SUP’ing in Scotland – The 8 Best Spots
I’m someone who loves being outside and loves living in Scotland, that being said I have to be climbing the largest hills or doing the coolest activity for me to want to get outside, simply ‘going for a walk’ just doesn’t cut it. Unfortunately, I don’t always have the time, or motivation (I blame the cold weather for that one), to be going out doing high-adrenaline activities, which is why I love paddle boarding – I can get some fresh air, be close to the water and it doesn’t take all day or all my energy.
Scotland may be best known for its rugged mountains and ancient castles, but it also offers some of the best paddle boarding experiences you’ll find anywhere. From serene lochs to dramatic coastal waters, paddle boarding here is an accessible, tranquil adventure that gets you out and close to nature instead of being cooped up inside all day.
Here’s my 8 favourite places to paddle board in Scotland. Trust me, each location will leave you in awe.

1. Loch Tay, Aberfeldy
Surrounded my towering mountains and and thick Scottish pine forest, Loch Tay has to take first place for my favourite places to Paddleboard in Scotland. The lochs calm waters provide the perfect places for a tranquil SUP as you take in the breathtaking view of Ben Lawers – the highest peak in the area. If you have better eyes than I do (or have your contacts in) you may even be able to spot some of the local wildlife like otters and birds.
On the way back to Edinburgh, I always take the slight detour to stop at Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters – Im a strong believer that all Outdoor Adventures are made ten times better when there is a cute cafe involved. The rustic wooden aesthetic, soft lighting and earthy tones create the perfect atmosphere to warm up over a perfectly brewed coffee. The sound of the crackling fire and the smell of the freshly roasted coffee gives this cafe the perfect homely feel as you cosy up after a day in the outdoors. A must stop on any (every) adventure in the area.
Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters, Aberfeldy
Address – Dunkeld Rd, Aberfeldy PH15 2AQ
Opening Times –
Mon – Sat: 09:00am – 04:00pm
2. North Berwick, East Lothian
The seabreeze does give North Berwick a different climate to the rest of East Lothian and Edinburgh, but get the wooly hat on and North Berwick is a great location for Paddleboarding… if the sea is calm. One of my favourite paddleboarding memories was sitting on the board on the calm sees on a misty autumn day, the beach was empty and popping out from the mist was Bass Rock sitting proudly on the horizon line – a super chill, super serene and super cool day. Heading back to shore, you are met with Berwick Law overshadowing the beautiful beach-front houses.
After your SUP, enjoy a walk around the village, bursting with independently owned shops and quaint cafes. My favourite spot for a post-SUP coffee (are you noticing a theme here?) is Steampunk Coffee Roasters. For some more substantial substances, North Berwick is home to the best Fish & Chip shop in the wider area, or if you’re a bit more boujie than me, check out the Lobster Shack hidden in the corner of the harbour.
3. Gladhouse Reservoir, Midlothian

If you’re local to Edinburgh or Midlothian, Glasshouse Reservoir is such a cool hidden gem hidden within the Moorfoot Hills.
4. Glenfinnan, near Fort William
After spending 5 years living in the Scottish Highlands, I (& my friends – I can’t take all the credit) found so many cool spots to paddleboard – that probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise, the Scottish Highlands is riddled with cool spots for everything.
Just across from the famous Harry Potter bridge, is one of my favourite Paddleboarding spots. You’re surrounded by the dramatic towering peaks of the West Highlands and have a unique view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct Bridge… pretty cool if you ask me!

Check out these other cool paddle boarding spots in the area:
- Loch Linhe, Fort William
- Glencoe Lochan, Glencoe
- Gairlochy, Spean Bridge
- Morar Beach, Mallaig
5. St Mary’s Loch, Moffat
St Mary’s Loch is nestled in the beautiful Scottish Borders, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. The loch is the largest natural loch in the region, and its tranquil waters mirror the sky and hills, creating a stunning view that feels almost otherworldly. On the drive in, you pass through winding roads that cut through scenic valleys, with sheep dotting the hillsides. The area is peaceful, perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle of daily life.
I love paddleboarding at St Mary’s Loch, it always feels like a secret wee spot. The water is (mostly) super calm and smooth, making it easy to glide across and have a chilled day on the SUP. It’s definitely one of my favourite places to switch off as you’re almost guaranteed to see no one else on the water.
6. Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s most iconic lochs, surrounded by dramatic landscapes that range from towering hills to peaceful woodlands. The loch itself is vast, with over 30 islands dotting its waters, each with its own bit of charm. On a clear day, you can see Ben Lomond rising in the distance, making for a stunning backdrop for a paddle board.
7. Loch Morlich, Aviemore
Loch Morlich is a beautiful freshwater loch tucked away in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Surrounded by ancient pine forests and overlooked by the towering Cairngorm Mountains, it offers one of the most picturesque paddling experiences in Scotland. The loch has a sandy beach, giving it a unique coastal feel despite being miles inland. The calm, clear waters are perfect for paddleboarding, especially for beginners, and the breathtaking views of the mountains make every glide across the loch an adventure.
Located just outside of Aviemore is KJ’s Bothy Bakery, it’s a short drive but so worth it! They only offer a takeaway service so I recommend popping in early before they sell out, then enjoying your treats on the shore of Loch Morlich – or even on the SUP!
KJ’s Bothy Bakery, Aviemore
Address: Ind Est, 9/2 Achnagonalin, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3TA
Opening Times:
Wed – Sat: 08:00am – 03:00pm
8. Arisaig, West Coast
Arisaig, located along the stunning west coast of Scotland, offers crystal-clear waters with views of the Small Isles, like Eigg and Rum, in the distance. The coastline here is dotted with white sandy beaches and rocky coves, providing a mix of scenery that feels almost tropical on a sunny day. The water is calm and shallow in many areas, making it an excellent spot for paddleboarding, especially for those who want to explore the coastline and its hidden beaches. The peaceful waters and the feeling of paddling in such a remote, untouched location makes Arisaig truly special.
After a SUP on the sandy beaches of Arisaig, I always continue driving onwards to Mallaig, a quintessentially Scottish harbour town looking out towards the Isle of Skye. You can’t miss out on getting some fresh bread, pastries and coffee from The Bakehouse – one of my favourite spots across the whole of the Highlands! At certain times of the week they do freshly made stone baked pizza an you’d be a fool to not get one – they are seriously amazing!
The Bakehouse, Mallaig
Address – Old Quay, Mallaig PH41 4QF
Opening Times –
Tue – Sat: 08:00am – 03:00pm (Winter hours)
*Extended hours in summer
Intrepidus Outdoors is an adventure tours and outdoor experience providers, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, that specialises in private and open canyoning, coasteering, mountain biking and hill walking tours.
My Adventure Edinburgh (Part of the Intrepidus Group) is an outdoor tours provider that specialises in canyoning, coasteering, canoeing and hillwalking tours. As well as delivering these adventurous experiences across Scotland, My Adventure is also a provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions where we run bronze, silver and gold level awards for young people.
If you are looking for additional information about adventures from Edinburgh, we have published a number of blogs:
- Open Coasteering guide here
- Adventures in Edinburgh here
- A guide to Wild Swimming in Scotland here
- Eight Scottish Wonders- by Paul Lamarra here
- High and Mighty- Bouldering in Scotland here
- Top tips for backpacking Scotland here
- 6 steps to being happy like a Scot here
- You’ll never get bored in Edinburgh here
- Best Budget Hotels and Hostels Edinburgh here
- Hen Party Adventures Edinburgh: here
- Stag Party Outdoor Adventures Edinburgh Essentials: here
If you haven’t already seen it, check out the our Trip Advisor, Youtube channeland check us out on Visit Scotland.