No matter your interests, whether you want to have some fun with friends on a local river, enjoy a great full-body workout with low impact or go explore the UK’s beautiful rivers, lakes and coastlines, stand-up paddleboarding is the ideal sport for you. People of all ages or fitness levels can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing).
You can get started with stand-up paddleboarding in the UK if you’re a beginner or show off your skills if you’re an expert. For your next water-bound adventure, here is a compiled list of the best stand-up paddleboarding destinations including rivers, lakes, and coastal routes.
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Wast Water, Cumbria
Despite being one of the most mesmerising National Parks in Britain, the Lake District can be crowded with thousands of visitors that finding a wilderness getaway seems like a rare opportunity. However, if adventurers swap Windermere’s rolling hills for some of Britain’s giant peaks, they will find a lake all to themselves, surrounded by a tumbling hillside. Paddleboarders have the freedom to explore Wast Water at their own pace once they’re in its depths. Explorers are welcome end-to-end on the lake, but they disembark at the north beach to walk to St Olaf which is one of England’s smallest churches, before returning to the starting point.
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Kingston upon Thames, London
The Thames River extends 345 kilometres from Gloucestershire to Essex, making it Britain’s most iconic river. Despite the wide range of options, the stretch between Kingston and Richmond is particularly picturesque, thanks to its cultural landmarks and nature encounters on the outskirts of London. For city-goers seeking a day out on the water, this is a convenient getaway. Enjoy the greenery and wildlife en route – keep an eye out for grey herons, swans, and kingfishers. Before returning to Kingston, refuel at one of the many restaurants dotted along the river in Richmond.
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Penzance, Cornwall
Experience a sea safari along Cornwall’s south coast. St Michael’s Mount will be visible on the horizon as you paddle out of the swath of sand at Marazion Beach. Continue your journey across the glass-clear waters of Mount’s Bay, keeping your eyes peeled for marine life along the way. Aside from jellyfish and starfish, seals can occasionally be seen bobbing in the waves, while dolphins and basking sharks have been spotted more afield between summer and autumn. If approaching St Michael’s Mount at low tide, be sure to approach from the south, avoiding any possible collision with the walkway on the mainland. Then, circle back to shore.
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Loch Harport, Isle of Skye
Loch Harport, located on the Isle of Skye between the Cuillin Mountains, is a must-see for SUP enthusiasts and one of Scotland’s ultimate wilderness escapes. The loch is easily accessible from Carbost pontoon, but there is no set path to explore it. The water flows naturally toward the shore. It doesn’t matter if you can’t find your way when you’re surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
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Black Rock Sands, Gwynedd
Start from Black Rock Sands and head east, with the Snowdonian mountains in the distance. Take time to observe the pastel-hued town of Borth-y-Gest, before bearing right at the estuary headland to discover the real hidden gem. Known as Wales’ ‘Little Italy,’ Portmeirion resembles coastal towns on the Amalfi Coast in its technicolour, hillside buildings. Paddleboarders can pull over near this picturesque attraction and explore it up close, or admire its beauty from a distance with a pit stop on Ynys Gifftan island further downstream, before returning to Black Rock Sands.
Fresh air in your lungs and cool wind against your face; whether you’re kayaking down a river or hiking up a mountain, immersing yourself in the beautiful wild places of the UK is the adventurous escape you need.