Categories > Guides and Tips
The Best Places to Paddleboard in Scotland
Paddleboarding is a water sport that offers a great way to de-stress while you bask in scenic views. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll easily get the knack of it as long as you learn to balance yourself on the board.
Whether it’s ports, lochs, or beaches, you can try this activity while you’re in the country. Here is our list of the best places to paddleboard in Scotland!
Port Edgar Marina
Website: https://www.portedgar.co.uk/
Facebook: Port Edgar Marina
Address: Shore Rd, South Queensferry, EH30 9SQ, UK
Contact details: +44 131 331 3330
Operating hours: 9 AM – 8:30 PM
Located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Port Edgar Marina is a bustling location for water sports activities, particularly stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are various courses offered in the marina to help you out.
The Port EdgarWatersports CIC is actually one of the largest watersports and activity centres in the country, so you’re in good hands. But the best part is when you enjoy the calming waters of River Forth and paddle through the famous Forth Bridges.
Pro tip:
Apart from SUP, you might want to learn more courses in the marina like Dinghy Sailing and Keelboat Sailing which are popular among first-time tourists.
Threipmuir Reservoir
Address: Balerno, Edinburgh, EH14 7JT, UK
Operating hours: Always open
The Threipmuir Reservoir in Balerno showcases a beautiful view of the vast Pentland Hills while you paddleboard around the area. Plus, it’s a beginner-friendly location for those who want to try out this watersport without feeling rushed.
Apart from that, this place is famous for being a go-to spot among wild swimmers, especially during summer when the water’s temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius. You can easily get here from the parking lot with a paved road to the edge of the water.
Pro tip:
Get here as early as you can when you’re visiting in any of the summer months because the parking spaces are limited and easily fill up.
You can also take a break by the water and have a little picnic, whether you’re by yourself, your family, your friend, or your significant other.
Wardie Bay
Facebook: Wardie Bay
Address: 92 Lower Granton Rd, Edinburgh, EH5 1ER, UK
Operating hours: Always open
Although it’s a small beach around 100 metres, you can have a great time paddleboarding in Wardie Bay. It has a long harbour wall with calm waters, perfect for brushing up your skills.
Aside from SUP, you can enjoy wild swimming here and bask in the beautiful sunset at the end of the day.
Pro tip:
There are no nearby parking spaces to the bay so you can place your vehicles by the roadside near the hospice at Boswell Road. Another alternative is the one near Granton Harbour at Lochinver Driver.
Bostadh Beach
Address: Great Bernera, HS2 9LZ, UK
Operating hours: Always open
Located on the Isle of Lewis, the Bostadh (or Bosta) Beach is found on the northern tip of Great Bernera. It has a long stretch of white sand that’s a prime destination for paddleboarding on the island with its scenic views and tranquil waters.
On top of that, it’s home to an Iron Age replica which you can visit and get a glimpse of the life of locals in the past. Another thing, there’s a bathroom and free parking on the site so you don’t have to worry about that.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to see the Iron Age replica, take note that it’s closed on Sundays but you can still look at it from outside.
The nearest petrol station to the beach is near Breacleit which is open on Sundays so stock up on gas and refreshments before you head up to the beach. There aren’t many shops around the site so it’s best to be prepared beforehand.
Portobello Beach
Address: 1 Promenade, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 2DX, UK
Operating hours: Always open
Around three miles away from the centre of Edinburgh, Portobello Beach boasts of its long golden sandy beach which is perfect for sunny days. It’s a great place to paddleboard with its calm waters and safe environment.
Also, it’s near several cafes, restaurants and watersport rental stores.
Pro tip:
There’s a free car park near the beach but space is limited so get there early, especially during summer.
Visit the beach before or at sunrise for a stunning panoramic view.
Castle Stalker
Website: https://www.castlestalker.com/wp/
Facebook: Castle Stalker, Argyll
Address: Castle Stalker, Appin, PA38 4BL, UK
Contact details: +44 163 173 0354
Operating hours: Vary on available tour dates
Found on the shoreline of Loch Linnhe, Castle Stalker is a four-storey fortress that’s privately owned and recently renovated. Parking at the Castle Stalker View Cafe or Old Inn gives you easy and direct access to the majestic loch where you can paddleboard.
After your paddle boarding session, we suggest grabbing a warm drink and a delicious treat at the cafe.
Pro tip:
If you’re a fan of Monty Python, we highly encourage you to go on a tour inside the castle where there is a bunch of memorabilia displayed. Alistair, the owner, will teach you everything you need to know about the place including its rich history.
Nairn Beach
Address: Nairn, IV12 4EA, UK
Operating hours: Always open
With views across Moray Firth to the Black Isle, Nairn Beach is a popular paddleboarding spot in Scotland. It has miles of sandy shores with shallow waters that are ideal for beginners to learn the ropes.
You can rent equipment in the main town if you didn’t bring your own. But if you want to learn SUP seriously, we suggest buying your own so you can readily practice whenever you want.
Pro tip:
If you didn’t bring your food, the Basil Harbour Café is nearby so you should check it out. You should know that they have the best bacon with eggs and mushrooms in town!
Lossiemouth
Address: Lossiemouth, UK
Operating hours: Always open
Lossiemouth, aka the ‘Jewel of the Moray Firth’, has two amazing paddleboarding spots for us: The West Sands and East Beach. The West is more for beginners since it’s more sheltered and has gentler waves.
While the East has bigger waves, perfect for those at the advanced level. In fact, many people go here to surf but it’s safe to paddleboard and improve your skills through the experience.
Pro tip:
Since you’re in the Moray Firth, be on the lookout for dolphins and orca whales while you’re here.
Also, if you’re not used to big waves, stay close to the shore, especially if there’s a high tide for your safety.
Loch Tulla
Address: Bridge of Orchy, Argyll and Bute, UK
Operating hours: Always open
Found near the Bridge of Orchy, Loch Tulla is a remote location that has mountain views – perfect for a peaceful paddle. There are several places near the loch where you can park and admire the stunning scenery before getting close.
You’ll need to walk a little to reach the water’s edge but trust us, it’s a gratifying experience. As a bonus, there’s a food truck near the parking space where you can buy a hot drink.
Pro tip:
Drive along the minor road to Forest Lodge from the Bridge of Orchy Hotel for the best view of the loch. Also, you’ll see breathtaking vistas of Glencoe along the way.
Loch Eil
Address: Lochaber, UK
Operating hours: Always open
With a backdrop of the tallest Munro (Best Munros Scotland) in Scotland, Ben Nevis, you’ll have a delightful experience paddleboarding in Loch Eil. It’s found just outside of Fort William.
For a little adventure, paddle up to the famous old shipping boat, the Corpach Shipwreck on a high tide. It’s one of the country’s best-kept secrets that locals love visiting whenever they get a chance.
Pro tip:
Visit the loch around winter for stunning snow-covered mountain views of Ben Nevis.
Union Canal
Address: Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh, EH3 9QA
Operating hours: Always open
Having a total distance of 32 miles, the Union Canal starts from the heart of the capital city at Fountainbridge and ends at the Falkirk Wheel. You can paddle along the canal for free and easily without any problems.
For the most impressive view of the Almond Aqueduct, start at the west part of the canal, particularly in Ratho. It’s a quick drive from the city centre and has fewer crowds.
Pro tip:
Spring is the best time to visit the canal, especially if you’re paddleboarding in the lovely sunny weather. We also encourage you to walk around the area or ride canal boats as another way to experience our famous local canal.
Inveruglas
Address: Arrochar, G83 7DS, UK
Operating hours: Always open
Located in Loch Lomond, Inveruglas is a quiet spot for paddleboarding and boating tours. It’s found between enormous mountains, close to the local hydro station, cafe, and visitor centre.
When you reach the car park of the visitor centre, you’ll notice a floating pontoon where boats usually depart. This same spot is where you can start paddling and bask in the dramatic scenery.
Pro tip:
We highly suggest you take a break at the cafe and have some coffee and shortbread which are sold at a reasonable price. You can get a stunning view of the loch from their terrace.
If you’re up for a walk, the An Ceann Mor viewpoint is a few minutes away from the cafe.
