All members of the public, both local and visitors wishing to launch a craft on the Bude Canal are required to pay a day launching fee.
All commercial users of the canal must do so under a Water-based Activity Providers licence from Cornwall Council. Day or seasonal launch permits cannot be purchased by commercial users. For more information, please contact 0300 1234 202 or email EnvironmentService@cornwall.gov.uk.
Day Launch – Single Craft
- Paid per craft and entitles the craft to be on the canal for the day of purchase, during daylight hours only
- £6.70 per day per craft
Day Launch – Group Craft
- Paid at a discount. All users should stay together on the canal.
- £5.40 per craft (up to max 8)
Seasonal Permit – Single Craft
- Paid per craft and entitle that craft to use the canal for a season only.
- £26.80 per craft
- Valid from day of purchase until 31st March
- Valid for any day where the Bude Canal is open and navigable
Annual Permit – Family
- Covers a specified (at time of purchase to max of 5) number of craft for a season only.
- £39.60 (multi craft)
- Valid from day of purchase until 31st March
- Valid for any day where the Bude Canal is open and navigable
Permit holders obligations
Cornwall Council will expect all day launch, and season permit holders to adhere to the Bude Canal Code of Conduct. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring users of their craft are aware of the Canal Code of Conduct, any failures to comply will be investigated by Cornwall Council. Cornwall Council retains the right to withdraw permits at any time.
- Avoid crossing the bows of oncoming craft at close quarters.
- Beware of beginner canoeists.
- Launch and recover craft from designated areas only
- Ensure your boat is free from weed and wash down equipment after use to prevent spread of invasive species.
- Give way to those engaged in organised competitions, please note angling competition every Sunday morning 9-1pm.
- Pass anglers in single file at a steady speed, passing along the centre of the canal channel.
- Angling from boats is not permitted.
- Carry all craft around the inland locks using designated portage points only.
- Ensure there is no damage to the canal or its banks and nuisance is not caused to residents, other canal users or wildlife.
- Please do not Leave litter, camp or have BBQ’s.
- Do not swim, due to underwater hazards.
- Ice is never safe, keep off.
- Do not approach Weir, keep to far side of bank
- Beware of waterborne diseases, wash hands before eating.
- Cornwall Council recommends you wear lifejackets or buoyancy aides while on the water.
Launch ONLY from the designated area adjacent to the Crescent Car Park, and not from the banks elsewhere.