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 Cardiff
Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is a vibrant place to paddleboard and an ideal launchpad for exploring two nearby islands. Cardiff’s main attraction for water-lovers is Cardiff Bay, a 200-hectare freshwater lake formed by the confluence of the Taff and Ely rivers. Sheltered from the torrid waters of the Bristol Channel by the Cardiff Barrage, this bay offers smooth, clam waters—ideal for beginners and families to hone their paddleboarding skills.
Not only is Cardiff Bay a haven for paddleboarders, it also serves as the gateway to the thrilling rib-ride to explore the nature-rich Flat Holm Island. At the southern end of the Bay, Penarth Marina provides excellent access to Cardiff Bay or the opportunity to venture upstream along the scenic River Ely or River Taff. It is also the location of Cardiff International White Water Centre, a mecca for white water lovers, paddleboarding, kayaking and white water rafting on its turbulent waters – or to take paddleboarding lessons.
Just a stone’s throw from Penarth, the low-tide walk to Sully Island offers another great outdoor adventure. Inland from Cardiff reveals hidden paddleboarding gems like Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, a watersport and wildlife mecca. Overall Cardiff is a great destination for outdoor adventures, with plenty of coastal walks, cycling routes and blue spaces to play.
WHERE TO PADDLEBOARD IN CARDIFF
Paddleboarding in Cardiff Bay offers a unique perspective of Cardiff’s vibrant waterfront the striking architecture of Mermaid Quay. There is also a wildlife reserve on the way. Equally fun for paddling are the two rivers that flow into Cardiff Bay. Along the River Taff the urban sprawl melts into green parklands on a trip from Penarth Marina past the spiritual home of Welsh Rugby Union at Cardiff Arms Park, to the wooded banks of Bute Park and Sophia Gardens further upstream.
Another paddling trip on the River Taff, starts further upstream at Radyr Weir and passes beneath the fairytale turrets of Castell Coch. Cardiff’s other river, the River Ely, offers tranquil paddling even on windier days. Inland, Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoir, are very popular with paddleboarders, swimmers and kayakers alike as well as with nature lovers who flock there to see overwintering birds or the rare waxcap fungi. Furter west along the coast from Cardiff, Barry Island makes a great destination with three very different bays to explore, from a peaceful Jackson’s Bay, colourful Whitmore Bay, and on to Barry’s Old Harbour and across Watch House Bay.
Here are some of the best paddleboarding routes in Cardiff
Paddleboarding in Barry Island
Paddleboarding on the River Taff
Paddleboarding on the River Taff and Castel Coch
Paddleboarding on Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoir
BEST ISLANDS TO EXPLORE NEAR CARDIFF
Cardiff’s coastline includes a couple of islands that are well worth a visit.
Flat Holm Island is reached by a fast RIB ride from Mermaid Quay across the Bristol Channel. It is known for its rich history, lighthouse, isolation hospital, and a well-preserved Victorian military barracks. The island also boasts diverse wildlife, including seabird colonies and rare plants, as well as a popular island inn. For information on how to visit Flat Holm Island, the best things to do on Flat Holm Island, accommodation on Flat Holm Island and more please visit our Flat Holm Island page – link to island page
Sully Island, slightly west of Penarth, is an uninhabited island reached by leaving the Wales Coast Path to walk at low tide across a causeway. Once there, it’s a great place to chill out and enjoy the views across the Bristol Channel and explore a bit further by walking around the whole island. For information on how to walk to Sully Island, tide times and more please visit our Sully Island page.
Where to go Paddle boarding around Cardiff
We have shared some of our favourite routes below but more can be found on our interactive map
Paddle boarding in Cardiff Bay
Enjoy a unique perspective of Cardiff’s vibrant waterfront and paddle past striking architecture, historic landmarks, and a wildlife reserve.
Walks around Cardiff
We have shared some of our favourite routes below but more can be found on the interactive map
What to see on Ramsey Island
Nestled in the Bristol Channel, just a short boat trip away from the Welsh coast, [...]
Apr
Things to do and see on Flat Holm
Nestled in the Bristol Channel, just a short boat trip away from the Welsh coast, [...]
Apr
