Paddle North Wales -
A Sea Kayaking Guide
Nick Cunliffe
This comprehensive paddling guidebook explores north Wales’ remarkable coastal environment. Covering North Cardigan Bay, the Llŷn Peninsula, Ynys Môn / Anglesey, the Conwy / Llandudno coast and the Dee estuary, here is a wealth of trip planning information for all coastal paddlers.
Each section includes detailed descriptions of classic sea kayak journeys, dynamic water venues, access points, selected landings, tidal information and weather factors. Selected points of interest add flavour and depth to this excellent paddling resource.
Latest Inspiration
Rhosneigr nestles on the SW Anglesey coast amid low-lying sand dunes, between a long series of sandy beaches and rocky reefs - a popular playground for swimmers, surfers and paddlers. Some days barely a ripple reaches the shoreline - when storms arrive, powerful waves crash onto this unprotected coastline. A fine SUP adventure would depend - like so much in life - on good timing, planning and luck!
We’re serious about safety at Paddle North Wales! We love the adventure and challenge of wind, waves and tides, but also have a humble attitude to nature’s power. We need reliable weather forecasts and tidal information to plan our paddling trips on the north Wales coastline - here are a few of our favourite sources. It’s never possible to eliminate the risks - but with quality data, a world of (safer) adventure awaits!
On Anglesey’s west coast two prominent headlands project boldly into the Irish Sea, focusing wind and tide. North and South Stack are famed for their tide races that guard access to the wild and isolated Gogarth Bay. As sea kayakers we know this place very well, but had never paddled our SUPs into this remarkable venue. We hatched a plan, and waited for the perfect day…
The Great Orme is a classic paddling adventure - a huge limestone headland projecting boldly into the Irish Sea in a committing location. Its soaring sea cliffs and wild atmosphere guarantee a memorable experience, and had been on our coastal SUP hit list for some time. A weather window opened up - we seized the day!
The South Llŷn peninsula coastline hides an overlooked section of coastline between Aberdaron and Hell’s Mouth. This is an excellent environment of cliffs, caves and secluded coves that provide wildlife haves, historic interest - and an enticing prospect for two adventurous SUP paddlers!
Newborough is beautifully located in the southern corner of Anglesey, with glorious views across Caernarfon Bay to the coastal hills of the Llŷn peninsula. Here is Llanddwyn Island - a great destination for another coastal SUP adventure!
At Carmel Head’s rocky summit a dramatic coastal vista opens up, from Mynydd Twr to Ynys Badrig.
Trearddur Bay is one of our favourite North Wales paddling venues. Rocky coves, sandy beaches and rock gardens make a great paddling playground for kayaks and SUPs.
One fine summer day, we packed our SUPs and headed off to Nefyn on the north Llŷn peninsula. We aimed to explore the bay at Porth Dinllaen and the far side of the headland - a ‘personal first’ on our paddle boards!