Three Scottish beaches named among best UK spots for paddleboarding this summer
With warmer weather sweeping in and paddleboards being dusted off across the country, new research has revealed the best places in the UK to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, and three Scottish beaches have made the top 10.
The analysis, conducted by outdoor experts at GO Outdoors, considered key factors such as water quality, annual sunshine hours, wind speeds, rainfall, and the availability of lessons to rank the top destinations.
Leading the Scottish entries is Wardie Bay in Edinburgh, coming in fourth place with a paddleboarding score of 8.37 out of 10 .
Tucked between Granton Harbour and Newhaven on the Firth of Forth, Wardie Bay is celebrated for its calm, sheltered waters, thanks to the nearby harbour wall.
These conditions make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders. With excellent water classification and an average annual wind speed of 8.56 metres per second, the beach also receives 1,428 hours of sunshine each year.
The bay has become a hub for Edinburgh's outdoor water lovers, home to a thriving community of wild swimmers and paddlers who gather year-round.
Easily reachable by bus and with nearby parking, it is growing in popularity as one of the city's top watersport destinations.
Further north, Cullen Beach in Moray ranks seventh overall with a paddleboarding score of 7.55 . Known for its expansive golden sands and excellent water quality, Cullen Bay is nestled beneath the iconic 'Three Kings' rock formations.
Its sheltered waters and scenic surroundings make it a favourite among wildlife watchers too, with dolphins often spotted offshore.
The beach sits below Cullen Golf Course and is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, making for an unforgettable paddle.
Free parking is available under the viaduct, with public facilities near the clubhouse and summer refreshments from an ice cream van.
The town centre also offers a selection of shops and places to eat.
Portobello Beach , also in Edinburgh, rounds out the Scottish entries at number eight, scoring 7.46 .
While its water quality is listed as 'sufficient,' Portobello's charm lies in its proximity to the capital and its sweeping views of Arthur's Seat.
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The beach offers two miles of sandy coastline and a lively promenade filled with cafés.
Located just three miles from Edinburgh's city centre, Portobello is a convenient and scenic location for paddleboarding when conditions are right, although it does not currently offer formal lessons.
Rank
Location
Local Authority
Country
Water classification
Average annual sunshine hours
Average annual rainfall (mm)
Mean wind speed (m/s) per 10m
Paddleboarding lessons
Paddleboarding score /10
1
Boscombe Pier
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
England
Excellent
1,694
919
8.36
Yes
9.73
2
River Dart
Devon
England
Good
1,729
901
8.35
Yes
8.82
3
Whitby
North Yorkshire
England
Excellent
1,567
906
9.41
Yes
8.73
4
Wardie Bay
City of Edinburgh
Scotland
Excellent
1,428
933
8.56
Yes
8.37
5
Cotswold Water Park
Cotswolds
England
Excellent
1,514
790
9.98
Yes
8.00
5
Marazion Beach
Cornwall
England
Good
1,753
1,003
8.50
Yes
8.00
7
Cullen Beach
Moray
Scotland
Excellent
1,455
1,005
9.73
Yes
7.55
8
Portobello Beach
City of Edinburgh
Scotland
Sufficient
1,428
933
7.60
No
7.46
10
Swansea Bay
Swansea
Wales
Good
1,573
1,334
8.30
Yes
7.45
With a more modest wind speed of 7.60 m/s, it provides a calmer paddling environment, especially for those looking to stay closer to shore.
England's Boscombe Pier in Bournemouth claimed the top spot with a near-perfect score of 9.73 , boasting excellent water quality, paddleboarding lessons, and ideal wind and sunshine conditions.
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