Glide worry-free at the best paddleboarding spots in Glasgow!
I didn’t plan on falling for paddleboarding. It was just something to try while I was on holiday in Hawaii, you know, one of those “might as well” moments. But once I got up on the board, I was hooked. It was calm, fun, and way more addictive than I thought!
Back in Glasgow, I was still thinking about it. So I looked around to see if there were any good spots nearby. Turns out there are plenty! You don’t need perfect weather or fancy beaches to enjoy it here.
I’ve pulled together a list of places I’ve tried myself, plus a few others I found while doing some digging. Come check these spots out if you’re keen on giving paddleboarding a try yourself.
Loch Lomond
– Photo credit: lochlomondleisure
Website: https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/
Address: Carrochan Road, Balloch G83 8EG
Contact details: +44 1389 722 600
Loch Lomond is hands down one of my favourite places to paddleboard. It’s just under an hour from the city centre, but once you’re out on the water, it feels like a proper escape.
The views are unreal, with calm stretches of water, tree-lined shores, and hills rising in the distance. I usually launch from Luss or Balloch, depending on the mood. Luss is quieter, perfect for a peaceful glide, while Balloch has a bit more buzz.
In my opinion, this spot is good for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. The water is calm in the morning, and there’s plenty of space to explore. There are even some islands in the middle of the loch you can check out!
Pro tip: No paddleboard? No problem. Loch Lomond Leisure offers rentals and guided paddle sessions, so you can show up empty-handed and still get a full experience.
River Clyde
– Photo credit: supglasgow
When I need a paddleboarding fix but don’t have the time for a full-day adventure, I head straight for the River Clyde. It’s not the most remote or dramatic spot, but that’s exactly why I love it.
The Clyde runs right through Glasgow, and it’s surprisingly peaceful once you’re out on the water. You get that satisfying mix of city views, gentle current, and just enough nature to make it feel like a proper escape.
What’s also good about it is how accessible it is. You don’t need to drive far. Just grab your board, head to the river, and you’re paddling within minutes. The current is usually gentle, so I’m pretty sure beginners won’t have a hard time here.
Pro tip: If you’re launching near the city centre, check with Peel Ports for any river traffic updates. Big boats still pass through, and it’s good to know what’s coming. Make sure to also wear a buoyancy aid and use a quick-release leash, as waves made by passing boats can surprise you.
Pinkston Watersports
– Photo credit: pinkston_watersports
Website: https://pinkston.co.uk/
Address: 75 N Canal Bank St
Contact details: +44 141 332 5636
Operating hours:
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-FRI)
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (SAT)
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (SUN)
Price: £28 per person
If you’re a total beginner who’s feeling nervous about trying paddleboarding on open water, Pinkston Watersports is a good place to start. Just five minutes from the city centre, it’s got everything you need for a relaxed and beginner-friendly experience.
The sheltered flat water basin means you won’t have to deal with tides, strong currents, or unpredictable weather. It’s a calm, controlled space where you can focus on your technique or simply enjoy the glide without any stress.
They also run paddleboarding lessons, so you’ll be able to pick things up quickly. Gear is provided, and their three-week training course gives you a solid foundation. All you need to do is show up and give it a go.
Pro tip: If you’re thinking of giving someone a paddleboarding experience, Pinkston Watersports offers gift cards that are valid for a full year. You can choose the value, and the code gets emailed straight to you, so there’s no need to head out to the shops. You can buy one from their website.
Forth and Clyde Canal
– Reel credit: water_wellness_
Website: https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/visit/canals/visit-the-forth-clyde-canal
Address: Cleveden Rd
Contact details: +44 141 354 7537
When I’m in the mood for a slow, easy paddle with no pressure and plenty of scenery, I head to the Forth and Clyde Canal. It used to be one of the city’s key routes for moving goods, but these days it’s better known for relaxed water activities.
The biggest reason why this is one of my top spots is how peaceful it feels. The water is calm, the route is long and winding, and there’s a quiet charm to paddling past old bridges, towpaths, and bits of Glasgow you don’t usually see.
From what I’ve seen so far, it’s also a good choice for beginner and casual paddlers. Most sections of the canal are well sheltered, so there’s no need to worry about sudden currents or strong winds.
Pro tip: Before paddling here, make sure to check out the Scottish Canals website for updates on lock closures or maintenance. Some sections may require a short portage, so it’s good to know ahead of time.
Also, bring a dry bag with snacks and water, as the canal is long enough that you’ll want to take your time and maybe want to stop for a break along the way.
Strathclyde Country Park
– Photo credit: itscarolannlowey
Website: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/
Address: 366 Hamilton Rd, Motherwell ML1 3ED
Contact details: +44 1698 402060
Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Strathclyde Country Park is one of those places that quietly grows on you. I first came here just looking for a new paddle spot, but it quickly became one of my regular go-tos.
The loch is wide, calm, and easy to get to, which makes it great for a relaxed paddle. There’s plenty of greenery around, and you’ll often see families walking or joggers going around the path. It’s busy enough to feel welcoming but never too crowded.
What’s also nice about this place is that the water is usually calm, much like the other spots I’ve mentioned before. That’s why I’d definitely recommend this one to beginners who are just getting into paddleboarding.
Pro tip: If you’re planning a visit, it’s best to check in with the watersports centre at the southern end of the loch. They offer paddleboarding sessions, equipment rental, and group bookings. The centre is fully licensed, so you’ll be well looked after.
Castle Semple Loch
– Photo credit: paddlefastuk
Website: https://clydemuirshiel.co.uk/park-sites/castle-semple-country-park/
Address: Lochlip Rd, Lochwinnoch PA12 4EA
Contact details: +44 300 300 0200
Castle Semple Loch is one of those places I turn to when I want a quiet paddle with no distractions. It sits in the heart of Lochwinnoch and takes about 35 minutes to reach from the Glasgow city centre. A bit of a trip, yes, but trust me, it’s worth it.
The loch itself is long and shallow, with calm water that’s ideal for taking things slow. You won’t be battling currents or dodging boats here. At most, you’ll pass a fellow paddleboarder or a kayaker who’s just as keen to soak in the scenery.
And that’s another reason why this is one of my favourite spots: the views. As part of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, this loch is surrounded by gentle hills. You’ll even spot the occasional abandoned structure that adds some character to the landscape.
Pro tip: Before you launch your board, give it a proper rinse. Castle Semple Loch can sometimes have high levels of blue-green algae, especially in warmer months. Cleaning your gear helps protect the loch from any contaminants that might be carried over from other places.
There’s a cleaning station near the visitor centre, so no excuses.
James Hamilton Heritage Park
– Photo credit: bydaniellelaverty
Website: https://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/
Address: Stewartfield Way, East Kilbride
Contact details: +44 1355 276611
Another paddleboarding spot that’s quite easy to reach is James Hamilton Heritage Park. It sits on the southern edge of the city and features a calm, compact loch where you can paddle without any surprises.
The loch covers sixteen acres and even has a small islet in the middle. Beside it is a well-kept park where I often see families, joggers, and dog walkers enjoying a quiet stroll.
Overall, the scenery here is simple and feels similar to many parks around the city. But I think that’s exactly what makes it a good paddleboarding spot, especially for beginners. Familiar surroundings help you feel more relaxed, after all.
Pro tip: There’s a cafe near the loch where you can wind down after your paddle. It’s nothing fancy, but the coffee is decent, and the outdoor seating gives you a clear view of the water. Try to go early if the weather is nice; it fills up fast.
Loch Ard
– Photo credit: martin_donald_smith
Website: https://forestryandland.gov.scot/
Address: Stirling FK8 3TG
Contact details: +44 300 067 6600
Whenever I feel like I want to forget my troubles for a moment, Loch Art is the first place that comes to mind. It’s tucked away in the Trossachs, just past Aberfoyle, and while it’s not far from Glasgow, it feels like a world away once you’re out on the water.
It has a calming atmosphere, with its glassy surface and the way the trees hug the shoreline. I usually head here early in the morning when the mist is still low. There’s something about that quiet that makes the whole experience feel personal.
In my view, Loch Ard is best suited for paddlers who have moved past the basics and are looking for more freedom. The water is deep in places, so it helps to be confident with your balance and gear before heading out too far.
Pro tip: It’s best to launch from the small beach near the Forestry and Land Scotland car park. The spot is easy to reach and tends to stay quiet in the early hours. Just remember that there are no facilities nearby, so make sure to bring everything you need and take all your belongings with you when you leave.
Black Loch
– Photo credit: henrikhook
Website: https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/black-loch
Address: Falkirk FK1 3BS
Contact details: +44 300 067 6600
If you’re looking for another paddleboarding spot that feels tucked away from Glasgow’s usual buzz, Black Loch is worth a look. It’s not as fancy and scenic as Loch Ard, but it has everything you need for a quiet day on the water.
There’s plenty of room to explore here since the loch covers around 124 acres. The water tends to stay calm, and the tree-lined edges give it a peaceful, enclosed feel. You might spot a few anglers or kayakers, but it rarely gets crowded.
Most parts of the loch are shallow, which makes it a good choice for beginners who want to ease into paddling. Just stick to the edges and wear a life jacket to keep things safe.
Pro tip: Mornings are usually best if you want glassy water and fewer people around. The loch tends to pick up a light breeze in the afternoon, which can make paddling a bit trickier, especially if you’re still getting the hang of it.