Best glamping places for paddleboarding

Bijou but beautiful, Tiny Home Borders packs a punch in the style stakes and boasts its own private lochan (small loch) with two paddle boards provided. In blissful Scottish seclusion it’s the perfect place for beginners to have a go at SUP without anyone around to count the number of times you fall in. In these still waters, you’ll be an expert in no time although the red deer that meander past might distract you. When you start to shiver, hop out and head to the wood-fired hot tub on the deck for a long, relaxing soak before whipping up a feast in the pizza oven. There are several nature walks from the door, either through the farm, into the woods, along the river or in the hills so try them all and pick your favourite. If you fancy a different sort of walking companion, head to Rulewater Alpacas for a stroll with one of the boys.

Luxurious, light-filled Tinkers Treehouse in East Sussex is conveniently close to Bewl Water Reservoir, the largest stretch of open water in the South East. PTP Coaching offers paddleboard hire for two and four-hour sessions so you can perfect your technique in stunning surroundings. The whole 800-acre site, including the reservoir and Downash Wood, is an AONB in the heart of the High Weald. When you’re not messing about on the water, try cycling the 12.5 mile route around the reservoir, walk through the trees at Bedgebury National Pinetum or swing through them at Go Ape. At the end of each exhilarating day, flutter up to your leafy palace for a long soak under the rainfall shower, a glass of wine on the deck and marshmallows toasted over the firebowl.

When you fling open the door of your shepherd’s hut to reveal sweeping views across a remote Scottish glen, you know you’ve hit the glamping jackpot. Bruadar means ‘a dream’ in Gaelic and this romantic off-grid spot certainly feels unreal in its beauty and seclusion. There’s a meandering river on the horizon where you can go for a wild swim or if you'd rather stay on top of the water, there’s paddleboarding and kayaking at the atmospheric Backwater Reservoir a mile away. A little further afield, the spectacular Cairngorms offer endless hiking and climbing adventures, as well as skiing in the winter. For a dash of culture, head to Highland Boundary to try their wild botanical spirits and liqueurs, explore Glamis Castle immortalised by Shakespeare in Macbeth or visit the V&A Dundee.

With its idyllic English riverbank setting and vibrant Moroccan style, little Myrtle shepherd’s hut has been designed to delight the senses. It’s perched on the banks of the Wye, a paddleboarding hotspot in Herefordshire. From this peaceful spot it’s a 20-minute drive to Yofi Paddle Sports at Ye Old Ferrie Inn, where you can book SUPs by the hour or do a half-day canoeing trip taking in the sights of the beautiful Wye Valley. In this AONB you’re close to the picturesque towns of Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye and near the National Trust hiking trail that leads up Skirrid Mountain, but if you’d rather unwind at your tranquil retreat there’s still plenty to do. Go for a dip in the cool water with the ducks and otters, have leisurely games of tennis and whip up al fresco feasts on the BBQ.

When you’re in the Lake District, a sparkling body of water is never far away – the clue’s in the name. From Hinterlandes, the best place to head is Derwent Water Marina, a 20-minute drive away where you can paddleboard, sail, windsurf and canoe against a spectacular backdrop of Cumbrian peaks. Luxurious Hansel cabin is within easy reach of popular walks, lakes and towns, but in its peaceful spot perched in an ancient woodland, it feels a world away from civilization. Lose hours reading on the daybed next to the huge panoramic window and soaking in the outdoor tub with views of the craggy fells. If you’re too relaxed to cook dinner, mouth-watering hampers can be ordered from the owners.

If you’ve brought your own SUP you can launch from the deck at The Floathouse Amelie, a houseboat gently bobbing on the estuary near Falmouth. If you’d rather someone else took the lead, head to Gylly Beach, a ten-minute drive away, where Gylly Adventures offer paddle boarding lessons and tours around Falmouth. On the same stretch of beach, WeSUP specialise in SUP lessons, tours and group experiences. The water will play a starring role in your glamping getaway — evenings are made for leisurely drinks on the deck watching the light change over the Penryn River and there’s a rowing boat you can use to explore the nature reserve further down. Look out for the resident seals and wading birds or have a go at crabbing with the lines provided on board. If your stomach starts to rumble, Muddy Beach Café is right next to the barge and a popular spot for breakfast and lunch.