The Perfect Balance: Kayaking for Solitude, Adventure, and Camaraderie

There’s nothing quite like kayaking to soothe the soul. Whether it’s paddling down the serene Dordogne in France or navigating the River Trent closer to home, kayaking has been a part of my life for years. It offers that perfect balance—moments of peaceful solitude where it’s just you, the water, and nature, intertwined with the shared laughter and camaraderie that comes from spending time with your closest mates. And let’s not forget the joys of camping and the unmistakable crackle of a campfire, bringing everyone together at the end of a long day on the water.

One of the most memorable kayaking trips was the epic journey down the Dordogne in July 2018, spanning 121 kilometres (75 miles) from Argentat to Beynac. For seven days, we paddled through the heat of a beautiful French summer, cutting through waters nearly devoid of other kayakers, letting the current guide us through landscapes that felt untouched by time.

The Dordogne, with its charming villages and rolling countryside, is a kayaker’s dream. Each bend in the river brought something new—ancient stone bridges, castles perched on cliffs, and the occasional riverside café where we’d stop for lunch. The beauty of kayaking is how it allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level. Sometimes, the silence of the river is all you need. Those moments of solitude—when it’s just you, your paddle slicing through the water, the sun warming your back—are magical.

But the Dordogne wasn’t all about peaceful paddling. There were plenty of laughs and adventures along the way. I’ll never forget the night we camped in St. Sozy, a sleepy village that, by chance, was in full festival mode. With no ATMs in sight, a group of kind Welsh expats and their French friends took us under their wing, ensuring we had a night of entertainment we’ll never forget.

Then there was the time we dined at a little out-of-the-way restaurant, where the waiter, tired of our butchered French, broke into a perfect Bedford accent: “It’s alright boys, I’m from Bedford, ain’t I?” It’s those kinds of unexpected moments that make kayaking trips so memorable. And of course, no one could forget the penultimate night when Jimi’s hair met its end, shaved clean before our return to Limoges.

While the Dordogne is the stuff of dreams, our annual trips to Bleasby on the River Trent hold a special place in our hearts. Each year, we pitch our tents at Boat Lane Campsite, run by Olive and her partner. It’s a simple but perfect spot, with the river just a stone’s throw away, and most importantly, the ability to have campfires—where I get to showcase my “Russian roulette” curry. The key ingredient? Bird’s eye chilies. In the dusky glow of the campfire, you never know if you’re the lucky one who’s about to bite into one of those fiery little devils—until the screams and laughter start.

Our routine at Bleasby is one of comfort. Arrive Friday afternoon, set up camp, get the fire going, and relax with a bottle of red wine. By the time Saturday rolls around, we’re somewhat sluggish from the night before, but after breakfast, we load up the kayaks and hit the water. The Trent may not have the crystal-clear appeal of the Dordogne (you wouldn’t catch us swimming in it), but it’s still a wonderful river to paddle.

We often paddle upstream to Gunthorpe, where the Unicorn pub offers a delicious lunch before we let the current carry us back to camp. The other option is downstream to Fiskerton and its equally great pub, the Bromley—though this route requires a post-lunch paddle back upstream, which is no easy feat after a few drinks.

Kayaking offers more than just a good time—it’s a great way to stay fit, too. Over the course of our Dordogne trip, we found ourselves getting stronger each day, not to mention indulging in some of the best French food and wine along the way. But beyond the physical benefits, kayaking allows for something more profound: inner reflection. As you glide through the water, the rhythmic dip of your paddle becomes almost meditative. There’s a deep sense of connection to the world around you—a clarity that comes when you’re far from the noise of everyday life.

Yet, equally important are the times spent with friends around a campfire, sharing stories, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Whether it’s reminiscing about past expeditions or discussing the intricacies of something as trivial as peppered fries, those moments remind you why you keep coming back. It’s the laughter, the shared memories, and the sense of adventure that make these trips so special.

If you’re thinking of taking up a new hobby, kayaking is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities you can try. It’s easy to master, and once you’ve got your own kayak (whether new or second-hand), you’re set for countless adventures. Just be sure to check the keel before buying second-hand—people tend to drag them on concrete, and you don’t want to be that guy (Jimi).

Kayaking offers the best of both worlds. You can find moments of pure solitude, where you can reflect and recharge, or you can share the experience with friends, laughing and creating memories along the way. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself paddling toward a place that serves great food and even better wine.

Just be careful with those bird’s eye chilies—you never know when one will strike.