Go kayaking in Gloucestershire and have a pleasant paddle out on the waters of a rather special place! It’s the perfect chance to give the ever-popular paddle sport of kayaking a go.
Not far from the Welsh border at Chepstow you’ll find Tidenham Quarry. After being mined for limestone the big hole was flooded and the lake was created in 1996. By 2003 it had become a centre for watersports. Nowadays there’s an expansive programme of activities both on land and water a superb cafe and restaurant called The View on site camping and good changing/shower facilities for guests too.
Looking out from the man-made pontoons it’s certainly an impressive site with steep rocky sides and trees overhanging at the top. This quarry is big and the water is an incredible colour almost an azure blue. Hard to believe you’re actually just off the A48 near Chepstow rather than kayaking along somewhere rather more tropical!
We have to say there’s a knack to kayaking but one of the centre team will be dockside to get you started. In a kayak you sit up straight with your legs stretched out in front of you and your feet pressing against the foot supports. You’ll also be shown how to hold the paddle. Simple as it sounds this is often where beginners go wrong as there is a front and back and a top and bottom to a paddle!
Get it right and you’ll find with each stroke you power rather efficiently through these calm quarry waters and off you go on a tranquil little kayaking adventure of your own.
We are offering two hour sessions kayaking at this Gloucestershire centre. You can buy individual vouchers or go for a family pass which is valid for two adults and two children. It’s a great place for all the family to get active and get out on the water kayaking together – with the reward of a stop off at the View restaurant with panoramic vistas of the quarry afterwards!
