Gliding across still waters, the sun catching each gentle ripple, there’s nothing quite like paddleboarding for that perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity. Just you, your board, and a paddle—exploring the water at your own pace, carving through the water with each stroke. There’s never been a better time to pack up, head out, and discover somewhere new with your Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP).
From lakes to rolling ocean swells, paddleboarding lets you take your adventure anywhere. Freshwater, saltwater, city rivers, wild coastlines—wherever there’s water, there’s a new spot waiting to be explored. But with so many incredible locations, choosing your next paddleboarding destination can be a challenge.
So, to help you plan your next trip, we’ve rounded up some of the best off-the-beaten-track spots to take your SUP—whether you’re after a laid-back paddle or something a little wilder.
Looking east across Tongue Bay in the far reaches of the Scottish Highlands, you’ll find the near-undiscovered hamlet of Talmine. Offshore, the Rabbit Islands offer a paddleboarding paradise—three tiny, untouched islands, each with soft white sands and postcard-worthy picnic spots. The waters here are steeped in history, too; legend has it that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s gold-laden ship, The Hazard, was lost nearby in 1745. But the real treasure? The five hundred miles of Highland coastline waiting to be explored, from vast lochs to secluded coves.
At 7.5 miles long and 70 metres deep, Ullswater is the ultimate SUP playground. Carved by ancient glaciers and framed by Cumbria’s towering peaks, this lake offers everything from calm paddles to thrilling downwinders, thanks to the southwesterly winds that channel down its length. With breathtaking views of Helvellyn and fells rolling into the water, it’s a must-visit for any paddleboarder looking for adventure in the Lake District.
Cornwall is packed with incredible paddleboarding spots, but Mount’s Bay stands out. Just off Marazion Beach, this glassy expanse of water is a dream to paddle—an endless stretch of blue, with St Michael’s Mount rising like a fairytale castle in the distance. Beneath your board, the sea comes alive with wildlife: jellyfish, starfish, and the occasional seal popping up to say hello. And if you venture further out? You might just spot dolphins or even a basking shark in the late summer months.
Wales is home to some of the UK’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, and the Mawddach Estuary is right up there. Flanked by forested hills, wetlands, and the looming peaks of southern Snowdonia, this paddleboarding route is pure magic—especially as it doubles as a pub-to-pub adventure. Launch from the George III in Penmaenpool at high tide, drift along the dark waters of the estuary, and finish up at The Last Inn in Barmouth, where the river meets the sea. SUP, scenery, and a well-earned drink at the end? Ideal.
Scotland’s wild landscapes are legendary, and the Isle of Skye is as epic as they come. Towering cliffs, deep glens, and mist-covered moors set the scene—but for paddleboarders, it’s Loch Harport that steals the show. Surrounded by the jagged Cuillin mountains, this glassy loch is a true wilderness escape. And once you’ve explored its dark waters, warm up with a dram at the Talisker Distillery, right on the shoreline.
The Pembrokeshire coastline is a paddleboarding dream: limestone cliffs, hidden sea caves, and secluded sandy beaches waiting to be explored. The best bit? The stretch between Stackpole Quay and Barafundle Beach. The sheltered waters here make for a smooth, scenic paddle beneath towering cliffs. And if you venture further out? Keep an eye out for porpoises, dolphins, and basking sharks sharing the waves.
Tucked away on the Norfolk coast, Burnham Overy Staithe is one of those places you almost don’t want to share. A hidden maze of creeks and saltmarshes, this spot is best explored at sunset, when the water reflects the deep reds and golds of the sky. Park up, inflate your board, and drift through the winding waterways, picking fresh samphire as you go. Time the tides right, and you can even lie back on your board and let the current carry you home beneath a sky full of stars.
Connected to the open sea by The Narrows, a 700-metre strait, Strangford Lough is the UK’s largest inlet, fringed by more than seventy small islands. It’s a dream location for paddleboarders looking for something different—navigating through the maze of islets, weaving between ice-age boulders, or even taking on the six-mile downwinder between Greyabbey and Ards. Adventure, history, and some of the best scenery in Northern Ireland? Add it to your SUP bucket list.
Wherever your next SUP adventure takes you, pack up, head out, and embrace the journey. Whether you’re gliding across a quiet loch, carving through rolling swells, or paddling past ancient castles, the UK is packed with incredible places to explore by board.
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