 and highlights activity along the historic Forth and Clyde Canal and its industrial heritage.

Conservation

Organisers rotate and clean wetsuits between sessions to reduce cross-contamination; please pack out all litter and stick to marked paths to protect canal-side habitats.

About Pinkston Watersports

Pinkston Watersports is a Glasgow-based watersports centre operating on Scotland's only artificial whitewater course. The centre runs a wide range of paddlesports and water activities including whitewater tubing, whitewater kayaking taster and progression courses, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) tasters, rolling clinics, swim sessions, and family splash zones. Sessions are offered for different ages and abilities, with many junior and family activities listed for ages 7 and up and several whitewater sessions suitable for ages 12 and up. Birthday party packages, holiday activity camps, student nights, and specialist sessions such as cold water swims with sauna access are also available. Professional instructors lead coached sessions and safety briefings, and several beginner courses state that equipment is provided; participants are often asked to bring a towel and suitable footwear. Progression courses include multi-week formats for beginners and intermediate paddlers, plus club-style monthly sessions focused on skill development and themed activities. The venue supports learning across flat-water and artificial whitewater environments and hosts community and family-focused events. Pinkston Watersports emphasises safe, supervised access to paddlesports for newcomers and developing paddlers, delivers structured coaching, and provides a versatile programme of activities suitable for families, youth groups, adults, and students in Glasgow and the surrounding area. Booking options include single-session tasters, multi-week progression courses, club membership and group or family packages for birthday parties and holiday camps. Sessions run across seasons and include student nights. The programme supports skill progression, confidence on the water and repeat visits to develop technique. Suitable for beginners and families.

Base locationGlasgow, Scotland

Tours offered24+

Adventure tips

Arrive 5 minutes earlyCheck in at the reception beside the blue kayak so instructors can start on time and kit rotations stay on schedule.

Wear your swimsuit under clothesPut your swimsuit on before arrival for a faster change into wetsuits during the safety brief.

Supervision is requiredParticipants aged 7–16 must be accompanied by an adult who stays waterside for the session.

Mind the weight limitBuoyancy aids are rated to 110kg max—check this before booking and contact organisers about alternative arrangements.

Recommended gear

Swimsuit: Wear under clothes for quick changing into wetsuits at the start of the session.
Towel and change of clothes: You’ll want dry layers after paddling and something warm for the woods and campfire.
Waterproof phone bag: Keeps electronics dry while you’re on the water or near splash zones.
Weather-appropriate layers: Windproof and warm mid-layer for canal-side conditions, especially in cooler months.