Kayaking North Wales

The natural beauty of North Wales makes it an incredible destination, with much to offer for both experienced and novice kayak enthusiasts. There are plenty of wonderful locations throughout the region which might be a great opportunity for you to try out the different types of kayaking. In this blog post, we look at where you can go kayaking in North Wales and how to make the most of it.

Where to go kayaking in North Wales

Here are some of the best places for kayaking in North Wales, sorted by the type of experience you can have:

Whitewater kayaking

Whitewater kayaking takes place on rivers, creeks, and other streams with rapids – meaning these adventures are better for experienced kayakers if you don’t have an instructor. The Llugwy and River Dee are great lower-grade introductions to North Wales’ signature rapids – while the grade III Upper Conwy and River Seiont could provide a decent challenge. For a more intense (yet rewarding) experience, you might even choose to visit the grade V Fairy Glen ravine by the Conwy.

Aqueduct kayaking

Aqueduct kayaking can bring you some of the best views in the United Kingdom – the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is an especially impressive standout, towering 126 feet above the River Dee. This offers an easy and relaxing ride with incredible scenery, which even somebody entirely new to kayaking can enjoy. The aqueduct is the longest in Wales and the entire United Kingdom, making it an ideal choice for kayakers wanting to maximise their time on the water.

Recreational kayaking

You can also get a relaxing experience on one of North Wales’ many lakes, such as Bala Lake or Llyn Padarn. For a family trip, lakeside kayaking is a great way to sample the region’s gentle, serene waters. The specific type of kayak you use for this is also wider, offering more stability to novices or youngsters. You might try recreational kayaking first to get a feel for the boat before moving onto aqueducts and whitewater.

Sea kayaking

If you’re in Anglesey, Llandudno, or another seaside part of North Wales, the open ocean could be a great spot for kayaking. These specific kayaks are designed to cut through waves and keep you safe from the sometimes-chaotic Welsh waters with the help of their long and narrow construction. If this form of kayaking sounds right for you, you might set off from Trearddur or Colwyn Bay, which are especially popular kayak zones.

Reasons to go kayaking

There are three main reasons that people choose to go kayaking in North Wales, including:

Tourism

If you’re visiting from outside the country, you might choose to go kayaking in order to see the sights. This can be with the help of a guide who understands the local area, or just your own party; though the former is often a better experience. You could embark on an aqueduct kayaking journey, which highlights the beauty of North Wales from a new angle, or whitewater kayaking to experience the rapids. So long as you pick a good spot, it’s easy for you and your group to have a great time – no matter the type of kayaking you end up going for.

Recreation

For some people, kayaking is just about relaxing on the open water; even if you enjoy the scenery, it could just be a backdrop for the fun you have. Recreational kayaking is one of the most common types of kayaking – and typically the simplest. Many kayakers aren’t looking for a challenge, instead preferring an easy-to-steer model; these are ideal for a trip with friends or family to a local North Wales lake. This type of kayaking looks at it as a social activity that lowers stress and helps you connect with nature, ensuring an easy adventure which still has some exercise benefits.

Sport

More intense kayaking experiences – such as sea kayaking and whitewater kayaking – could form the basis of a sport. Of particular note is surf kayaking, where people ride the waves with a kayak in much the same way that others would use a surfboard. If you’re kayaking as part of a group, you could even race one another from one part of the water to another, though it can be safest to keep this to gentle water such as lakes. It might be best to partake in these sports as part of a supervised class, especially if you’re new to riding a kayak.

Kayaking can be a great way to experience the aqueducts, rapids, and lakes of North Wales, as well as the Irish Sea, with incredible views and exhilarating journeys. At Ty Nant Outdoors, we offer these excellent adventures and much more – including kayaking, rafting, supping, and canoeing.

If you would like to learn more about our kayaking opportunities for individuals, groups, schools, and families, feel free to get in touch with us today