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Plan your visit to the boathouse
Everything you need before your trip: where to meet, what to bring, how we handle the weather and the safety briefing.
Find us in the valley
Every trip starts at the Old Boathouse on Ferry Lane. Tap a pin to see what is there and how far it is from the boathouse.
Tap a pin to see what is there
Start with the yellow Meeting point pin. That is the Old Boathouse on Ferry Lane, where every trip and hire begins.
- Address
- The Old Boathouse, Ferry Lane, Alder Valley
- Open
- Every day, 8am to 6pm
- Parking
- Free, behind the boathouse
- The Old BoathouseOur base and the meeting point for every tour and hire. Check in here 20 minutes before your start time.
- Willow Bend river launchWhere kayak trips start. The water here is slow and shallow, so it is a gentle place to get going.
- Riverside trailheadThe start of the flat river trail used by the Valley loop and Family trail rides.
- Ridge trailheadThe foot of the switchback climb to Ridge lookout. We drive guests and bikes here in our van.
- Orchard cafe stopA farm cafe in the orchards and our coffee stop on the Valley loop and Orchard e-bike tour.
- Alder Valley stationTrains stop here every hour. Walk down Ferry Lane towards the river to reach the boathouse.
Opening hours and how to reach us
Opening hours
Every day, 8am to 6pm. Sunset paddles start 2.5 hours before sunset, so in summer they finish after we close. We close for the winter break from 21 December to 3 January.
Getting here
The Old Boathouse, Ferry Lane, Alder Valley. Free parking behind the boathouse. The station is a 10-minute walk.
Contact us
Call 01632 960418 or email hello@switchback.example. We answer the phone 8am to 6pm and reply to email the same day.
Eight things to know before you set off
Read this before your trip. Your guide goes through it again at the boathouse.
Arrive 20 minutes early
We need time to fit your kit and go through this briefing with you. Late starts can mean a shorter trip.
Wear your helmet or buoyancy aid
Wear a helmet on every ride and a buoyancy aid on every paddle. Your guide checks the fit before you set off.
Stay with your guide
Keep the guide in sight. The guide sets the pace and waits at every junction, so nobody gets left behind.
Share the trail kindly
Ride in single file on shared paths. Slow down for walkers and horses, and ring your bell to say hello.
Know what to do on the water
Keep a boat length between kayaks. If you tip over, hold on to your kayak and float on your back. Your guide will come to you.
Tell us what we should know
Let your guide know about anything that might affect you on the day, such as an injury or being nervous around water.
Drink, eat and cover up
Bring water and wear sun cream, even on cloudy days. Pack a layer, as the river often feels cooler than the trail.
Call out if something goes wrong
Stop, stay where you are and call your guide. Every guide carries a first aid kit and a phone and knows the quickest way back.
That is the end of the briefing. Thanks for reading it.
Pack light and dress for the weather
- Comfortable clothes you can move in
- Trainers or closed-toe shoes, or water shoes for paddles
- A refillable water bottle
- Sun cream and sunglasses
- A warm layer and a waterproof jacket
- A change of clothes for kayak trips
- Any medicine you need on the day
- A phone, if you want photos
If the weather turns
We check the forecast the evening before every trip. Trips go ahead in light rain. If strong wind, storms or high water make it unsafe, we contact you to move your trip or refund you in full.
Cancelling or changing a trip
Cancel 48 hours or more before your start time for a full refund. Within 48 hours, you can move your trip to another date once for free. Private groups get their own terms with their quote.
Answers to common questions
Do I need any experience?
No. Most of our tours suit first-timers. Tours marked Moderate or Challenging need some fitness, and your guide sets the pace for the group.
What is the youngest age you take?
Family trips start from age 6, with tag-alongs and double kayaks. Every other tour shows its minimum age on the tour card.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. Bring a bike in good working order and a helmet. The tour price stays the same, as it covers your guide and the route.
Is there parking at the boathouse?
Yes. Parking behind the boathouse is free for guests. The station is a 10-minute walk away along Ferry Lane.
Can I leave my things somewhere during the trip?
Yes. Free lockers at the boathouse hold a bag and a change of clothes. Kayak trips come with a dry bag for small items.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes. Vouchers work for any tour or gear hire. Ask at the boathouse or email hello@switchback.example.