10 of the best UK canoeing beaches

  • Ardentinny Beach ©

    1. Ardentinny Beach

    Ardentinny Beach nestles among the trees on the western shores of Loch Long. It is a good-sized sandy beach with a beautiful backdrop and lovely views across the loch.

    Given its loch-side position the water here is very clear…

  • Stackpole Quay ©

    2. Stackpole Quay Beach

    Set along a stretch of coast best known for its beautiful sandy beaches is this hidden gem. Nestled in a gap in the wooded cliffs, this little cove is home to a small pebble…

  • Bulverhythe ©

    3. Bulverhythe Beach (Hastings)

    Like so many beaches along the Sussex coastline Bulverhythe is predominantly shingle interspersed with groynes. It is a popular spot for swimming and water sports, and there are a good number of beach huts available for hire here.

    This…

  • Baginbun ©

    4. Baginbun Beach

    Lovely secluded and sheltered sandy beach on the eastern side of Wexford's Hook Peninsula.

    The beach here is protected from the prevailing winds by low cliffs behind. The water in the bay is usually calm making it suitable for…

  • Golden Strand ©

    5. Golden Strand Beach

    Golden Strand is often considered as Dugort's other beach and is also a Blue Flag beach. The beach is located a couple of miles (3km) east of Dugort village and is also known as Barnyagappul Strand. This name harks back to the days when…

  • Porthgain Harbour ©

    6. Porthgain Harbour Beach

    The little picture perfect harbour village of Porthgain is one of the gems of the Pembrokeshire coast. Set in a sheltered inlet this was once a busy port where slate, brick and granite were shipped from the local quarry. Today the main…

  • Shell Beach ©

    7. Shell Beach

    Shell beach is located on the far side of Herm Island, just off the coast of Guernsey. A truly lovely stretch of golden sand there is always plenty of room to play, sunbathe, eat ice cream or just relax.

    The name of the beach…

  • Tresta ©

    8. Tresta Beach

    Long crescent of white sand lying in the lee of Lamb Hoga to the south. Access is easy and the beach slopes gently making swimming relatively safe. The beach backs onto a large area of flat grassland and a fresh-water loch, Papil Water.…

  • St Ouens Bay ©

    9. St Ouens Bay

    St Ouen’s Bay lays claim to being the longest beach in Jersey running the length of the island's west coast. Its local nickname is 'The Five Mile Road' with three miles of 'road' being made up of soft golden sand. The beach here is regarded…

  • Huisinis ©

    10. Huisinis Beach

    If this beach were anywhere except at the end of the road on a remote Scottish island it would be very well known indeed. As it is this small slice of coastal perfection is one of the UK's most beautiful beaches but often as not completely…