Travelling by paddle board is a unique way to explore coastlines, beaches, and the open water.

To get the full paddle boarding experience, you want to select a location that has beautiful scenery. Here are seven stunning locations to choose from.

 

1. Ullswater, Lake District

The lake in Ullswater is watched over by the incredible Helvellyn Mountain, which stands at 635 metres tall and is breathtaking in the afternoon sun.

The best thing about Ullswater is that you don’t need to come prepared with a board. There’s plenty of services in the area that offer board rentals, beginner classes, and even tours around the lake – such as Ullswater Paddleboarding.

Paddling the length of the lake usually takes three hours, one way. You’ll start from Streamer Pier cark park in Glenridding Village and finish at Pooley Bridge at the north of the water.

Don’t be fooled by the gentle look of the lake, though. In 30mph wind, waves on the lake can stand at three to four metres tall. However, when travelling downwind, this will be slightly easier to ride.

 

2. Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire

This stretch of water is particularly beautiful due to its limestone cliffs, sandy bays, and wildlife.

Start at Stackpole Quay, where you can find your rhythm on your board – this is the most sheltered part of the journey. Follow the coastline along to Barafundle Bay, where you can tour around the cliffs and caves, hopefully joined by dolphins and friendly basking sharks.

If you don’t own a board, you can join the Outer Reef Surf School on guided tours and lessons. The company also offers a spectacular SUP camping tour over to Haven Estuary, the ultimate paddle boarding haven.

 

3. Burgh Island, Devon

Devon is known for its idyllic countryside and beaches. This tidal island is home to two Art Deco hotels famous for inspiring two Agatha Christie novels, so you know it’ll be a beautiful area.

You could paddle around the whole island within an hour or two, circulating the beautiful rocks in either direction. There are plenty of small caves and various nooks and crannies to explore for the adventurous paddle boarder.

If there’s a low tide, you can also explore the stunning coastline around Bigbury Bay beach, which offers a gentler experience for paddle boarding beginners.

There are plenty of places to hire board and plenty of pubs and eateries in the area to treat yourself. These include The Pilchard Inn, a pub which has been around since the 14th century, and the Journey’s End Inn.

 

4. The River Tay, Perthshire, Scotland

Along this journey, there’s an opportunity to spot salmon and otters while meandering past mountains and taking in the crisp Scottish air.

Cruising along Scotland’s lonest river, there are several sections of the Tay that are a paddle boarder’s dream. A selection of rapids and fast waters will keep you on your toes between Stanley and Thistlebrig; then, there’s the much-welcomed calmness beginning at Tay Forest Park and Ballinluig Village.

This village is close to the historic town of Dunkeld, where you can hire kit and gain further knowledge on the area with Paddle Surf Scotland.

 

5. River Cam, Cambridge

Rich in history and architecture, Cambridge is a wonderful city to visit on foot. But what better and unique way to view the city than by paddling the River Cam – the river that runs through the middle of the city.

By swapping the usual punt for a paddleboard, you’ll get to glide along the backs of the iconic university colleges. Bringing your own board, you can set off at Jesus Lock on Jesus Green, heading west, passing Magdalene, St John’s, Trinity, King’s Queen’s, and St Catherine’s College. You’ll then float under the stunning Mathematical Bridge.

As you can imagine, this is a long paddle for beginners. If you’re a more intermediate paddler, you can continue down to Grantchester’s Orchard by the riverside. Here, you can hop off and stay in the gardens for tea and scones before paddling back up the river.

 

6. Porthcurno Beach, South Cornwall

In this location, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were abroad on a tropical holiday. With a white sandy beach and clear turquoise water, Porthcurno is one of Cornwall’s most magnificent beaches.

Launch your board from the beach at low tide and head left towards Logan Rock. Here, you’ll find a dramatic section of coast with jagged rock formations, and secret coves and sandy islands that can only be reached by paddle or boat.

These secluded coves make stunning spots in which to pitch up for the day and enjoy a little solitude. It’ll just be you and maybe a few other seasoned paddleboarders.

 

7. West Cliff beach, Whitby

West Cliff beach in Whitby is an ideal place to learn or progress your skills in SUP. It's a large, shallow gradient sandy beach that’s ideal for both beginner and intermediate paddle boarders, with plenty of space for everyone to relax and practise.

It also benefits from RNLI lifeguards throughout the summer season for when the waves are a little stronger and the beach a little more congested. There’s also the luxury of the Beach Management Centre with chalet rentals, showers, toilets, and a café – perfect for those thinking of taking a day out with family.

 

Specialist paddle board insurance from Insure4Boats

Now you know exactly where to take your paddle board, you need to get insured in case anything happens to you or your board.

Our paddle board insurance covers your paddle board against theft, damage, and loss.

You’ll get £3 million of Public Liability cover as standard, so you’ll be protected if you damage third-party property or injure someone else while paddle boarding. You can add optional extras such as European cover if you take your paddle board abroad and Personal Accident cover to protect yourself if you’re injured in a paddle boarding accident.

Find out more about our paddle board insurance, or take advantage of our 30% discount here. 

 

Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.