Here in Wales, there are many places to canoe and kayak, whether you're just starting or looking for the thrill of fast rapids. Read on to discover some great locations to paddle from rivers to lakes.
PEMBROKESHIRE - WEST WALES
Pembrokeshire boasts some of the most stunning coastline, rare wildlife and tidal flows. Paddle here and you won't be disappointed. It has several places depending on your skill level.
For the more experienced, you can paddle around the coast from Abereiddy to Abercastle and around Ramsay Island. You'll see the popular Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy, owned by the National Trust, which is perfect for some flat water paddling & if you're feeling adventurous, some rock jumping into the lagoon on your pitstop. There is a small gravelly car park here but you'll have to turn up early to ensure you get a space. The main town is St David's around 5 miles South with many services and shops.
THE BITCHES
Image Source: David Rogers | Kayaker: Lyndon Williams
Around the same location and strictly for the expert whitewater and playboater paddlers, located off the far West tip of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park between the coast and Ramsay Island are the churning tidal rapids called The Bitches. The rapids form over jagged volcanic rocks when the tide floods in, forming shapely waves and stoppers. This paddle spot needs certain tide times and size of the tide so it's important to have the knowledge before you plan a trip here. Crossing over is probably the most hazardous part of this adventure. It needs tide heights over 6 metres for the playspots to work, and over 7 metres produces something special. These big tides usually occur in Spring, just after a full moon or a new moon.
Ask paddlers who have experienced The Bitches for advice and check forecasts, not just the tides but the weather also. If it's your first time crossing over, try to join an experienced group heading over and be their tag-along (if they don't mind)
RIVER USK - SENNYBRIDGE TO ABERBRAN BRIDGE
Sennybridge ledge -
Heading more inland to the beautiful area of Powys, the River Usk. The route from Sennybridge to Aberbran is ideal for beginners/intermediates and a great location for an introduction to whitewater. It can be paddled in low and medium water levels and you can almost always paddle it during the Winter months.
There's a small layby beside the Army base in Sennybridge, this is where you start and get out at the bridge where the Nant Bran stream enters the Usk. The route is mostly Grade 2 with ledge rapids that can reach Grade 3 in medium water level. These sections for beginners/intermediates can be dangerous in higher water levels. Through the lower section of the route after paddling off the ledges, there are some fun waves and play sections to be found and a stopper at the get-out point at the bridge. You'll need 2-3 hours to paddle the whole route.
RIVER TEIFI - LLANDYSUL TO CENARTH FALLS
Teifi Tour -
This paddling route is located in Mid Wales, Llandysul, Ceredigion and another picturesque scenic Welsh spot. It is a known spot for the Annual Tefi Tour festival for all levels of paddlers.
The route from Llandysul to Cenarth Falls is best suited to intermediate to advanced whitewater skill level paddlers. The get-in is at Llandysul Bridge and the get-out, well, considering the number of sections you could paddle, it is approximately 12 miles on this stretch.
There are Grade 2 and Grade 3 rapids just after the get-in which stretches around half a mile. You are able to walk down on the left side and inspect these before your journey.
It then moves into a long easy-level paddle for around 2 miles before coming to a railway bridge which has a large weir. It is strongly advised to check levels to determine if it is possible to run on the day. You can portage on the right if you choose to avoid this.
A couple of miles further down you'll meet a steeper section where the rapids split either side of a rock island with a metre drop followed by a narrow section which can be enjoyable in high water levels.
The river then mellows out again before reaching Newcastle Emlyn, a possible get-out point. Here you will find a series of shallow weir steps producing some Grade 3 play waves and stoppers. If you choose to continue on through Newcastle, it becomes mellow again until you reach the Falls consisting of a rock reef across the river forming the most challenging rapid of this route. You can avoid this by exiting the river above on the right to finish your trip.
You'll need around 3-4 hours to do all the sections of this route.
See more info on events and courses from https://llandysul-paddlers.org.uk/
We hope this guide gives you some ideas on where to go. Remember to be realistic about your paddle skill level and check forecasts especially if you are paddling off the shore line or tackling challenging sections in the rivers.
Happy paddling!