The River Ribble flows through North Yorkshire and Lancashire in Northern England, running approximately 75 miles (121 kilometres) from its source near Selside in Ribblesdale to its estuary on the Irish Sea at Lytham. The river begins close to Ribblehead Viaduct and flows generally southwestward, passing through Settle, Clitheroe, Ribchester, and Preston before reaching the coast between Lytham St. Annes and Southport. It is the only major river rising in Yorkshire that flows westward, and its name is well enough established in the region to lend itself to parliamentary constituencies and government boroughs.

The paddling character of the Ribble varies considerably along its length, with grades ranging from 1 to 5. The section from Helwith Bridge to Settle is the most technically demanding and changeable stretch, with water levels capable of ranging from Grade 3 up to Grade 5+ in high water conditions. Paddlers should treat this section with particular caution and assess conditions carefully before committing. The remainder of the river is generally Grade 2–3, making it accessible to intermediate paddlers under typical conditions. The river's tributaries include the Hodder and Calder, which join within a mile of each other near Whalley in Lancashire, the Darwen joining at Walton-le-Dale, and the Douglas joining near Hesketh Bank.

One noted access point for paddling is near Waddington, close to Waddow Hall, which has been identified by local paddlers as a worthwhile spot on the river. Paddlers in England should be aware that a British Canoeing membership includes a waterways licence covering approximately 4,500 kilometres of waterways, along with public liability insurance, which is relevant for those planning trips on the Ribble.