Latest news with #Canal&RiverTrust
Powys County Times
17 hours ago
- General
- Powys County Times
£50,000 Montgomery Canal project to conserve rare plants
A rare plant conservation project is underway at the Montgomery Canal near Welshpool. The project will focus on controlling invasive species, protecting canal banks, dredging, planting and improving hedgerows, and installing 'leaky dams' to manage water flow and reduce erosion. Invasive plants such as water soldier will be removed using a volunteer-operated weed-cutting boat to protect native species and prevent further spread. The £50,000 scheme is being delivered by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales. David Morgan, development manager for Glandŵr Cymru, said: "The Montgomery Canal is nationally important for floating water-plantain and grass-wrack pondweed, species that are vulnerable to pollution and competition from invasive species. "The work that we will be able to carry out as a result of this funding will improve the health of the canal and allow these rare plants to flourish. "Up to five miles of natural habitat each side of Welshpool are being restored. "The brilliant volunteers who are taking on this work will be trained in invasive species control and hedgerow planting, and will help support the long-term sustainability of this area after the work is completed." An underwater barrier will be installed at Abbey winding hole to protect the bank, and the area will be dredged to maintain navigability for the Heulwen Trust's trip boat, which serves vulnerable and less able adults and children. Five leaky dams are being installed at Belan, south of Welshpool, and volunteers will work alongside contractors to plant and lay hedgerows. It will be supported by the Welsh Government's Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme. John Dodwell, chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership, said: "I am very pleased that this further grant has been awarded to help improve the biodiversity of the canal. "Maintaining the 13 miles either side of Welshpool which have already been restored is an important task.
South Wales Argus
12-07-2025
- South Wales Argus
Fancy living on a narrowboat? Here's your chance
Well, a Newport-based auction firm may have just the thing. More used to selling property firmly set on dry land a Paul Fosh Auctions is entering uncharted territory with its first sale of a waterborne lot - a narrowboat. Moored at a tranquil rural location just across the River Severn in Gloucestershire on a private mooring on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, the 72-foot traditional working narrowboat offers the chance for a complete lifestyle reboot. Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: 'This gorgeous narrowboat, rurally moored near the historic village of Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, is surely one of the most unusual and exciting properties I've had for sale over the many years I've been handling lots at auction. 'The traditional narrowboat, appears to have everything you'd need for a life afloat, offers new owners a cosy peaceful home on a tranquil canal setting. "And there's also the enticing opportunity to spread your wings, as it were, and set forth on a journey or adventure and explore the UK's myriad inland waterways.' Riverwitch, at Tanhouse Farm Mooring, Frampton on Severn, is listed with a guide price of £67,000. Angie said: 'This narrowboat, which was refurbished by the current owners, is moored in an idyllic, peaceful and private mooring on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal - part of which is a 16-mile stretch of canal from the mooring with no locks to contend with for those beginning their narrowboat adventure. 'The Canal & River Trust (CRT) licences cover you to travel on most inland waterways but for certain rivers additional licences might be required." The canal has manned bridges and no locks and you don't pay for this when you use them. The boat benefits from a good deal of privacy as it is moored on the opposite side of the usual towpath and with access via a short stroll from the car parking area, woodland and footbridge. Angie said: 'The current accommodation includes an open plan lounge/dining/study with wood burner, kitchen with appliances including washing machine, fridge/freezer, dryer and cooker; two cabins (bedrooms) with storage/dressing area, and shower room. 'The embankment/garden area is secluded by woodland behind. The gas boiler provides hot water and central heating. There is also an electric hook up. "The permanent mooring is for 12 months per annum and mooring costs are £350 plus £20 electricity pcm." Riverwitch has gas which is LPG. The Canal and River Trust licence is £430 per quarter which pays for water, rubbish collection, sewage emptying and use of the locks. 'Riverwitch is being sold with all the necessary batteries, inverter, Eberspatcher heater, and a well-maintained Lister engine. The boat had a full out of water survey in February and also has an up-to-date boat safe certificate. 'There are marine finance and mortgages are available to buy boats.' Frampton on Severn is a picturesque village about 10 miles (16 km) south of Gloucester on the east bank of the River Severn, and on the west bank of the River Frome. The village is linked by footpath to the Sharpness Canal. Angie said: 'Viewings of the narrowboat are strictly by appointment only. Please contact the office to book a viewing and for the correct postcode - 01633 254044.' The narrowboat is one of some 74 varied lots for sale online at Paul Fosh Auctions which starts from 12 noon on Tuesday, July 29 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, July 31.
Wales Online
11-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Rare chance to buy narrowboat plus mooring at auction for total change of lifestyle
Rare chance to buy narrowboat plus mooring at auction for total change of lifestyle Riverwitch could be the new chapter you've been looking for and maybe costs less than you think Maybe a life on the water awaits you? (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) More accustomed to selling properties firmly anchored on terra firma, a south Wales auction house is venturing into unexplored waters with its maiden sale of a floating residence - a narrowboat. Berthed at a peaceful countryside location on a private mooring along the Gloucester and Sharpness canal, the 72-foot traditional working narrowboat presents an opportunity for a complete change of lifestyle. Imagine waking up on the water, to the sound of birdsong, enjoying a morning coffee on the canalside before setting off along the water at a slow and relaxing pace, or staying put at your mooring and just soaking up the idyllic location. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: 'I could never live on land again, my boat was the best place I could have been in my life to recover from illness' YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Buyer sought for Grade II listed farmhouse and barns so remote even Google can't find them Not your usual road lined with houses and blocks of flats (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) Article continues below Angie Davey, from Paul Fosh Auctions, said: "This gorgeous narrowboat, rurally moored near the historic village of Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, is surely one of the most unusual and exciting properties I've had for sale over the many years I've been handling lots at auction. "The traditional narrowboat, appears to have everything you'd need for a life afloat, offers new owners a cosy peaceful home on a tranquil canal setting. And there's also the enticing opportunity to spread your wings, as it were., and set forth on a journey or adventure and explore the UK's myriad of inland waterways." Riverwitch, situated at Tanhouse Farm Mooring, Frampton on Severn, has a guide price of £67,000, but it's difficult to know how much it will eventually sell for, as this lot is a pretty rare occurrence. This is the view from the back of the narrowboat when you decide to take it for a trip down the canal (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) Angie explained why the auction lot was so special and the reasons why it was hard to price. She said: "This 72-foot-long traditional working-class narrowboat, which was refurbished by the current owners, is moored in an idyllic, peaceful and private mooring on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. The location is part of what is a 16 mile stretch of canal from the mooring with no locks to contend with for those beginning their narrowboat adventure. The narrowboat also has an embankment and garden area secluded by woodland behind. Angie continued: "The Canal & River Trust (CRT) licences cover you to travel on most inland waterways but for certain rivers additional licences might be required. "The Sharpness and Gloucester Canal has manned bridges and no locks and you don't pay for this when you use them. The two cabin narrowboat benefits from a good deal of privacy being located on the opposite side of the usual towpath and with access via a short stroll from the car parking area, woodland and footbridge. The platform where you steer the narrowboat and hopefully don't ever need the lifebuoy (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) So, wander below deck and you will find an open-plan lounge, diner, study with wood burner, a kitchen with appliances that include a washing machine, fridge/freezer, dryer and cooker. There are also two separate cabins used as bedrooms plus a storage and dressing area, and shower room. Angie said: "The gas boiler provides hot water and central heating. There is also an electric hook up. The permanent mooring is for 12 months per annum and mooring costs are £350 plus £20 electricity per calendar month. "Riverwitch has gas which is LPG, using a 13L bottle which costs approx. £42-£48 (depending on fluctuations in the market) and lasts between 8-12 weeks. The Canal and River Trust licence is £430.00 per quarter which pays for water, rubbish collection, sewage emptying and use of the locks." The kitchen area - and it comes with more equipment than you might think (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) She added: "Riverwitch is being sold with all the necessary batteries, inverter, Eberspatcher heater, and a well-maintained Lister engine. The boat had a full out of water survey in February and also has an up-to-date boat safe certificate." Angie added that buying a boat wasn't so different to buying a building. She said: "There is marine finance and mortgages are available to buy boats." For more property , renovation and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here Frampton on Severn is a picturesque village and civil parish in Gloucestershire, England. The village is approximately 10 miles (16 km) south of Gloucester and lies on the east bank of the River Severn, and on the west bank of the River Frome. The village is linked by footpath to the Sharpness Canal." The lounge area - and there are two cabin bedrooms and a shower room too (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions ) There is a large village green, 22 acres in size and reputedly the longest in England. Much of the village forms part of the Frampton Court Estate, owned by the Clifford family. There is a designated Conservation Area around the green, including Tudor and Georgian houses, and the village also has a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Frampton Pools. Angie added: "The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal runs to the west side of the village and the green has three ponds. There are two pubs on The Green: The Bell Inn and The Three Horseshoes and a gorgeous cricket pitch." The narrowboat is going under the hammer online with vacant possession with Paul Fosh Auctions, which starts from 12 noon on Tuesday, July 29, and ends from 5pm on Thursday, July 31, call 01633 254044 to find out more. Viewings of the narrowboat are strictly by appointment only. Please contact the office to book a viewing and for the correct postcode. Article continues below Find your own property probably on land here:
Wales Online
28-06-2025
- Wales Online
Britain's prettiest canal walk has waterside pubs, a boat café and something strange living in the water
Britain's prettiest canal walk has waterside pubs, a boat café and something strange living in the water Winding its leafy way through the Welsh countryside, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is often dubbed one of Britain's prettiest waterways, and for good reason. The pretty canal is also one of my favourite places to paddleboard (Image: Portia Jones ) I wasn't expecting a walker in Cwmbran to give me terrapin-spotting tips, but this is Cymru, and things are different here. 'He's usually sunbathing just near the bridge,' the friendly woman said, pointing casually like this was a normal wildlife encounter in Wales. A terrapin. In a Welsh canal. Wild. I've since spotted a few terrapins on my favourite stretch of the Welsh canal, which is ideal for a scenic stroll or a stand-up Paddleboard trip. Winding its leafy way through the Welsh countryside, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is often dubbed one of Britain's prettiest waterways, and for good reason. It extends 35 miles from Brecon down to the Five Locks Basin in Cwmbran, with a further seven miles of unnavigable canal to Newport on the main line and seven miles to Cwmcarn on the Crumlin Arm. Up north, the canal is in the capable hands of Glandŵr Cymru (aka the Canal & River Trust in Wales), while the lower stretches, from Pontypool south, are looked after by a trio of local councils: Torfaen, Newport, and Caerphilly. It's a bit of a patchwork, but it all comes together to create one seriously scenic waterway, largely thanks to tireless volunteers and campaigners. Article continues below The landlocked canal which runs from Brecon to Cwmbran relies entirely on tourism and leisure (Image: John Myers ) As sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, I ambled along the waterside with my obliging husband in tow, who had been promised a pint and the chance to spot an elusive terrapin. The Five Locks to Pontymoile section of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is undoubtedly one of the waterway's prettiest sections and is where you'll likely see ducks, swans, moorhens, kingfishers, dragonflies, and butterflies. There's also a chance you may spot non-native terrapins basking on the canal edge. The common theory is that these were once pets that grew too big and were simply released into the wild. You can keep an eye out for these cuties on a linear walk to Five Locks Basin, that's just under 5km or 3 miles, starting from Pontymoile Basin. Along the way, you'll pass waterlillies, mile markers, proper pubs, bridges, a former toll house and a boat-turned-cafe serving reasonably priced baps. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here A well-known sight along the canal, the former toll house is now looking to be loved back to life (Image: BidX1, London ) As you plod along the towpath, you'll pass a series of stone bridges, tunnels and pubs, including the cosy Open Hearth Pub (originally called the Railway Inn back in the 1800s) and Bridge 48. At the end of your walk, you'll reach 'The Cascades', constructed in the 1960s. This is a great time to turn around and walk back to the start. This section of the canal was made navigable around 2020, and outside of local intel and enthusiastic paddleboarders. While you can walk along the riverside, it's also possible to SUP along the still waters. The trail is packed with bridges and tunnels, where you'll need to drop to your knees, flick on your headtorch, and stay on your board while navigating in the dark. 'This canal's perfect for a SUP,' explains the owner of SUP Hike Explore, Kris Roach. 'You get scenery and wildlife and can paddle straight to a pub or cafe. It's peaceful but never dull; you'll always have a chat with a dog walker or someone fishing off the bank.' He's not wrong. You'll barely walk a few steps without someone striking up a conversation, walkers, cyclists, even the pub staff giving it the hard sell. 'One for the road?' a smiling bar lady called from the popular Open Hearth Pub terrace. Frankly, that's the kind of upselling I can get behind. Who needs energy gels when you've got cold cider and canal-side banter to keep you going? Whether you walk or paddle, you'll pass loads of interesting features (Image: Portia Jones ) It wasn't always smooth sailing on this canal. Fed by the clear waters of the River Usk, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, 'the Mon & Brec' is now a serene ribbon of green winding through south Wales. But despite its glassy surface and friendly towpath vibes, this waterway has a gritty industrial past. Once known as the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal, this 35-mile stretch between Brecon and Pontymoile was a coal-powered hub built to ferry iron, limestone and coal from the Welsh valleys to Newport. According to the Canal and Rivers Trust, tramroads snaked down these hillsides to feed the canal, and in its heyday, places like Pontymoile Basin were buzzing with noise and steam due to the busy Lower Mills Sheet Metal Works and the Phoenix Galvanising Works. Once known as the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal, this 35-mile stretch between Brecon and Pontymoile was a coal-powered hub built to ferry iron, limestone and coal from the Welsh valleys to Newport. (Image: Andrew Barwick - Photography ) By 1948, those heavy industries vanished, replaced by glassworks, which also disappeared, leaving behind a peaceful pocket of heritage and wildlife. The Canal Trust also explains that neglect slowly choked parts of the canal for years, leaving sections unnavigable. At Bevan's Bridge, a housing development dumped spoil straight into the waterway, shallowing it so much that boats couldn't pass. Thankfully, the modern story of the Mon & Brec is a revival saga driven by passionate locals and community groups. 'There's an amazing volunteer group—Bridge 46 to Five Locks—who do fantastic work maintaining and updating the area,' says Kris. 'The community support here is really special.' They're not just weeding towpaths either; they're campaigning for the complete restoration of the canal from Brecon to Cwmbran, one overgrown lock at a time. Paddleboarders like me can now float past heritage sites, pubs, and curious terrapins thanks to their heroic efforts. Thankfully, the modern story of the Mon & Brec is a revival saga driven by passionate locals and community groups. (Image: John Myers ) And the canal's not just for walking or SUP-ing either. There are some fantastic independent businesses along the route, including pubs like the Open Hearth, named after the steel-making process once used at the nearby Panteg steelworks. It's a fabulous spot for t Let's face it, no lovely canal stroll is complete without a pint in a pub garden or a bacon bap dished up from a narrowboat cafe. Feeling hungry, I suggested we refuel at Pontymoile Basin, our halfway point on the return leg to Five Locks and the southernmost tip where boats can still navigate the Mon & Brec. The basin is a busy spot where boaters, walkers and paddlers can stop for a coffee and a bap and admire the view. (Image: Portia Jones ) Sandwiched between Bridge 51A and Bridge 53, this basin was the former junction where the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal met the Monmouthshire Canal. These days, it's a busy spot where boaters, walkers and paddlers can stop for a coffee and a bap and admire the view. Just upstream of the elegant, Grade II-listed Bridge 52, the canal pinches in this narrow spot, which was once a toll point where boats were gauged for charges as they passed from one canal to the next. But we weren't just here to admire canal heritage, we had toastie business. The Boatyard Tearoom, a charming Dutch barge turned cafe, makes for a cracking pit stop. I treated myself to an enormous cheese and ham toastie while my "ravenous" husband had a massive burger for a very reasonable price. The Boatyard Tearoom, a charming Dutch barge turned cafe, makes for a cracking pit stop. (Image: Portia Jones ) Chatting with the locals, it's clear that restoration has come a long way, but it's not without its challenges. One of the biggest is water retention. A long-running dispute between the Canal & River Trust and regulator Natural Resources Wales has threatened sections of the waterway. As Wales Online previously reported, the CRT is now required to limit its abstraction from the Usk, which poses a serious risk to the canal's future viability. The trust now faces a choice of paying an eyewatering £1 million or more for the water supply that has been free for two centuries or severely restricting canal use. If water levels drop too low, not just the boating community will suffer; everyone who depends on canal life will, too. And that's a lot of people. The Mon & Brec winds its way through towns and villages that thrive on the visitors drawn to its peaceful towpaths, places like Talybont-on-Usk, Llangattock, Govilon and Goytre Wharf, where pubs, cafes, bike hire spots and little shops all rely on the passing trade of walkers, cyclists and boaters. If the canal dries up, so does a vital source of local income for communities. We spotted a terrapin hiding under brambles (Image: Portia Jones ) While the water issues may still be ongoing, there's plenty of faith in passionate community groups like Bridge 46 to Five Locks, who continue highlighting the challenges, rallying local support, and pushing for lasting solutions. Their determination and the efforts of volunteers and canal enthusiasts are a big part of why this gorgeous waterway still has a fighting chance. Article continues below And if you want to explore it for yourself? The best way is to follow the Canal Trust walking route, hop on a paddleboard, and navigate the waters on a guided trip with Sup Hike Explore. Come for the views, stay for the toasties and leave with a newfound love for this beautiful canal.
Wales Online
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
12 brilliant SUP paddleboarding locations to try in Wales
12 brilliant SUP paddleboarding locations to try in Wales What could be better than getting a core workout on the water whilst watching the world go by? Wales is home to some superb paddleboarding hotspots (Image: Portia Jones ) Stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP), has exploded in popularity in recent years and is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the UK. What could be better than getting a core workout on the water whilst watching the world go by? The benefit of a SUP sesh is that it's a fun, low-impact activity that can be enjoyed solo (for pro paddlers), with family and friends and is suited to most fitness levels. Wales is home to some superb paddleboarding hotspots, including charming canals, rivers and dramatic coastlines. With so many scenic locations to choose from, there's surely an ideal SUP spot near you. In this guide, we'll show you some of the best places where you can give paddleboarding a try in Wales and also give advice on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on the environment. Ready? Hop on board. Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal This is one of my favourite spots to SUP (Image: Portia Jones ) Winding its leafy way through the Welsh countryside, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is often dubbed one of Britain's prettiest paddles, and for good reason. It stretches a whopping 35 miles from Brecon down to the Five Locks Basin in Cwmbran, with a further seven miles of unnavigable canal to Newport on the main line and seven miles to Cwmcarn on the Crumlin Arm. Article continues below Up north, the canal is in the capable hands of Glandŵr Cymru (aka the Canal & River Trust in Wales), while the lower stretches, from Pontypool south, are looked after by a trio of local councils: Torfaen, Newport, and Caerphilly. It's a bit of a patchwork, but it all comes together to create one seriously scenic waterway, largely thanks to tireless volunteers and campaigners. You can go on a guided paddleboarding tour between Five Locks and Pontymoile with the pros at Sup Hike Explore, a relatively new outdoor company specialising in guided SUP trips in locations across Wales. The Five Locks to Pontymoile route is one of several guided trips Kris offers to aspiring and experienced paddlers who want to SUP with a pro. This scenic section is a boater's favourite and a paddleboarder's playground. It's packed with bridges and tunnels where you'll need to drop to your knees, flick on your headtorch, and stay on your board while navigating in the dark. You'll also spot kingfishers and herons and even a few non-native terrapins as you glide along. Pop in for a pint at the waterside Open Hearth Pub and grab lunch at The Canal Boat Café. Read my full review of paddleboarding on this pretty canal here. The River Wye Stretching 134 miles and traversing the border of Wales and England, the River Wye offers relaxed paddleboarding in scenic surroundings. (Image: Portia Jones ) Stretching 134 miles and traversing the border of Wales and England, the River Wye offers relaxed paddleboarding in scenic surroundings. The Wye is one of the few rivers that's easily navigable by canoe or kayak for over 100 miles, with long stretches that are perfect for stand-up paddleboard (SUP) adventures. Along the Wye, paddleboarders can opt for half-day, full-day, or multi-day trips, depending on their experience level. One of the most picturesque paddle routes for adventurous paddlers is from Monmouth to Ross on Wye in England. This two-day trip takes paddlers past cosy, riverside pubs, wooded valleys and a plethora of wildlife. First-time paddle boarders might want to book a guided river trip or a taster session with qualified professionals. Inspire2adventure offers SUP basics on the Wye as well as a 'mega sup', which can hold eight people for a unique family day out. Lake Vrynwy While you can't swim in the reservoir (shame as it looks so inviting), you can hop on a SUP board or a kayak and paddle around the still waters (Image: Portia Jones ) Lake Vrynwy is an excellent place to SUP or hike through the 24,000-acre RSPB Reserve, with viewpoints and hides around the lake offering opportunities to observe the amazing variety of birds and scenery. This under-the-radar destination in Powys, with a forest-hugged reservoir, is packed with hiking trails and wildlife and is where you can try watersports on serene waters. While you can't swim in the reservoir (shame as it looks so inviting), you can hop on a SUP board or a kayak and paddle around the still waters. Bethania Adventure is situated on the opposite side of the lake from the hotel and offers rentals of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and a sailboat. Prices start from £15 for a SUP board and £20 per hour for a double kayak. After your paddle, head to Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa for a pint on the terrace overlooking the reservoir. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Cardiff Bay Experience a unique perspective of Cardiff Bay and its waterways by joining a Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) experience at the Cardiff International White Water Centre (CIWW). (Image: Portia Jones ) Experience a unique perspective of Cardiff Bay and its waterways by joining a Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) experience at the Cardiff International White Water Centre (CIWW). There's a range of taster sessions, courses, SUP yoga and socials at this dynamic water sports hub in the city. Glide through a lively cityscape on your SUP board past bridges, residential flats and the striking Principality Stadium as you paddle down urban rivers. Want to launch your SUP on the Rivers Taff and Ely? Ensure that you only launch from Cardiff Harbour Authority-approved sites. Also, ensure that you've completed an approved 'Intro To SUP' course before you take to the water. Looking to SUP with new friends? Cardiff SUP Social sessions are for paddlers who know their way around a T-grip and depart from the Cardiff International White Water centre in Cardiff Bay, led by a qualified professional. In the summer, these social SUP sessions leave CIWW on Wednesday evenings 6-8pm and on Saturday or Sunday mornings, when the wind and water quality in the bay allow. Contact CIWW directly to book onto the SUP Social sessions Book now! Bala Lake Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) at sunset (Image: Visit Wales ) Beautiful Bala Lake [Llyn Tegid] is Wales' largest natural lake at over four miles long and a mile wide. Full of local legends, it's situated in the 'Lake District' of southern Snowdonia and boasts the most inviting, clear water for paddling. The lake is famed for its impressive mountain scenery, rare wildlife and excellent fishing opportunities. In addition to being a SUP hub, the lake also offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities for sailing, canoeing, and wild swimming. Looking to hire a SUP? Bala Watersports provide SUP equipment hire for pros and instruction for aspiring paddlers. Don't forget to obtain your lake permit from the Lake Warden's Centre before launch. The Lake Warden can request to see permits at any time, so be prepared. Milford Haven At Milford Beach Activity Centre, you can experience stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking from the Hot Water Slip a (Image: Portia Jones ) From a 17th-century Quaker whaling town and shipbuilding outpost to a modern marina, Milford Haven is now a chic destination with a renovated waterfront packed with indie shops and restaurants and has watersports that launch from the harbour. At Milford Beach Activity Centre, you can experience stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking from the Hot Water Slip and explore the historic Milford Haven Waterway shorelines surrounding Milford Haven. This local business operates out of a blue shipping container overlooking Milford Beach, offering guided tours, stand-up paddleboard rentals, and kayak hire. Go on a guided tour of the estuary with their experienced guides to gain a deeper understanding of the area's history, including the Vikings who settled here, the Welsh fishing industry, the town's military connections, and its past industries. Mawddach Estuary, Barmouth This picture-perfect estuary offers ideal paddleboarding conditions in Barmouth, set against a mountainous backdrop. (Image: Daily Post Wales ) The River Mawddach meets the sea at the sandy bays of the Mawddach Estuary. This picture-perfect estuary offers ideal paddleboarding conditions in Barmouth, set against a mountainous backdrop. Launch your SUP board and soak up the delicious views of the harbour, Southern Eryri peaks and the Grade II* listed railway viaduct. SUP Barmouth offer a range of stand-up paddleboard lessons and tours in Barmouth Harbour and the Mawddach Estuary and caters for all ages, including beginners and seasoned paddle pros. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay (Image: Getty Images ) Popular Barafundle Bay is regularly listed as one of the top beaches in the world and is a superb place to SUP in Pembrokeshire. This secluded beach can be a challenging place to paddle as it's only accessible on foot. The crystal-clear blue waters and golden sands are definitely worth the trip, though. Keep your eye out for a wealth of wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and basking sharks as you merrily SUP along. Outer Reef Surf School offers a guided paddle trip from Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay, taking paddlers past epic cliffs and caves in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Drawing on 25 years of local expertise, these SUP pros have crafted exclusive SUP routes that showcase Pembrokeshire's hidden treasures. Sup beyond the typical tourist trails, revealing secluded coves and pristine waterways that most visitors never discover. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced paddleboarder, their ISA-qualified instructors ensure a safe, enriching adventure suitable for all skill levels. Llandegfedd Lake Llandegfedd Reservoir (Image: Crown Copyright / Visit Wales ) Llandegfedd Lake is a spectacular 434-acre reservoir with a water sports and visitor centre on-site. Set amongst the rolling hills of the Usk valley, you'll find an array of activities at the Welsh Water-owned and operated lake, including paddle sports, sailing and open water swimming. The lake is fully equipped for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) activities and even features changing rooms with hot showers, as well as a café where you can grab a post-paddle brew. Paddle pros can launch their own SUP board on the lake, and there's also a brand-new SUP kit available for hire. For beginners, Llandegfedd offer expert tuition and courses to get your paddle skills up to scratch. Llangorse Lake Paddleboarding on Llangorse Lake (Image: Portia Jones ) Llangorse Lake is in the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park) and is known for being the largest natural lake in South Wales. Here, you can try your hand at fishing, canoeing, sailing and now paddleboarding in an idyllic setting. In addition to being incredibly scenic, the lake is also rich in nutrients, supporting a diverse range of aquatic plants and wildlife. Whether you explore the area by SUP or on foot, there are plenty of natural wonders to observe here. The lake is privately owned, and you'll need to buy a pass to SUP with your own board. Alternatively, seasonal SUP passes are also available onsite at the Caravan Park Shop. Lakeside Boat Hire has SUP boards for hire, so you can discover the natural wonders of the lake without breaking the bank. Cardigan Bay SUP life in Cardigan Bay (Image: Keith Morris ) SUP alongside seals and dolphins in the marine life haven, Cardigan Bay in Ceredigion. Check the conditions before setting out to ensure it's calm enough to float around the coast and explore secluded bays. Coastlines and river estuaries in the area offer a variety of stand-up paddleboard (SUP) routes for experienced paddle enthusiasts. Discover Cardigan's Celtic Routes and heritage along the way with abandoned limekilns and hillforts as you gracefully glide around the peninsula, hopefully spotting lots of wildlife. Cardigan Bay Watersports offers paddleboard hire and lessons for first-timers, utilising Red Paddleboards for tuition, which generally provide good SUP stability. The Gower Peninsula The Gower coastline is a perfect place to try your hand at paddleboarding if there is no swell and low winds. (Image: Portia Jones ) The Gower coastline is a perfect place to try your hand at paddleboarding if there is no swell and low winds. There are a few gorgeous Gower spots where you can launch your SUP, including Caswell Bay, Mumbles and Langland Bay. Crashing waves and tidal patterns make paddleboarding on the coast a tad more challenging than on lakes and rivers, so be fully prepared. If you're new to paddleboarding, check out guided trips or courses before heading to the beach with your board so that you stay safe on the choppy waters. Stand Up Paddle Gower offers a range of courses and trips along the Gower coastline, where you'll explore parts of the coastline you've never seen before. These SUP tours are suitable for paddlers with a relatively 'good' level of fitness and experience in a variety of conditions, or who have at least had a few lessons or have paddled with them on SUP CLUB jaunts. After a SUP sesh, have lunch at Rok Restaurant in Bracelet Bay. On the menu you'll find beautifully presented small plates of goat's cheese and grilled pea asparagus, salt & vinegar monkfish scampi, lemon mayonnaise and Pembrokeshire potato salad with new season greens. How to Get Started with SUP and how to stay safe Anything involving water can turn risky if you don't take the right precautions and are not fully prepared (Image: The Lake ) Stand-up paddleboarding is a brilliant way to get out on the water and enjoy the outdoors, and it's generally a safe sport suited to a wide range of ages and abilities. But anything involving water can turn risky if you don't take the right precautions and are not fully prepared. Getting into a safety-first mindset before you even step on your board is a smart move and can make all the difference. To help you paddle with confidence, we've put together some easy tips on kit, safety and what to know before you set off Kit You'll Need Types of paddleboards: Touring boards – longer and designed for covering distances efficiently. Inflatable boards – easy to store and carry; perfect for most paddlers. Hard boards – offer better performance but are heavier and less portable. All-round boards – stable and ideal for beginners or casual paddling. Touring boards – longer and designed for covering distances efficiently. Inflatable boards – easy to store and carry; perfect for most paddlers. Hard boards – offer better performance but are heavier and less portable. All-round boards – stable and ideal for beginners or casual paddling. Essential items: Adjustable paddle Leash (always use one) Buoyancy aid or personal flotation device (PFD) Waterproof case for your phone Appropriate clothing for the water temperature Dry bag for spare kit or snacks Staying Safe on the Water Why not join a SUP social? (Image: Mark Lewis ) Always use a paddleboard with a leash – it keeps you attached to your board if you fall off. Wear a personal flotation device that allows you to move freely while paddling. One person per board – don't share unless you are taking part in an organised 'mega SUP' session. Take your mobile in a waterproof case – if you're in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Paddleboarding with a friend is safer and more fun. Going solo? Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Check the weather and tide times before you set off. Paddleboards are easily blown offshore. Give your board and gear a quick safety check before you head out. Ensure everything is in good condition. If you're new to paddleboarding, book a taster session or a course to learn the basics. Got Your Own Board? If you're paddling on canals, rivers, or lakes in England and Wales, you'll need a waterways licence for areas managed by the Canal & River Trust and other authorities. You can get one from Paddle Cymru. Article continues below A Paddle Cymru membership gives you an annual waterways licence, so you're covered to paddle on licensed waters across England and Wales. It also provides up-to-date information on where to paddle, what to expect on the water, and downloadable route guides.
