Tempted to go stand-up paddleboarding? Here are the UK’s top 10 locations for a gentle and beautiful paddle
Tranquil winding rivers, picturesque lakes, and stunning canals make the United Kingdom a perfect playground for stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts.
However, before you head out anywhere with your paddleboad, make sure your destination is safe, you have checked the weather, you are suitably dressed for paddling and you have a license if the location demands it.
British Canoeing share their top 10 places for stand-up paddleboarding across the length and breadth of the country.
.
Best stand-up paddleboarding locations in UK
River Wye
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Wye Valley, the River Wye winds its way from the Welsh Cambrian mountains to join the River Severn at Chepstow.
For much of its length, it forms a gentle boundary between England and Wales. Paddling along the River Wye takes you past Neolithic cave dwellings, Iron Age forts and Roman settlements, and the bustling market towns of Ross-on-Wye and Hay-on-Wye.
You can spot kingfishers, otters and deer in the Forest of Dean. The whole length of the river is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation, from Hereford onwards you enter The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A waterways licence is not required to paddle from below Hay-on-Wye.
It is important to note that the public right of navigation on the River Wye does not give a right of access to the riverbank and, other than at accepted public sites, you must access the water either at a designated public launch, or get permission from the landowner before launching and landing craft.
Find trails and launch points and a River Wye guide with routes
River Soar
Embark on a tranquil paddle along the picturesque Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border. Pass through the historic city of Leicester, or enjoy an idyllic paddle in the countryside, passing market towns whose heritage is deeply intertwined with the River Soar. Barrow-upon-Soar, Stanford, Normanton, Kingston, and Ratcliffe-on-Soar all carry the Soar in their identity.
Discover charming pub gardens that extend to the water’s edge, offering convenient pit stops for your adventure.
A waterways licence is required for the River Soar. This can be purchased from British Canoeing.
Want to stay on dry land? We named the banks of the River Soar one of Britain’s most beautiful river walks
Coniston Water
In the shadows of the Old Man of Coniston mountain sits the beautiful Coniston Water. You won’t be short of incredible fell views. From the Western shore lies Coniston village, which hosts a range of cafes, shops and pubs. At half a mile wide and close to five miles long, it’s the third largest lake in the Lake District.
Remember, lakes can be quite exposed. Make sure you’ve planned your route and be well prepared for a day on the water. If you’re new to paddling, it’s worth starting by sticking close to the shoreline, to keep you sheltered from the weather and ensuring you can get back to land easily if needed.
No waterways licence is required to paddle on Coniston Water.
Llangollen Canal
The Llangollen Canal is an impressive stretch of canal that has something for every paddler and should be on every paddler’s bucket list. At 46 miles long, you can enjoy a day trip or plan a multi-day trip.
What sets the Llangollen Canal apart is its stunning scenery and the engineering feats used to construct it. The scenery is very varied, from farmland and sheep pastures, to ancient peat mosses, tree-lined lakes around Ellesmere, and the foothills of Snowdonia at Llangollen. The journey also includes picturesque stops in charming towns, such as Ellesmere, Chirk and Whitehouse.
A waterways licence is required to paddle on the Llangollen Canal. This can be purchased from British Canoeing.
River Cam
Enjoy 43 miles of paddling adventures along the beautiful River Cam, where history and nature meet. As you navigate its gentle waters, your journey will take you to the very heart of the university city of Cambridge. Here, you’ll be welcomed by historic colleges, picturesque bridges and lush green landscapes.
The River Cam is an integral part of local culture and art. ‘The Reeve’s Tale’ from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and the famous section known as ‘Byron’s Pool’ both weave tales of the river’s significance. It’s said that Lord Byron himself occasionally took a dip in this very water, adding a touch of literary and historical mystique to your journey.
A waterways licence is required to paddle on the River Cam, which can be purchased from British Canoeing.
Lancaster Canal
Stretching 41 miles through the North West of England, this canal offers a paddling experience like no other. What makes this canal truly exceptional is its distinction as one of the few coastal canal routes in the UK.
It also has no locks along its entire course, making it ideal for stand-up paddlers. Linking the towns of Preston and Kendal, the Lancaster Canal gives you breathtaking landscapes of the Silverdale Coast and the Forest of Bowland.
A waterways licence is required to paddle on the Lancaster Canal. This can be purchased from British Canoeing.
Loch Awe
At 25 miles in length, Loch Awe is the longest freshwater loch in Scotland. Set in a rugged, remote west coast landscape, you’re guaranteed an awe-inspiring paddle.
The loch has several small islands; one in particular to look out for is Innis Chonnell, where the ruins of Ardchonnel Castle stand. The castle dates back to the 11th century and belonged to the chief of Clan Campbell.
The wind and weather can change quickly in this area. Make sure you’re aware of weather forecasts before setting off.
No waterways licence is required to paddle on Loch Awe.
River Avon (Warwickshire)
Often referred to as the Warwickshire Avon or even Shakespeare’s Avon, this 85-mile-long river is a true gem for recreational paddlers. Offering a wealth of paddling routes, it’s the perfect destination for a multi-day adventure with friends or family.
Originating in Northamptonshire, the river meanders through several counties, including Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. What sets this river apart is its gentle and leisurely pace for the majority of its length, making it an ideal choice for a touring route.
As you paddle along this historic waterway, you’ll have the opportunity to explore beautiful landscapes, uncover hidden treasures and soak in the scenic beauty that has inspired artists, poets (including Shakespeare) and writers for centuries.
A waterways licence is required to paddle on the River Avon (Warwickshire). This can be purchased from British Canoeing.
Find trails and launch points:
Grand Union Canal
Embark on an unforgettable paddle along the Grand Union Canal, the longest canal in the UK. This magnificent waterway meanders through the countryside and bustling cities, setting the stage for an epic multi-day adventure. As you glide along, you’ll pass through the enchanting towns of Solihull, Royal Leamington Spa, Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard, where you’ll discover several canal arms branching off from the main route, each offering mini-adventures.
A waterways licence is required to paddle on the Grand Union Canal. This can be purchased from British Canoeing.
Middle Level Navigation
The Middle Level Navigation connects the River Nene and River Great Ouse navigations creating a network of routes to explore in the beautiful Fens of Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. Experience memorable paddles to the historic Fen towns of Whittlesey, Ramsey and March, as well as the charming villages of Benwick, Ramsey Forty Foot, Upwell and Outwell.
A waterways licence is required to paddle on the Middle Level Navigation. This can be purchased from British Canoeing.
Need more adventure inspiration?
- Unmissable adventures on water: wild swimming, paddleboarding and more
- Discover the wild sport of downhill grass skiing
- Where to ski and snowboard in Scotland, England and the rest of the UK
- Best wild swimming spots in Britain
British Canoeing is the national governing body for paddlesports in the UK and is the umbrella organisation for the home nation associations in Scotland (Scottish Canoe Association), Wales (Canoe Wales) and Northern Ireland (Canoe Association Northern Ireland). They are the membership body for England and are responsible for developing the sport within England.
British Canoeing provides support and opportunities for everyone to enjoy and realise their potential within all aspects of canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding regardless of their age, background or ability.
Main image: Getty Images