It is a unique sensory experience to be in or on moving waters, be they salty or fresh. There is a certain thrill of doing something you love such as this, in a secluded area where you can savour the serene atmosphere. It is well known that the UK has many naturally beautiful landmarks. However, some seem to remain remarkably undiscovered.
Before you pick your kayaking destination, it is important to know that rivers are graded from ‘’1’’ where the waters are calm to ‘’6’’ which include major rapids and dips. It is necessary to have either a British Canoe Union (BCU) licence or a local waterway permit for river kayaking. Be attentive to the local conditions in sea kayaking, since there are no grades or restrictions. If you’re planning a kayaking adventure in the UK, leave behind the crowd and discover some of these hidden gems.
Porth Dafarch to The Skerries, Anglesey (Wales)
This is a destination ideal for Sea kayaking which will bring you to a number of majestic offshore islets. This kayaking journey is for experienced sea kayakers. The area is dotted with blow holes, cliffs rising 500 feet, and complete silence, but its tidal streams and overfalls add to its appeal. Paddle towards South Stack lighthouse around Penrhyn Mawr on a flood tide from Porth Dafarch. You can see the lighthouse and Skerries in the distance and use that as your bearing.
River Allen, Hexham (Northumberland)
River Allen is one of best whitewater rivers perfect for Kayaking in the UK. Kayakers of all levels are sure to enjoy this river but it is best for intermediates. Most people don’t realise that this is the best grade 3 river they’ve ever paddled.
This kayaking spot is known for its boulder gardens, sweeping bends, stopping waves, sloping drops, and no flat sections. Despite the lack of extreme features, the flow is unrelenting, with sections of grade 3 to grade 4 in the main.
Cowshill to Daddry Shield, Upper Wear (County Durham)
There are a lot of challenging features and continuous paddling on this rarely paddled run. A paddle of grades 4-5 would be ideal when kayaking in this region. Experienced kayakers would enjoy this natural course the most. There are many drops, undercuts and stoppers on this limestone river, but the gradient is consistent. There is a 6m waterfall at the beginning of it. It is a grade 3 and 4 rivers, but below Daddry Shield it narrows to a grade 2 or 3.
Though there may be a limited amount of parking available around this location, you are able to relax at any of the great cafes in Stanhope and Wolsingham.
Armathwaite to Wetheral Weir, Lower Eden (Cumbria)
This kayaking journey consists of grade 2 river rapids which make it ideal for ambitious beginners. There’s a slower section below for beginners if you’re not ready for grade 2 or 3 whitewater from Lazonby to Armathwaite. You’ll paddle past Corby Castle with its man-made waterfall along the way to Wetheral Weir from Armathwaite. There are two sections of hard rapids and some shingle rapids. If you’re looking for a serene place to kick off your kayaking experience, this is the location to be.
Port Isaac Bay, North Cornwall
Kayak 4km along an amazing coastline that is suitable for both beginners and intermediate kayakers. You can only get to Varley Sands beach by boat or kayak at low tide, and there’s a chance you’ll be the only one there. This is a favoured paddling route from Port Gaverne to Port Issac via Port Gaverne. However, you should only go when conditions are calm, as well, sea state, and weather all affect the trip. Parking is available at Port Gaverne or Port Isaac. Both places have cafes and restaurants where you can catch your breath after the strenuous paddling.
Taking a break in the arms of nature is the ideal remedy for your fast-moving everyday life. The fact that these kayaking spots are hardly known makes them all the more ideal for a kayaking trip where you can centre yourself and become one with the water in all its secluded glory.
