The River Tame flows through the West Midlands, originating in the Pennines near Stalybridge before winding through both urban and rural landscapes. The Warwickshire section of the river extends approximately 63 kilometres, while the Greater Manchester section covers around 36 kilometres. No paddling licence is required to use the river.

The character of the river varies considerably along its length. Sections closer to the source tend to be faster-moving, while the lower stretches — particularly through the Tame Valley — offer calmer, more leisurely conditions. Banks along the quieter rural sections are characterised by woodland and open fields. Conservation work has improved water quality along the river in recent years.

The lower reaches of the river form part of the Trent Valley Paddle Trail, a 17-mile (27 km) route developed in partnership with Paddle UK and the Transforming the Trent Valley Partnership. This trail begins at the village of Hopwas on the Coventry Canal, connects to the River Tame, and continues onto the River Trent, finishing near Burton upon Trent. The guide accompanying this trail provides information on wildlife, history, and points of interest along the route, and access improvements have been made at several points to assist paddlers joining or leaving the water.