Kayaking is not only great fun, but it’s also the perfect way to keep fit and spend quality time with your friends and family, whether you’re a beginner or an expert there’s a place for you.
With the events of 2020 are making many of us stay in the UK for our holidays or mini-breaks. The need to find something fun to do no matter the weather has increased tenfold, kayaking is now in the top ten activities that we are investigating.
So where are the best kayaking places to discover in the UK right now? Let’s have a look at what off the beaten track locations are available for your next adventure right now.
Top tip: If you haven’t bought a Kayak yet, check out this guide to best inflatable kayaks.
Derwent Water – Cumbria
Derwent Water or the Queen of the Lakes appears in the top ten Google searches. The area offers 10 miles of lakes and shoreline. Nestled in the Borrowdale Valley, Derwent Water provides perfect conditions for an exhilarating kayaking experience.
There are plenty of opportunities for enthusiastic beginners and experienced kayakers to show off their skills. The facilities are excellent, and if you have forgotten something and need to hire anything, there are outdoor providers around the lake at the foreshore, Nichol End, Lodore and Portinscale. They have everything you need for a great day out.
Stackpole – Pembrokeshire
Kayaking along Stackpole’s beautiful coastline on a sunny day enjoying the stunning sandy beaches and gorgeous scenery is one for the bucket list.
There’s no doubt kayaking is the best way to enjoy the magnificent coastline with some of the most dramatic headlands in Pembrokeshire. Beginners and experienced kayakers are welcome, and the facilities available are second to none.
Salcombe – Devon
Salcombe estuary offers an opportunity for discovery, within the estuary itself are hidden coves and even shipwrecks all waiting to be discovered.
When you arrive it’s best to use East Soar Car park, you can paddle around East Soar, from Salcombe to Hope Cove. A favourite with the locals as the secluded sandy beaches of Soar Mill Cove and North Sands is not easily accessible and therefore left to the kayakers and wildlife to enjoy.
Studland Bay – Dorset
The sheltered waters of Studland Bay offer excellent kayaking conditions for beginners to the sport. There are four miles of shoreline to follow; each mile provides glorious views of the countryside.
Locals say Studland bay has a microclimate, the inland waters are warmer, and the sea is calm. The microclimate might be accurate, but one thing is for sure, Studland is famous for its sea mist, so check out the weather forecast before setting off just to be sure.
Fell Foot – Lake Windermere
Fell Foot is a fantastic place to bring your kayak and explore Lake Windermere at the southernmost end. Full of quiet spots to rest and enjoy the beauty of the scenery or study the abundance of wildlife.
Spend a relaxing hour or two exploring the lake and the River Leven that branches off, the combination of lake and river means an exhilarating ride. The best time to enjoy this part of the world is in April through to the end of October.
Lizard Point – Cornwall
Lizard Point is a nature reserve and a great place to begin your adventure, nearby Kynance Cove is a tidal beach. At the same time, Poldhu Cove is sheltered from the tides – the coastline is of archaeological importance, and the range of skill required goes from beginner to expert.
Local water sports enthusiasts gather at Mullion Cove, a picturesque harbour that offers shelter from powerful westerly storms.
A bonus in Mullion Cove is the cream teas – just don’t ask what goes on the scone first, the cream or the jam, the answer is always jam first then cream.
River Wey and Godalming – Surrey
Kayaking beginners love the tranquil waterways of the River Wey and Godalming. Situated just outside London with a starting point at Dapdune Wharf, you can get away from it all while remaining a short hop away from the big smoke.
Right now has never been a better time to either take up kayaking or re-kindle the passion that this much-loved sport offers. You will get the bug we can promise that, so be prepared to fall in love with nature. Get yourself kitted out, don’t waste time and money hiring your kit as kayaking is not a fad but a healthy lifestyle choice.
With that in mind, we know you’re gonna love kayaking, we have done all the donkey work for you, so get stuck in, get your gear, and we’ll see you on the water soon.
