Coastal Adventures: Top 5 Places To Paddle On The Sea

Coastal Adventures: Top 5 Places To Paddle On The Sea

The brilliant thing about living on our little island nation is that we have an abundance of paddling both inland and at sea. From quaint fishing villages to prehistoric cliffs, our coasts have a lot to offer. So where do you start? People have paddled around the whole of Britain, meaning the coastlines are fairly well documented. So we have had a look and managed to pick out our top 5 coastal adventures.

Whitby

whitby harbour

On the Yorkshire coast, Whitby is an old fishing town that is synonymous with picturesque coastline and vampires. High up on the east cliff are the ruins of Whitby Abbey, a 7th century monastery that is a well known landmark on the coast. Running through the centre of the town is the River Esk, a tidal river that offered shelter to fishing boats. 

Accessing the sea for paddling is easy here. Either paddle down the River Esk into the harbour and out round the harbour walls into the North Sea. Or make use of the 2 miles worth of beach to launch from the sandy shores. Once at sea you will be able to take in the fishing town from a whole new perspective. From water level you will be able to look up the steep sided valley and see the brick and stone buildings. Just outside the town, dolphins and seals are often spotted playing in the waves. 

Cuckmere Haven

Cuckmere Haven

Cuckmere Haven is situated in the Seven Sisters Country Park, where the Cuckmere River meets the English Channel. Steeped in smuggling history from the 16th century onwards, the floodplains are home to a meandering river, oxbow lakes, and long stretches of sandy beaches. Along the beach are the famous Seven Sisters cliffs, impressively high white chalk cliff faces. An impressive view as they span for miles. 

With only two hamlets within the country park, you are set for a very rural paddle. Only seeing rolling hills and sandy beaches. If you set out paddling during low tide, you may come across the wreck of a German sailing ship from 1890 emerging from the sea. You can find a paddling route that takes you along the River Cuckmere, out into the sea and along the Seven Sisters. Just be mindful of the tides for paddling back to the car park! There is also a Paddle UK delivery partner based on the river, Buzz Active, where you can hire kit and go on guided tours.

Mersea Island

Mersea Island

Found in the East of England is the island of Mersea. Accessible by road, the island is mostly green fields, boarded by sandy beaches. Mersea has been inhabited since pre-Roman times, providing lots of historical landmarks and artefacts. Along the shores you may be able to spot remnants of fishing traps dating back to the 7th century! The history continues flowing through the island, with evidence of Tudor forts, canons, smuggling operations, and WW1 importance. 

Being an island covering only 7 square miles, a paddling route circling the whole island is very doable… at the right tide. You would need to be reaching the north of the island at high tide to cross the road and continue on. The sands of Monkey Beach and West Mersea Beach make for an ideal launch and landing point for this east coast adventure.

Jurassic coast

Jurassic coast

This stretch of coastline runs for 96 miles between Exmouth and Studland Bay. In 2001 it was listed as a World Heritage Site! This stretch of coastline spans 185 million years of geological history. You will be able to see the fossilised remains of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods where the land was desert, tropical sea, and marshlands. All this is only visible due to coastal erosion across thousands of years. 

The huge length of the coastline means there are many points to launch. Lots of different routes you can explore. And you can make the paddle last as long as you would like. Plenty of towns situated along the coast makes it very accessible too, offering designated parking, beaches to launch from, and fish and chips for after your paddle! This whole stretch of coastline is perfect for a family adventure.

Morecambe bay

Morecambe bay

This bay in the North West of England is home to an abundance of bird and marine life. Thus making it a very special place to be. In fact, the bay has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Home to rare and special wildlife, with unique habitats, it is an area that needs to be experienced.

With five different rivers all flowing into the bay, the coastline is varied in shape. It is also one of the UK’s biggest intertidal mudflat and sands, giving you an idea on the size of this area. This means there are many spots that are popular with kayakers, paddleboarders, and paddlers of all kinds. Nearly every town along the coastline offers access to the sea water and the base for an adventure. And if the weather isn’t right to head out on the sea, there is England’s only coastal canal route just off the beach. 

 

So, are you now temped to venture to the coast? Just remember to stay safe while out on the water. Offshore winds are worth being aware of while at the coast as the cliffs provide lots of shelter. Making sure you have your buoyancy aid on, mobile phone in your pocket, and you’ve told someone your plans are also important.