I love paddleboarding. There’s nothing like a day on the water to blow the cobwebs away! I’m lucky enough to call Wales home and so when I’m not busy working at Baa Stool (more on that later), or running Baa Skool I like to get out on the water whenever I can. And these are my 8 great places that I love to paddleboard in North Wales.

1: West Shore, Llandudno

It may not sound particularly exotic to you, but the West Shore of Llandudno is one of my favourite paddleboarding spots.  Even as early as 1861, Llandudno was known as “the Queen of the Welsh Watering Places”. But for me, it’s the “Queen of the Welsh Paddleboarding Places”! With the impressive Great Orme looming overhead, it’s a glorious stretch of coastline to view from the sea. I like to paddle right around the headland, past the huge houses on ‘Millionaire’s row’ often to be greeted by seals, basking sharks and a multitude of seabirds. Paddleboarding is a wonderful way to see a location from a completely different perspective.  At high tide the beach gently slopes making it perfect for beginners, in calm weather of course. 

For those of you who don’t want to venture into the sea, Llandudno has many attractions to offer, including the long, Grade II listed pier, which opened originally in 1877 and forms a striking silhouette against the town’s picturesque seafront, the Great Orme tramway and cable car, to the Bronze Age copper mines, and even the ‘Venue Cymru’ theatre.

We usually finish off a visit with a trip to Enoch’s for the best fish and chips!

2: Conwy

This is another favourite place of mine. After an exhilarating time paddleboarding with the tide up the estuary and around the array of fishing boats moored in the harbour, I like to explore the quirky, historical town.

Built by Edward I in the late 13th century as part of his conquest of Wales, Conwy Castle is the obvious place to visit. It towers above the town, dark and oppressive – but fascinating too. But there’s so much more to Conwy than the castle. Possibly the best-preserved Elizabethan townhouse in the UK, ‘Plas Mawr’, can be found here. There’s also ‘Aberconwy House’, which is a 14th-century merchant’s house. You can explore the Conwy suspension bridge and toll house, or you can enjoy a stroll around the old town walls. Add to this galleries, art shops and ice-cream parlours, and you have the makings of a perfect day out.

If you love to cook then you can buy fresh mussels down at the harbour, or enjoy them at Dylan’s on the High Street.

It’s only an hour from Denbigh so we can drive home but when we do stay we prefer the quirky and eclectic style of Number 18.

 3: Newborough Beach, Anglesey

This is a breathtaking spot. The miles of golden sand bring me back here time and again to walk my dogs. It’s a wonderful place! Situated on the west coast of Ynys Môn (Anglesey), the beach provides stunning views of Eryri (Snowdonia) and Pen Llŷn (the Llŷn Peninsula). On a clear day, it feels like you can see forever! And if you head towards Ynys Llanddwyn Island (though you’ll have to do this out of season if you have dogs with you), you’ll be in for a real treat. This rocky, volcanic outcrop gets cut off at high tide, so make sure you time your trip well. At low tide, you can venture onto this small nature reserve and visit the ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church. St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and Welsh people celebrate her day – 25th January – instead of St Valentine’s Day. On the island, you’ll also find the old pilots’ cottages, two stone crosses and a small lighthouse. In the spring, the wildflowers are superb. This is truly a magical spot to paddleboard.

4: The Menai Strait

This paddleboarding experience is not for the faint-hearted or beginners. Known for its whirlpools and rapids, the water that flows between the Ynys Môn and mainland Wales – i.e., the Menai Strait – can be very turbulent. If you want dramatic views and an experience that you’ll always remember, then this location must be included on your paddleboarding list. There’s no greater pleasure than exploring the waters near Thomas Telford’s suspension bridge or paddling under the mighty Britannia Bridge. You can also paddle around the little church on the island near Menai Bridge town, or continue down the strait passed the National Trust’s stately mansion called ‘Plas Newydd’. On a warm, summer’s day, you really can’t beat this sensational location.

 5: Llyn Padarn, Llanberis

The town of Llanberis, found 17 miles from Betws-y-Coed and 8 miles from Caernarfon, is usually thought of as the gateway to Mount Snowdon, as you can begin your ascent – either by train or on foot – of Wales’s highest mountain here. The town is a real centre for outdoor pursuits and you’ll come across people walking, climbing, pony-trekking and mountain-biking in the glorious and rugged landscape of Snowdonia or ‘Eryri’. But there are also water sports that take place on Llyn Padarn, and that’s where you’ll find me!

On a still day, paddleboarding on this lake is like floating on a mirror. The blue sky and clouds seem to float beneath you as you paddle along. It’s so calming.  Great for beginners with protected shallow inlets and plenty of local accommodation Llyn Padarn is one of the most popular paddling locations in North Wales, famous for its small tree that grows out of the water, the lake is a photographer’s paradise too. If you want peace and tranquillity, look no further.

 6: Rhos-on-Sea Promenade

The town of Rhos-on-Sea is a seaside resort on the North Wales coast, not far from Llandudno. On the hill overlooking the town, you’ll find the remains of a hillfort called ‘Dinerth’ and a limestone quarry. The eye-catching Llandrillo yn Rhos Church is also well worth a visit; the oldest parts of the church date back to the 15th century. However, you’ve guessed it, you’ll find me out on the sea! I love paddleboarding here because it gives you a completely different view of the North Wales coastline. Not only that, far out in the Irish Sea, you can see the gigantic wind turbines (each measuring 150 metres in height!) of the ‘Gwynt y Môr’ offshore wind farm. It’s the fifth largest operating wind farm in the world! Then, when I paddle back to shore to get warm again, there are many lovely cafés tucked away in the town’s streets, and an amazing ice cream shop!

 7: Llangollen Canal

Another dreamy place for paddleboarding is on the canal at Llangollen. Great practice for beginners, as the water is calm and flat. Enjoy drifting along the still waters, passing under low canal bridges, and heading out into the beautiful countryside of Denbighshire. And, when you’ve had enough, paddle back to the lovely town of Llangollen, famous for its festival of culture, the International Eisteddfod, and home to many cafés, pubs and shops. There’s always something going on this pretty town. For experienced paddleboarders looking for adventure this canal provides an opportunity for an A – B trip to Chester over several days staying in canal-side B&B’s. 

 8: Llyn Tegid, Y Bala

A stunning place to paddle, especially on a calm day when the lake is like glass and paddling is like a meditation.  Get there early and park up for the day.  The town of Y Bala in Gwynedd is situated at the northern end of the largest lake in Wales. It’s a pretty town with stone-built houses and a thriving farming community. Also, a little-known fact is that Betsi Cadwaladr, the nurse who worked alongside Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War, originated from Y Bala.

Llyn Tegid is a glacial lake and is 3.7 miles long. Although it’s a natural lake, it’s managed as a reservoir, but sailing, canoeing and paddleboarding still take place on the water.

The lake is full of different kinds of fish, including pike, perch, trout and roach. But the critically endangered ‘gwyniad’ is a fish that’s unique to this place only.

Surrounded on all sides by rolling hills, the beauty and serenity of Llyn Tegid can make you lose yourself in the wonders of nature.

I take my campervan to Pant Yr Onnen campsite which is right on the shores of Llyn Tegid making it the perfect spot for a watery weekend.

 9: Bonus day Out

An alternative to Paddleboarding… Looking for a day out that’s hands-on, full of laughs and just a little bit fluffy? Join us at Baa Skool in the heart of Denbigh, North Wales, for a laid-back afternoon of creativity and cuppas as you make your very own sheepskin footstool. You’ll start the day with a brew and a warm welcome from me the Head Shepherd Michelle, before diving into the world of Baa Stool with our brilliant Workshop Manager Sanna. She’ll guide you through the making process step-by-step – no sewing or upholstery skills needed, just a willingness to have a go and enjoy yourself. You’ll handpick your sheepskin from our huge range of colours, choose your exact rug, and craft a Marjorie-style stool (or upgrade to another style on the day). Everything’s included, from tools to treats, and you’ll leave with your own handmade creation ready for its moment in the spotlight in your home. Workshops run from 1pm to around 4pm-ish, with light refreshments provided – and plenty of sheepy puns along the way.

Baa Stool Handcrafted Award Winning Sheepskin Furniture That’s BAA -eautiful!