Top five summer paddles

Here’s some inspiration for summer tripping with your paddle in hand. Whether near or far, weekend break or summer retreat, these are places you won’t fail to find delightful. What are your top five places to paddle this summer? Here’s ours:

Erin Bastian, “Carrying everything we need in our sea boats allows us to escape to places that feel truly wild.”

Pristine beaches, glorious blue water, long, warm days paddling. Not the Bahamas, but the other side of the Atlantic, on Scotland’s west coast. The picture postcard village of Arisaig is the gateway to idyllic sea touring around the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck and Rùm. Corral white beaches emerge from the sea like hidden diamonds as the tide falls, and lazy seals lounge on the warm sand. Inquisitive dolphins, tasty fish and countless other marine inhabitants enjoy the crystal clear water and remote untouched shoreline. There’s no better way to explore than by kayak. There’s plenty of inspiration to be found in Simon Willis’ book Scottish Sea Kayak Trail.

Raphael Kuner, “Tantalising beaches and outcrops, and big enough for adventures.”

Hidden away in Germany’s beautiful Black Forest, the Schluchsee is an oasis of serenity, and a paddler’s dream. Originally a glacial lake, deepened and expanded to create Germany’s highest reservoir. Lakeside walking trails, access to sandy beaches on the north side and rocky outcrops make this a popular with swimmers during the summer. Not too touristy, but with plenty of cafes and camping. A fairytale lake at any time of the year. Pack an inflatable SUP to arrive by train then take a ride on the lakeside steam locomotive while you’re there.

Seppi Strohmeier, “Always wear sunscreen. Pack your sunglasses and climbing shoes.”

A marvel of nature, the Gorges du Verdon, at the western edge of the French Alps, hide a beautiful expedition in miniature for intrepid paddlers. One of Europe’s deepest gorges, the Verdon winds and tumbles its way down through the limestone landscape, even disappearing underground in places. With dark, subterranean rapids and caves to scramble through, the Verdon is one of a kind, and a challenging day out for whitewater adventurers. The bonus: it’s dam released, running throughout summer after the other alpine runs have dried up. You can search for planned water releases online. Head there even in late July or August and you’re still guaranteed a whitewater gem.

Ulrika Larsson, “Wonderful skerries as far as you can see.”

Just south of the Norwegian border, a short hop from Denmark, lies the Fjällbacka archipelago, a cluster of beautiful islands off Sweden’s west coast. It’s a wonderful destination for sea kayakers, with more pristine granite islands than you could explore in a lifetime. Minimal tidal currents, and lots of places to stop and rest make for a low stress adventure, and you’re allowed to pitch your tarp almost anywhere you want to, as long as you don’t disturb the locals (people or wildlife).

Paul Robertson, “Majestic willows and royal boat clubs. Pack your lunch in a wicker hamper and put on your straw boater.”

So much more than just London’s main waterway, the Thames flows for over two hundred miles through idyllic English countryside. Countless pubs line the banks to serve food and drinks to thirsty travellers. If you’re acrobatically inclined there are weirs and playspots to keep you entertained. Ever since Jerome K. Jerome’s classic novel Three Men in a Boat charted a waterborne trip from Kingston to Oxford, the Thames has represented the epitome of relaxed scenic boating in the english countryside. Pour some Pimms, pack a picnic, and you’re all set for a wonderful day messing about in boats. For some great paddling trips in the Thames Valley, look for Peter Knowles’ popular book Pub Paddles.