The River Annan rises in the hills north of Moffat in south-west Scotland and flows approximately 35 miles southward through rolling countryside before emptying into the Solway Firth at the town of Annan. The river is generally regarded as a grade 2 paddle, with the upper sections offering predominantly green water and the lower sections presenting a number of grade 1 and 2 rapids that add interest without posing serious difficulty for competent paddlers.

The most significant hazard on the river is Brydekirk Weir, which demands careful inspection before any attempt. At higher water levels, the weir can carry a heavy torrent over its edge, and debris — including large tree trunks — can accumulate in the drop zone below, making portage the only sensible option under such conditions. Portaging on river right is the standard approach. Further downstream, near Annan town, there is a broken weir visible from the B721 that is generally passable at reasonable water levels. A broad weir also sits just above Annan town at a section known as Newbie. The weir in the middle of Annan itself makes accessing the tidal waters of the Solway Firth a more complicated proposition, and paddlers should plan accordingly if a tidal exit is intended.

A two-day open canoe trip covering the river with one night of wild camping has been completed in late September, suggesting the river holds adequate water into autumn. The first day's travel tends to be on calmer green water, while the second day brings more frequent grade 1 and 2 rapids through scenic riverside terrain. Riverside woodland provides opportunities for wild camping, and the surrounding countryside is considered attractive throughout the journey.

The town of Annan, near the river's mouth, offers practical amenities including supermarkets, restaurants, banks, and a railway station. The harbour on the east bank of the river sits approximately one nautical mile upriver from the river mouth, with a small slipway at its southern end. There is no buoyage on the tidal section of the river.