south west islands in uk
About Islandeering
lisa drewe author at 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 Us

We 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.

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About Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire, a stunning coastal county in Wales, offers a treasure trove of breathtaking beaches, rugged islands, and scenic coastlines, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for its extraordinary natural beauty, Pembrokeshire boasts the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, one of the UK’s most iconic coastal national parks, renowned for its diverse wildlife, including seabirds and marine life.

The region’s coast is dotted with pristine, sandy beaches like Whitesands Bay and Tenby’s South Beach, perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and water sports. Pembrokeshire also boasts some of the best paddle boarding locations in Wales.

The stunning Pembrokeshire’s islands, such as Skomer Island and Ramsey Island, are accessible via short boat trips and provide unique experiences, from witnessing the vibrant puffins and seals to exploring ancient ruins and untouched landscapes. These islands serve as crucial habitats for wildlife and offer spectacular walking trails with panoramic views of the Atlantic.

WHERE TO PADDLEBOARD IN PEMBROKESHIRE

Pembrokeshire is a playground paddleboarders. Its emerald coastal waters and incredible geology and hidden coves, estuaries, castles, lakes and more make paddleboarding here one of the top things to do in Pembrokeshire.

The Pembrokeshire coast offers some great paddleboarding routes around some of the best beaches in Wales including Barafundle, Tenby, Freshwater West, and Broad Haven to name a few. There are also some geological wonders to experience like the caves of Witches Cauldron, paddling through the eye of Needle Rock near Fishguard, the magical Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy, and the secret blue-crater near Stackpole. This county has plenty of estuaries to explore too, and one of the largest areas for estuary exploration is near Milford Haven.  With launch points from Lawrenny Quay to find the majestic Carew Castle or a classic paddle to one of the best pubs in Wales, or from Dale to paddle in The Gann. For a greater challenge there are a few Pembrokeshire islands to circumnavigate, the easiest being Ynys y Castell from the popular Pembrokeshire beach of Abercastell. Pembrokeshire also has a few inland lakes. One of the best lakes nestles within the southern slopes of the Preseli Mountains. Llys-y-Fran is a great place for learning how to paddleboard with motorhome pitches and a café. There is a lovely walking circuit of the lake too.

Here are some of the best places to paddleboard in Pembrokeshire

Paddleboard to the Witches Cauldron Wales 

Paddleboard Nevern Estuary and Cwm-yr-Eglwys 

Fishguard to Needle Rock

Paddleboard from Abercastle to circumnavigate Ynys y Castell 

Paddlebaord in the Abereiddy Blue Lagoon 

Caerfai Bay and Porth Clais 

Paddleboard in Solva 

Paddleboarding in Llys-y-Fran Lake 

Paddleboarding the Havens, Pembrokeshire 

Paddleboarding from Dale along The Gann and Watwick Beach 

Paddleboarding in West Angle Bay 

Paddleboarding from Lawrenny Quay to Cresswell Quay 

Paddleboarding from Lawrenny Quay to Carew Castle 

Paddleboarding in Broad Haven South 

Paddleboarding Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay 

Paddleboarding Freshwater East to Manorbier 

Paddleboarding Tenby to Monkstone Point 

Paddleboarding Coppet Hall to Monkstone Point 

See our interactive map for all routes in the region

ISLANDS OF PEMBROKESHIRE

 

The islands of Pembrokeshire are jewels of biodiversity and natural beauty, attracting visitors from all over to experience their unique charm. Ramsey Island, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is a haven for birdwatchers, with its cliffs teeming with breeding seabirds.

Skomer Island is internationally renowned for its wildlife, particularly the large colonies of puffins that nest in its burrows, offering a picturesque and lively spectacle. Nearby, Skokholm Island provides a more secluded experience, rich in maritime history and natural heritage, it’s a tranquil spot for those seeking a serene escape.

Gateholm Island, accessible at low tide, is a hidden gem adjacent to a fabulous swimming beach, while Grassholm Island is noted for its gannet population, being one of their significant breeding grounds in the UK. Caldey Island, known for its monastic heritage and peaceful beaches, offers a spiritual retreat amidst the Atlantic’s embrace.

Tiny yet significant, St Catherine’s Island boasts a fort with a storied military past and Ynys y Castell, emerging from the waters of Fishguard Bay, captivates visitors with its exclusivity. Each island offers unique landscapes, wildlife, and history, making Pembrokeshire’s archipelago a microcosm of adventure and discovery, ideal for explorers, walkers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. (links to each island page).

 

Where to go Paddleboarding in Pembrokeshire

We have shared some of our favourite routes below but more can be found on our Interactive Map

Walks in Pembrokeshire

We have shared some of our favourite routes below but more can be found on our interactive map.

Best things to do on Caldey Island

One of the best things to do in Tenby, Caldey Island is a serene retreat [...]

Best things to do on Skomer Island

Nestled off the stunning Pembrokeshire coast of Wales, Skomer Island captivates with its windswept cliffs, [...]