River Hamble, Southampton

The River Hamble is the home of British yachting – and you paddle past outstanding yachts in Swanwick Marina. It’s recently become a hotspot for SUP, too. On the river, you’re surrounded by countryside and a vast array of wildlife which you can see from your board.

Start next to the slipway at Swanwick Marina. Here, you can hire a board from The Paddle Centre which sits on the bank. A great route is to the Horse and Jockey pub and back, which is 3.4 miles each way. But make sure you check the tide beforehand.

From the slipway, travel North along the river to the Hamble, past Swanick Marine, under a road bridge, and continue to the tranquil countryside. At the first meander is Manor Farm Pontoon, where you can stop for lunch at a picnic bench. Continue North and fork right to Curbridge Creek. You reach the Horse and Jockey pub where you can stop for a drink. Then head back the way you came.

At this point, we should warn you that the Hamble is extremely busy with commercial and leisure shipping, so keep an eye out for this.