Introduction
When it comes to outdoor adventures, few activities complement each other as seamlessly as paddle boarding and camping.
Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong, unzipping your tent, and heading straight to the water for an early morning paddle on a serene lake or winding river.
The combination of paddle boarding and camping offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy peaceful waterscapes, and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In this blog, we'll explore why paddle boarding and camping make a perfect pairing, and we'll also dive into the top five rural destinations in the UK where you can enjoy these activities.
Plus, we’ll suggest eco-friendly camping sites and paddle boarding spots at each location, complete with distances and precise locations using What3Words.
Why Paddle Boarding and Camping are a Great Combination
1. Full Immersion in Nature: Camping allows you to truly disconnect from the modern world and embrace the natural environment.
Adding paddle boarding to the mix enhances this experience by providing a water-based perspective of the stunning landscapes that the UK has to offer.
2. Accessibility: Both paddle boarding and camping are accessible to a wide range of people, from beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
You don’t need extensive training or expensive gear to start enjoying these activities.
3. Adventure and Relaxation: While camping satisfies the adventurer in you, paddle boarding offers a calming, meditative experience.
The balance of excitement and tranquility is what makes this combination so appealing.
4. Eco-Friendly: When done responsibly, both camping and paddle boarding are low-impact activities that encourage sustainable tourism.
They allow you to explore remote areas without leaving a trace.
5. Flexibility: The versatility of paddle boards means you can explore rivers, lakes, or coastal areas, tailoring your adventure to the specific environment of your camping location.
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Top 5 Rural Destinations in the UK for Paddle Boarding and Camping
1. Lake District, Cumbria
Why It's Great: The Lake District is a classic destination for outdoor lovers, known for its breathtaking lakes, rolling hills, and rugged landscapes.
It’s a paradise for those who want to combine paddle boarding with camping.
Eco Camping Sites:
- Great Langdale Campsite - A beautiful site surrounded by towering peaks and close to multiple lakes.
- Low Wray Campsite - Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, offering stunning views and easy lake access.
- Hoathwaite Campsite - A simple, wild camping site near Coniston Water, perfect for a rustic experience.
Paddle Boarding Spots:
- Windermere - The largest natural lake in England.
Start from Low Wray Campsite and paddle across the tranquil waters (What3Words: ///toward.surprise.mosaic).
- Coniston Water - Known for its calm waters, ideal for beginners (What3Words: ///shade.whites.shade).
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2. Norfolk Broads, Norfolk
Why It's Great: The Norfolk Broads offer a unique landscape of rivers and lakes, combined with charming villages and abundant wildlife.
It's a haven for paddle boarders looking for flat, easy waters.
Eco Camping Sites:
- Hickling Campsite - A small, eco-friendly site near Hickling Broad with composting toilets and solar showers.
- Clippesby Hall - A woodland site that’s ideal for families, offering easy access to the Broads.
- Reedham Ferry Touring Park - Located by the River Yare, providing scenic pitches and easy access to the water.
Paddle Boarding Spots:
- Hickling Broad - The largest of the Norfolk Broads, perfect for exploring by paddle board (What3Words: ///villager.singer.hangs).
- River Bure - A picturesque river winding through quaint villages and lush landscapes (What3Words: ///narrow.tower.storms).
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3. Brecon Beacons, Wales
Why It's Great: The Brecon Beacons National Park offers dramatic landscapes, serene lakes, and rivers.
It’s a fantastic spot for combining wild camping with paddle boarding adventures.
Eco Camping Sites:
- Gwern Gof Isaf Campsite - A traditional campsite with a back-to-nature feel, nestled among the mountains.
- Brecon Beacons Wild Camping - Permitted in certain areas, allowing you to camp under the stars.
- Priory Mill Farm Campsite - A peaceful, eco-friendly site beside the River Honddu.
Paddle Boarding Spots:
- Llangorse Lake - The largest natural lake in southern Wales, with stunning views of the surrounding hills (What3Words: ///worded.fenced.impulse).
- Usk Reservoir - A peaceful spot for paddle boarding, offering calm waters and beautiful scenery (What3Words: ///pastime.perfect.washed).
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4. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Scotland
Why It's Great: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a stunning location where majestic lochs meet towering mountains.
It’s perfect for adventurers looking to paddle in the heart of Scotland’s wilderness.
Eco Camping Sites:
- Cashel Campsite - A lochside site with direct access to Loch Lomond, offering spectacular views.
- Sallochy Campsite - A small, peaceful campsite on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond.
- Inver Coille Campsite - A secluded, eco-friendly site in the Trossachs with composting toilets and solar showers.
Paddle Boarding Spots:
- Loch Lomond - Paddle along the eastern shore for magnificent views of Ben Lomond (What3Words: ///racing.defend.unity).
- Loch Katrine - A quieter loch surrounded by forests, ideal for a more peaceful paddle (What3Words: ///desiring.officer.bulbs).
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5. Dorset Coast, Dorset
Why It's Great: The Jurassic Coast in Dorset offers a unique blend of coastal scenery and rural countryside, making it an ideal destination for those looking to combine camping with paddle boarding in the sea.
Eco Camping Sites:
- Eweleaze Farm Campsite - A farm-based eco campsite with coastal views, offering direct beach access.
- Durdle Door Holiday Park - Located near the iconic Durdle Door, with eco-friendly facilities.
- Tom's Field Campsite - A simple, rural campsite near Swanage, perfect for those who prefer basic amenities.
Paddle Boarding Spots:
- Studland Bay - A sheltered bay with crystal-clear waters, ideal for paddle boarding (What3Words: ///glaze.ports.trees).
- Lulworth Cove - Paddle through the clear waters of this iconic cove, famous for its stunning rock formations (What3Words: ///hornet.accent.muted).
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Conclusion
Combining paddle boarding with camping allows you to experience the great outdoors in a spectacular way.
Whether you're paddling on the serene lakes of the Lake District, exploring the winding rivers of Norfolk, or navigating the lochs of Scotland, the UK offers a plethora of stunning destinations to enjoy both activities.
By choosing eco-friendly camping sites and sustainable practices, you can ensure that these beautiful locations are preserved for future generations.
So, pack your paddle board, pitch your tent, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure that combines the best of water and land.