Kayaking is a fantastic way to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the world. Whether you’re on a lake, in an ocean, or even down a river, kayaking can be both relaxing and exhilarating at the same time!
As adventure seekers ourselves we know how hard it can be to choose which destination is worth your while. There are so many amazing places out there that sometimes deciding where to go next can feel like an impossible task! So we’ve put together this list of our top 5 kayak destinations in the UK; hopefully, this will make things just slightly easier for you!
The 5 best kayaking destinations in the UK
1. River Wye, Wales
The River Wye is a beautiful and popular kayaking destination. It’s the fifth-longest river in Great Britain, spanning up to 215 kilometers long! You can start your adventure at Glasbury near Gloucester with an excellent view of Cotswold Hills as you head towards Symonds Yat on the valley floor where there are plenty more bends for fun turns along this path that will take 5 days minimum if not shorter depending on how fast or slow-paced you are.
The Wye valley is a scenic destination that provides the perfect balance of nature and history. It’s no wonder people have been coming here since the 18th century!
As you kayak down the river, be sure to take in all your surroundings: from black mountains soaring overhead to lush green trees lining either side – it won’t disappoint. If longer than one day suits your plans well then there are campsites along the way where campers can pitch tents or spend some time at Harp House which offers breathtaking views while overlooking this stunning spot on England’s Kent Downs
2. The Lake District, Cumbria
Kayaking in the Lake District is a great experience for all. Whether you’re an expert or just starting out, it’s easy to learn how and what equipment works best with different waters! With so many lakes scattered around this beautiful region of England, there will always be one that fits your needs perfectly-which means kayakers can find their perfect match according to the level of experience.
The Derwentwater is a must-see for nature lovers and wildlife spotters alike. There are many lakes in this area, but it’s one of the best because not only can you explore its depths to 72 feet deep; there’s also plenty of opportunities here to see local critters! And when we say “local,” that means just about anything from trout lazing on rocks or swans gliding across open water—you never know what might show up next. If all else fails, watch out for small islands in these waters, as they are so big you can’t miss them.
3. Great Glen Canoe Trail, Scotland
The journey through the heart of Scotland will take you all across one of its most beautiful landscapes – from Fort William to Inverness via an exhilarating 96km waterway. Alongside, stunning canal scenery awaits with plenty for wildlife photographers in your group!
A trip down this part-natural manmade stretch offers something new each day as well: it may be little more than concrete channels that define what’s possible here but every bend reveals yet another hidden gem; there are no two days alike on TheCanalPath project so pack accordingly because once underway nothing is too much trouble when exploring nature at her essence.
4. North Devon, England
You can kayak on Lee Bay beach, Watermouth cove, or Combe Martin. The crystal clear waters in these locations make it the perfect location for an adventure-filled paddle! You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of nature’s beauty as well as marine life drawn to its shores from all over – including seabirds and rock pools bustling with fascinating creatures that live within them.
North Devon is a picturesque county in England, home to some of the most beautiful beaches and waterways. There are so many places for avid kayakers to explore here! One such place would be Watermouth Cove- it’s secluded yet still has amazing scenery around you as well if taking your time after paddling out isn’t what suits your fancy this day/. You can also make stops at Combe Martin on route back from these adventures before finally ending up at one of those quaint cottages along its shores where people go spend their weekends enjoying the peace.
5. Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland
Kielder is a hidden gem of Northern England with no kayaking allowed on the main water the river is fiin, with its largest forest and a man-made lake. This pristine region offers everything from gentle kayaking on calm waters to thrilling white water adventures that will test even experienced paddlers!
Kielder’s forests are home not only were home in the past to bears but also to many types of wildlife such as deer or otters too; making this an ideal destination for nature lovers who want close-up views without having any interaction ability.
Conclusion
Kayaking is a great way to see Britain’s beautiful landscapes and waterways, but if you’re looking for something new then I’ve highlighted 5 kayaking destinations worth exploring! However, there are other places in the UK where visitors have rated them as number one. So put these on your list too when planning out your next adventure by waterway.
Although I have outlined five stunning locations that offer opportunities for adventurous activities such as canoeing or kayak fishing, many people also enjoy simply paddling around their local rivers.
About the author:
Name: Ally Mash
Bio: As an avid outdoorsman, Ally has spent much of his free time backpacking through South America and other parts of the world. He loves sharing what he’s seen with others by blogging about it on a regular basis! His goal is to get more people in the mindset of protecting our planet; which we all need if we want this beautiful earth around us long enough for future generations to enjoy its beauty too.