Paddle Boarding in Devon: Top 5 Locations

Ansteys Cove Torquay

This beautiful cove is located on one of the most stunning parts of the Devon Coast. At this time of year, Ansteys is quiet, tranquil, and incredibly stunning. With a small pebble beach for you to launch from, set off into the ocean and follow the rocky outcrops to the left or right for one of the most gorgeous paddle boarding experiences in Devon. This spot is most special at first and last light, you can also grab a morning coffee or evening cool one post paddle and soak in the views just a little longer at the coves café.

Location: Anstey’s Cove Rd, Torquay TQ1 2JE

Once you have arrived at the Car Park, cross the road – the cove is located by foot only, down a steep road. You may want to save some energy up for the ascent back.

Parking: Anstey’s Cove, Anstey’s Cove Road, Torquay, TQ1 2JE

Mothecombe Beach

When writing our suggestions for the top 5 locations for paddle boarding in Devon, we knew that Mothecombe was going to make the cut. This spot is located in South Devon and OH MY, it is a beauty! A short walk along a country path will find your toes on the gorgeous golden sands of Mothecombe Beach. The beach is positioned at the mouth of the Erme Estuary, huddled in a sheltered cove, catch this location during calm conditions and it feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a truly idyllic location to paddle.

Location: Mothecombe, Plymouth PL8 1LB

Beach accessible by foot, on a gravel then woodland path – a 10-minute walk.

Parking: Mothecombe, Plymouth PL8 1LB – there is a large field car park open throughout the year. There is a charge for this carpark.

The River Dart

The lower reaches of the River Dart offer some truly awesome paddle boarding in Devon. Paddle boarding is arguably one of the best ways to explore this meandering river. The best place to start is from the town of Totnes, the river then flows through a number of villages and brilliant pub stops to refresh. If you are a lover of the countryside and rolling hills then the Dart is a must SUP. The end of the journey is Dartmouth where the river opens up into the large estuary mouth. When paddling from Totnes to Dartmouth it is essential to check the tides.

Location: Longmarsh Slipway, Steamer Quay Road, TQ9 5AL

When starting in Totnes this is the best place to launch. (Totnes dries on a low so be sure to check tides)

When ending your adventure in Dartmouth, use the public slipway adjacent to the higher car ferry.

Parking: You have a few options when paddling The Dart. Preplanning and organisation is your friend, one suggestion would be to do a car shuttle and leave a car in each location. Alternatively, there are buses connecting the two locations.

Wimbleball Lake

If you love all things outdoors, then Wimbleball Lake is a must-visit for paddle boarding in Devon. Well, Mid-Devon, okay, it’s officially Somerset – but this spot ticks so many boxes for the outdoor adventurers that it just had to be mentioned. Wimbleball Lake is located just a stone’s throw from the Devon – Somerset border and drags you away from the coast and into the beautiful fertile countryside of the Exmoor National Park. The lake promotes several water sports and also encourages individuals to self-launch their own equipment. Day launch costs only £10 per craft but it’s a great spot to find your feet or just cruise about exploring the 1.51 km2 lake. If you are blessed with a beautiful clear sky during your visit, be sure to stay after dark to catch the stars. It’s an epic end to a day of paddle boarding in Devon.

Location: Wimbleball Lake, Brompton Regis, Dulverton, TA22 9NU

Parking: Wimbleball Lake, Car Park.

Burgh Island

A very well-known paddle boarding spot in Devon amongst locals and visitors, Burgh Island is known as an awesome go-to for some SUP fun. There are two main areas to launch from are; Bigbury-on-Sea main beach (a shorter paddle); or Hope Cove, a nice sheltered harbour (a longer paddle). Paddle out and adventure through the waters around the island, looking for smugglers’ caves and hidden coves. If taking the shorter route, the paddle should only take just over an hour, but allow time to stop and take in the rocky scenery.

Location: Whichever launch location you choose, Bigbury-on-Sea has public facilities and a café and Hope Cove is a small village with a handful of cafes & eateries.

Parking:

Launching from Bigbury-on-Sea; Bigbury-on-Sea Car Park, South Devon, TQ7 4AS

Launching from Hope Cove; Hope Cove Car Park, Kingsbridge, TQ7 3HN

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