Lake Vyrnwy is a reservoir in Powys, Wales.

To launch you kayak it will cost you £4.50 for the day. You will be issued with a flag and a whistle from the boat house. You are restricted to a certain area of the reservoir, nevertheless, its still a pretty decent size areas for beginners to paddle on.

You can’t launch your kayak unless someone is manning the boat house.

Bethania Adventure provide kayaks & canoes if you don’t have your own, buoyancy aids are provided & wetsuit are also available to hire.

How to get there:

Facilities:

Free parking.
Extremely clean toilets (infact it boasts ‘Loo of the year’ 2002/2003).
On-site light refreshments.

Hazards:

Dinghy sailors also use the reservoir so you need to keep your eyes pealed.

Ins and Outs:

Slipway.

Overview:

Man made reservoir (Though you would not think it) owned by Severn Trent Water, set at the base of the Snowdonia National Park. Fantastic place for beginners to go and reasonably quiet.

Location:

Aberafon campsite is on the North Wales Coast on the Llyn Peninsula at Gyrn Goch between Caernarfon & Pwllheli. The site adjoins a private beach with access to a slipway to launch your kayak if the tide is in. If the tide is out you have to carry your kayak down to water, over a rocks initially, but then it becomes sandy.

How to get there:

There’s a tricky, steep single track lane off the A499 between Caernafon and Pwhelli.

Facilities:

Facilities on the campsite include
Boat Launch
Toilets & showers
Laundry facilities
Site shop during the main holiday period

Hazards:

Rocky beach at low tide.

Ins and Outs:

Concrete slipway when the tide is in.

Notes:

Campfires are allowed on the the beach. Fire wood can be bought from the campsite at a reasonable price.
Pets are allowed.

Overview:

Picturesque coast line.

Location:

Llangennith is what local surfers call the ‘indicator’ break for the area. If there’s a not a lump here then you can guarantee it’s flat everywhere.

When the waves turn on and start to pump, Llangennith is possibly one of the hardest paddle out spots in the whole of the UK due to the amount of white water you have to punch through. Break through the flotsam and you’ll definitely be rewarded.

On moderate sized swells Llangennith can serve up some impressively long rides. Increase the juice and even bigger solid slabs of Atlantic Ocean are there for the taking – or to swat you like a fly – not for the faint hearted on larger days. Although at that size, there are other waves in the area that light up and you’ll find many spots going off with a little searching.

After your fix of H2O the sleepy village of Llangennith itself, just up the hill, is where you’ll find all of the après action in the form of the King’s Head pub. It’s notorious for its summertime after-hours shenanigans; although during the day this particular drinking hole caters for families serving hearty pub grub and real ales too.

Back down at the beachfront and the Hill End Campsite is a large-scale operation offering plenty of pitch options for groups, families and everyone in between with good on site facilities.

Consistent in regards to wave action but also with plenty of other stunning beaches with flat spots for the less energetic nearby, Llangennith truly is a kayaker’s paddling paradise.

How to get there:

Take the M4 motorway towards Cardiff. Continue on to Swansea before following signs for the Gower Peninsula.

Facilities:

A campsite sits right next to the beach with a café/bar (Eddy’s) and public car park/toilets. Llangennith village is just a short walk away and features a lively pub (King’s Head) and surf shop (PJ’s) for any spares.

Hazards:

Big waves during certain periods offer plenty of challenges to the paddler. Rips and associated water anomalies that come with surf environments are things to watch out for. Busy water and beach areas during summer.

Ins and Outs:

Park up in the designated area behind the sand dunes and then it’s a fairly long walk while dragging your boat to the water’s edge – particularly at low tide!

Notes:

For a quieter wave, head to Broughton, which is located towards the mouth of the estuary to the right of Llangennith beach. Limited parking options and heavily tidal spot, but fewer crowds.

Overview:

Designated an area of outstanding natural beauty in 1956 (the first of its kind), the Gower Peninsula continues to draw visitors from all walks of life who are enticed by the area’s stunning scenery.

Venture down to the coast along meandering country roads and eventually you will reach the water’s edge and the vast expanse of beacpeh that is Llangennith.

Dominated by the iconic vista of Worm’s Head jutting out to the left as you gaze out to sea, Llangennith is one of those truly spectacular beaches flanked by impressive sand dunes, is a haven for wave riders and boasts perfect sunsets.

Location:

Known locally as Sandy Beach, Porth Tywyn Mawr is a sandy bay, near the village of Llanfwrog. Sandy Beach is serviced by two caravan/camp sites; one has its own launching runway they both also launch from the beach. The only drawback is that jet skis also use the area, but have found them to show consideration and giveaway to sail and paddle powered boats

How to get there:

A55 towards Holyhead, turn right at Valley and down single-track lanes to the caravan/camp sites.

Facilities:

Both sites have site shops, one has a small bar and restaurant, the other has a heated swimming pool for inclement days

Hazards:

Jet skis and the bow wave from the Holyhead Dublin ferry

Ins and Outs:

See description

Notes:

For site details visit http://www.penrhynbay.com/

Overview:

A Sheltered mile long beach, only used by two caravan/camp sites so never gets crowded. Plenty of small coves and two seaweed-covered islands to explore below high tide.

Location:

A good place for leisurely paddle with no tidal consequences if you stay within the bay and a good starting point for many other places on the north coast with the proper tidal planning.

The best put-in is the small free car park on the east side of the bay; it has easy access to the beach. There are several little beaches around the bay, one with the remains of an old life boat station and a small harbour within the bay.

How to get there:

Take the coast road north of the island and follow the signs.

Facilities:

Toilets, pubs, cafes and some shops.

Hazards:

Boats entering and leaving the harbour

Ins and Outs:

The small free car park on the east side of the bay.

Notes:

Overview:

Small village with harbour and sheltered bay.

Location:

Suitable for all abilities, popular at weekends.

How to get there:

From Trearrdur follow signs for South Stack, it is the fourth bay along the road in a dip with lots of parking. From Holyhead follow signage for the activity centre – beach 200 yds from activity centre.

Facilities:

Refreshments, showers, toilets, drop off point for loading/unloading, free parking.

Hazards:

Busy with swimmers.

Ins and Outs:

All round good access.

Notes:

Suitable for all abilities, popular at weekends.

Overview:

Located close to Trearrdur and Holyhead, Porth Dafarch is easy to find and there is an excellent sea sports drop off point on the slip way for vehicle access. Facilities are fantastic with showers, toilets and catering vans at the entrance to the beach.

Porth Dafarch is a sheltered bay, with an abundance of coves and cliffs providing excellent paddling challenges. Ideal for the complete beginner or an experienced paddler to use as a start point to visit the south stack and north stack at the foot of Holyhead mountain, or to travel towards Trearrdur and discover all the little coves and beaches along the way.

Busy little beach used as a base for many water sports, paddlers and coasteering groups.

Location:

Aberporth is a large coastal village located in Ceredigion on the west coast of Wales.  The village lies at the southern end of Cardigan Bay & has two sandy sheltered beaches with rock pools at low tide.

Aberporth is a popular recreational fishing village in the summer and is also popular with divers and boating people. With it’s sandy beaches, good surf & safe swimming, Aberporth is ideal for kayaking with or without the family. Lots of kayakers head here, so if you’re feeling sociable there’s plenty of chatting to be done!

Paddle out along the left side of the bay to discover hidden coves and caves. If you’re lucky you may get to see a dolphin or 2, Bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen swimming and diving as they follow the shoals of mackerel into the bay.

How to get there:

Aberporth, Cardigan SA43 2DB

Facilities:

Toilets, cafe, shops, pub, outdoor shower. Car park fills up quickly in the summer, get down there early, thre is another little used car park in the village.

During the school holidays – from mid July to the end of August – Ceredigion Beach Officer Lifeguard Service normally establishes patrolled bathing areas daily.

Hazards:

Rocks to the right of the bay need avoiding.

Ins and Outs:

Put in on the beach.

Notes:

Lifeguards operate on this beach in school holidays.

Overview:

Lovely surf bay.

Location:

Once on the channel going upstream keeping far left through broad water you emerge into the river proper after broad water the river is quite slow moving and deep enough for paddling the rest of the way. The first part is mainly reed beds with the main channel to the right although there is another channel to the left right through the reed beds if you fancy a bit of exploring the right and left channels emerge at the same point a little further upstream where the Dysynni continues for a good few miles.

Follow it far enough and you come across the two bridges old and new crossing the A493 where to the right it is possible to land for a break. after this if you want to press on the river becomes very picturesque through Bryncrug until the first weir at which point you have to start your return journey.

Best to start about 2 hours before high tide so you have some help from the tide both ways and take a camera, it will have plenty of use I think .

How to get there:

Follow the main road (A493) through the welsh town of Tywyn towards the sea. Ahead there is a junction immediately before an over head railway bridge. Turn right immediately before the junction onto Idris Villas road which turns into Sandilands road. Follow Sandilands road until you approach a railway level crossing and turn right before the crossing keeping the railway on your left.

Go all the way to the end and stop before the large metal foot bridge. Park either side of road and the launch area is through the metal gate to the left by the side of the railway.

Facilities:

This spot is approached from the welsh town of Tywyn where there is pretty much everything to hand

Hazards:

This is a mainly tidal paddle and is best planned for a couple of hours either side of high water. Turning left towards the sea can be tricky as there is a tidal race so best checked out first. Turn left under railway bridge follow the channel a short way and beach in channel on left hand side. Take a short walk and have a look then decide. A helmet may be advisable as there are some rocks.

Better to turn right upriver and continue through broad water to the Dysynni proper. Keep to the far left through broad water as its shallow in the middle

Ins and Outs:

In at the side of the railway on sandy beach and easy outs all the way along. Its about 7 miles to the first weir where you will have to turn back.

Notes:

Best to check this out on O.S or Bing maps first to get a good idea of the channel but no real hazards upstream and very much worth it.

Overview:

Free parking 25 yards from water, Very easy launch off sand onto the river. Turn left for the sea or right a very picturesque paddle on the cleanest river I have ever paddled with very little current and plenty of take outs for a break or picnic.

Location:

LLanddwyn seems to be paddle-able in most tidal states.There are several landing spots around the island including Pilots Cove, where there are two lighthouses and a row of old pilot’s cottages. There are lots of opportunities for rock hopping around the island and plenty of wildlife to keep an eye out for.

How to get there:

Head into Newborough and follow the signs for LLanddwyn. There is a toll barrier at the beginning of the Newborough forest road – last year it was £3 but so far this year it has been free.

Facilities:

There are toilets and a picnic/BBQ area situated in Newborough forest car park.

Hazards:

kite surfers, boats and the usual coastal hazards.

Ins and Outs:

Park at Newborough forest car park and launch from Newborough beach.

Notes:

Try to launch on a rising tide to avoid a long carry on the return trip.

Overview:

LLanddwyn is situated on the south coast of Anglesey and is only an island on very high tides. It is a beautiful place rich in history and wildlife – including seals and dolphins.

Location:

The Mawddach is a good paddle along a very picturesque river surrounded by mountains on both sides and is quite popular with kayakers in the summer months. It does need some planning before hand a set of tide tables and an OS map is recommended as the channel twists around quite a bit. Best to allow 2 hours either side of high tide to complete. Can be done quicker than this if you are getting help from a spring tide on the ebb and flow. Be aware there are some sandbanks which can be difficult to avoid involving some short walks with boat in tow!

This normally quite a calm river, but waves can build up if a strong wind is blowing. You need to check the forecast and make a decision on the day before setting off. This becomes less of a problem the nearer to Penmaenpool you get. There is parking at Penmaenpool should you wish to make it a one way trip.
The George 3rd pub serves a nice meal and overlooks the river, it is next door to an RSPB bird sanctuary and a very old wooden toll bridge.
This is the trip for the annual Barmouth paddlefest when a lot of canoes and kayaks can be seen taking part.

How to get there:

For Barmouth just drive into the town dropping boats by the main slip in harbour then continuing around corner to a large pay and display car park.

Fairbourne is a small village on the opposite side of the Mawddach to Barmouth just off the A493. Turn off main road straight through the village as far as you can turning right at the end onto Penrhyn drive north and again go as far as you can until the tarmac runs out at a turning circle where you can see the slip.

Facilities:

Barmouth is a large town on the coast in Gwynedd so has pretty much everything you may want at start or finish.

Hazards:

Tidal water with a strong current at the harbour entrance and under the half mile long Victorian railway bridge that spans the river. Also watch out for sand banks at anything other than high tide. On spring tides the harbour entrance is best avoided.

Ins and Outs:

You can launch either from Barmouth harbour or a quieter spot is Fairbourne creek on the opposite side of the estuary where there is a small concrete slip (marked on map) dependant on which direction you approach from.

At the suggested turnaround point of Penmaenpool is the George 3rd pub and restaurant for refreshments or a good take out point if you don’t fancy the full 13 miles. There is also a grassed area just before the pub favoured by kayakers for a picnic.

Notes:

Please note both slips are not easily accessed at low water. Trip is not recommended at low tide.

Overview:

The River Mawddach is completely tidal for the entire length of this trip and subject to waves in certain wind directions but has breath taking scenery along entire route From Barmouth harbour to Penmaenpool approx. 6.5 miles each way.

Location: