I’ve been unsuccessful in getting out on my board over the last few months. So I’ve been looking back and decided to write about paddle boarding to compensate…or try!
I looked back on a trip I took in September 2019 to Somerset. With spring here and summer around the corner I thought this would be a good time to share some of my experiences with others.
I found Somerset a beautiful and very open stretch of coastline. What I loved more was the accessibility to the sea. I found parking and pumping up no trouble at all. With a parking spot right on the beach there was very little walking carrying my board. Also, I do love the coast as it is more accepting of water sports/activities in general. I didn’t feel intimidated blowing up my board on my own once. (I have found in more built up/city areas that I can cause a stare or two).
The water here was not the clearest I’ve seen, there is a lot of churn here. This is the Bristol Channel where the River Severn discharges into the sea.
This stretch of coast has a very high tidal range. Please take this into consideration when planning your adventures. Make sure you ‘check before you travel paddle’!
There where so many places/little coves and bays to choose from, I couldn’t paddle them all. Others included Blue Ancher, Watchet and Kilve. The list below are a few of the places you could choose from;
Minehead
I found myself parking on the road off the promenade for this paddle. This was great as I went so early in the morning, before the parking charges kicked in. I am sure there are carparks near, but nothing is as close as the parking at the promenade, hoping over the wall and and landing right on the beach.
This was a great ocean paddle with views of the Minehead harbour and beach front, just ignore the giant tent that is the Butlins park.
If you don’t own our own board or you are fancying a group paddle. There is a company called Channel Adventures running group sessions and board hire from the beach front.
Dunster beach
For a quieter paddle, I preferred Dunster Beach. Situated at the end of a road with no where to go but the beach, this is a perfect spot for some tranquillity. There is a beach hut/log cabin holiday park on the front but no other houses around.
I found the tide here extremely strong, so please do check tide times, I got caught out and found myself paddling pretty hectically on my knees to return.
There is also a quaint Kiosk here selling coffee and amazing ice cream for a well deserved after paddle treat.
To note; at Dunster Beach, you have to pay for parking.
Porlock
Due to weather conditions I was unable to paddle at Porlock Weir. This place was on my radar way before my trip making it worth a mention here as the location is stunning. With a quaint village, harbour and pebbly beach it makes for a impressive coastal paddle.
Here there is a company called Exmoor Adventures running excursions and lessons right from the bay. They do guided trips up the River Horner and into the very unique salt marshes.
Because of it’s extensive beach, you can easily go paddling solo here without an organised trip or company, if solitude is what you are after.
Let me know your favourite spots to paddle on the Somerset coast!
Ness x
Ness' bit of everything 
One thought on “Paddle boarding on the Somerset Coast”