No less than nine free guided canoeing events will be taking place across Northern Ireland this Sunday 2 October to celebrate the fourth annual National Trails Day.

According to Northern Ireland's Outdoor Adventure Blog, all the events will be guided by qualified canoeing instructors, with all canoe rental and safety equipment provided free of charge. 

So there's never been a better time to get a paddle in your hands and take to Northern Ireland's wealth of waterways.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the new Foyle Canoe Trail will be among those where novices can get a taste of what Northern Ireland's canals and rivers have to offer.

OutdoorNI.com has more about the free guided canoe trails available HERE.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is highlighting the latest additions to its network of canoeing trails ahead of National Trails Day on Sunday 2 October.

“We are very fortunate in Northern Ireland to have so many perfect calm lakes and meandering rivers to explore and canoeing provides a great day out or weekend away for the family," the board's Nigel Tilson told the Community Telegraph.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the new coastal Foyle Canoe Trail and South East Canoe Trail join Northern Ireland's five inland canoe trails at Lough Neagh, the River Blackwater, Lough Erne, the Lower Bann and Strangford Lough. 

These will be joined later this year by two more sea trails on the north and east coasts.

National Trails Day will feature six two-hour canoeing sessions with free equipment and lessons. For details visit www.nationaltrailsday.co.uk.