A paddling weekend with a difference
The Peak Challenge is a three day paddling fest on the Derwent at Cromford Mill, near Matlock, it combines a Wild Water Race, Slalom and Kayak X, alongside come and try it paddling and a host of other activities.
Set in some of Britain’s best scenery in the Peak District, the challenge is a non-ranking series of events bringing paddlers together for a fun weekend of paddling and socialising, based around the historic Cromford Mill.
As well as the canoeing activities there is plenty to do and a great place fr families, some can canoe, others can do their own thing.
Saturday was Wild Water Racing Day and congratulations to 15-year-old Ivijah Campbell-Bryan, coming third in the under 18s.
Sunday was Slalom Day, with training sessions run by members of the British Team, brilliant for your personal development.
This was a brilliant event and we highly recommend that more paddlers go next year, we can stay in a hostel on site, or camp nearby, there are also a number of other types of accommodation in the area.
The event takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August.
Let’s start making plans for a great club weekend for 2027, contact us by email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk.
Published 8th September 2026