The UK is full of amazing places to paddle, each offering their own unique beauty. If you set off to paddle all the beauty spots you’ll be paddling for a long time. So to cut that time down, and help you plan your ultimate bucket list paddles, here are our top 5.
Llangollen Canal
In the north of Wales, the Llangollen canal winds its way through the hills for 41 miles. Making its way through quaint towns, picturesque countryside, and through two tunnels. It has even landed itself a place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. However, the reason this stretch of water should be on your bucket list is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The highest navigable aqueduct in Britain sits 38 metres above the River Dee, connecting either banks. This 307 metre paddle provides Instagram worthy photo opportunities and views you’ll never forget. There is no safety barrier at the edge of the water, so make sure you exercise caution.
Regents Canal
Close to the centre of London is Regents Canal, a historic canal first used in 1816. Setting off from Little Venice, you’ll pass a colourful collection of narrowboats that will brighten your day. The main event of this paddle is where the canal navigates round London Zoo. Here you’ll be able to spot the aviary, brimming with tropical birds cheering you on. You can also see the monkeys hanging out in their spacious village. If you continue paddling on you’ll reach the famous Camden town and its market. Crafty stalls and quirky shops give the canal a different feel to the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Jurassic coast
On the south coast of England, in Dorset, lies the Jurassic Coast. A World Heritage site, it is famous for its cliffs that display over 185 million years of history in the layers of rock. The coastline and beaches are rife with fossils, and it’s met by some of the clearest blue waters around the UK. One feature that stands out among the rest is Durdle Door, a natural limestone archway that has the sea flowing through it. At the right tide level, and right weather conditions, you can paddle straight through the archway, taking in the history from a new perspective. Durdle Door is also the most photographed landmark along the Jurassic Coast, making it so iconic.
Derwent water
In the North West of England is the Lake District, a national park renowned for its lakes. These ribbon lakes sit at the feet of numerous mountains and crags. The scenery has been the inspiration for many works of literacy, from adventure novels to children’s rabbit stories. Derwentwater may not be the biggest of the lakes, but it is surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery. It’s steep banks shoot up into the air and evolve into some amazing rocky outcrops. There are a couple of small islands on the lake that provide the perfect pitstop on a paddle, allowing you to take in the view with your lunch. If you are an early bird, the sunrise on this lake is not to be missed.
Loch Awe
Scotland is filled with rivers and lochs that are surrounded by woodland and rolling hills. But in the west is Loch Awe, a 41km loch that combines the iconic woodland and a rich history. On the banks you’ll find the ruins of ancient castles, with the stones of Kilchurn Castle creeping out into the waters on an islet. This blend of woodland and history has drawn people to the area for decades, with it being a hotspot for tourists back to the Victorian era. This perfect section of Scotland is an ideal location for paddlers wanting that perfect Instagram photo.
An International Mention – Norway’s Fjords
A special international mention for the fjords of Norway, where the Greenland Sea meets the land. Ancient glaciers calved out these valleys which have some of the world’s most stunning scenery. At certain times of the year you can see pods of whales coming into the fjords to spawn in the warmer waters. You are able to paddle in the fjords, but you should be clued up on the safety advice, especially around whale season. Nevertheless, a whale spotting paddle in the Norwegian fjords is a bucket list paddle for sure.
