About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
About Brecon & Powys
This largest county in Wales is mostly hilly and mountainous with two main rivers and plenty of inland lakes to offer a playground for the outdoor adventurer. The county includes the Cambrian Mountains, the Radnor Forest and the Elan Valley, as well as the Rivers Severn and Wye. There are too many walking and cycling routes to mention, and paddle boarding and kayaking destinations abound.
This county also includes most of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Nestled in the heart of Wales this special place captivates the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts with their rugged peaks, verdant valleys, and ancient woodlands. This enchanting national park, designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, beckons visitors with its unspoiled natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. From the towering heights of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain, to the serene waters of its mountain lakes and cascading waterfalls, the Brecon Beacons provide a diverse playground for hikers, cyclists and paddlers. Whether you’re drawn to the challenge of scaling its summits or want to explore its beautiful blue spaces there is something for everyone.
Best places to paddle board in Brecon Beacons
Paddle boarding in the Brecon Beacons National Park is very popular, with a variety of blue spaces to explore from paddling on mountain lakes, waterside camping, and canal routes and some interesting river routes to suite from beginner to more advanced paddler.
The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, is a gem of a route that winds its way along the Usk Valley and through the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This historic canal, originally constructed in the early 19th century to facilitate the transportation of coal and goods, which is navigable for 56km from Five Locks Cwmbran to Brecon offering a serene paddle, walk or cycle. With its aqueducts, charming bridges, and the occasional lock, the canal provides plenty to explore with some great pubs and cafes along the way.
Highlights include the Llangattock escarpment, a Special Site Of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the entrance to an extensive cave system; the Blaenavon World Heritage Site, which contains the Big Pit Mining Museum. There are multiple launch points and route options, we have included our favourite Monmouthshire Brecon Canal paddleboarding routes below.
The Brecon Beacons are also blessed with mountain lakes that make superb destinations for paddleboarders. Within the Brecon Beacons National Park access to the reservoirs, which are owned by Welsh Water, is only possible with a guide affiliated with the South Wales Outdoor Activity Providers Group, via the Brecon Beacons Reservoir Passport Scheme. The Passport Scheme cover the following reservoirs – Pontsticill, Pentwyn, Usk and Beacons Reservoirs.
The main providers for paddleboarding on the reservoirs is Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer – link https://dolygaeroutdoor.co.uk. Llangorse Lake is another very special lake in the Brecon Beacons. This largest lake in South Wales privately owned and, for a fee, it is a great location for paddleboarding and other watersports. Not only does it offer wonderful views of the mountains, it also boasts a crannog – an ancient artificial island settlement.
Where to paddle board in the Brecon Beacons:
Pentwyn and Pontsticill Reservoirs
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal: Pencelli to Brecon
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal: Pencelli to Talybont-on-Usk and Ashford Tunnel
You can find loads more routes on our route map or buy or Paddle Boarding Wales book for full route descriptions
Best places to Paddle Board in Powys
Powys is blessed with some great paddle boarding locations with the Brecon Beacons National Park, The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, River Wye, and Llangorse Lake. The county has many more exciting lakes too from Llyn Clywedog, a stunning reservoir secluded within the forested hills of mid-Wales to Llandrindod Lake, a family-friendly lake built for leisure, relaxation, and wellness for Victorian visitors. The jewel in the crown for paddle boarders is Lake Vyrnwy nestled in the beautiful Berwyn Mountains and famed for its fairytale tower. The River Severn running through Wales also offers a number of paddle boarding routes.
Find the best places to paddleboard Powys
River Severn Llandrinio to Crew Green
You can find loads more routes on our interactive map or buy or Paddle Boarding Wales book for full route descriptions
Where to go Paddle boarding in Brecon & Powys
You can find loads more routes on our interactive map or buy or Paddle Boarding Wales book for full route descriptions
