Improving paddling access across Wales – All ability pontoons at still water locations
In 2020, Canoe Wales secured funding from the Welsh Government to install five specially designed pontoons, making paddling more accessible at various still water locations across the country. These innovative pontoons are equipped with a sliding seat mechanism, allowing paddlers to transfer into a canoe or kayak with minimal assistance.
The design ensures stability by holding the boat securely in a cradle during the transfer. Once seated, paddlers can easily pull themselves along the cradle and into the water, making the experience smoother and safer for everyone.
These installations are an important step towards inclusive access to watersports in Wales, encouraging more people to enjoy the country’s beautiful waterways.
Five pontoons have been installed across Wales and can be found at:
Llyn Padarn
The pontoon is situated adjacent to the Parc Padarn Carpark, and is access via a level and wide path. This is next to the National Slate Museum, Llanberis, Caernarfon LL55 4TY. What three words ///plots.pavilions.rats.
Llyn Padarn is a natural lake in Snowdonia with magnificent mountain views, and is very popular for watersports. Access to the water is easy, with sheltered bays which are a good location for instructing if other locations are too windy.
Access is free, but you will need to take your own boat along, Llyn Padarn is one of Canoe Wales’s promoted trails. Downloadable information is available here.
Llynau Mymbyr
The pontoon here can be found at the Plas y Brenin, National Outdoor Centre in Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed. LL24 0ET. What three words ///directs.worthy.required.
The beautiful Llynnau Mymbyr are set amongst Snowdonia’s highest mountains, with magnificent views of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the Glyders and Moel Siabod. What they lack in size they make up for in scenery.
The pontoon can be access in different ways. There is a carpark below the PYB centre that provides access to the footbridge and it is then a short walk to the pontoon. Alternatively, if you are unable to use the narrow footbridge PYB reception will provide you with a key and directions so that you can access the lakeside by driving along a forestry track.
Llyn Mymbyr is one of our short promoted trails. Downloadable information can be found here.
Llandysul Paddlers, based on the banks of the Teifi have a pontoon in their training lake.
This small lake is easily accessible being only a 100mts or so from the carpark. The path level with a good surface. Llandysul Paddlers, The Wilkes Head Square, Pont Tweli, Llandysul. SA44 4AA. What three words ///clay.newsreel.outline.
The lake is not very big but is a great a safe location for you to develop your basic skills. Paddlers with their own kit and boat are welcome to self-launch. Alternatively, Llandysul Paddlers offer guided sessions, and more information can be found here.
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan. CF64 5UY. What three words. ///crowned.flames.peanut.
A large pay and display carpark adjacent to the lake provides easy access to the pontoon. Access is available during Cardiff Canoe Club and Canoe Wales sessions. Which run from April and September. for more information see the Cardiff Canoe Club website.
Llandegfedd Lake
Llandegfedd Lake, Coed y Paen, Pontypool, Monmouthshire, Wales, NP4 0SY. What three words ///worth.dictation.onto
A large (434 acre) reservoir with an on-site Water Sports Centre.
Access is available 9am-5pm or by arrangement. Self-launch permits available online and via the Watersport Centre for individual NGB members with SUPs, open canoes, sit-on-tops and closed-cockpit kayaks (all subject to sufficient buoyancy). £10 per day / £5 per evening. Season tickets available. Paddleboards, canoes and sit-on-top kayaks also available for hire. Organised groups should contact the Water Sports Centre for details.
The centre welcomes beginners, seasoned pros and everyone in between. You can take your own kit to self-launch, get booked on a course, hire all the equipment from us or join in one of our social sessions. More information can be found on the Llandegfedd lake Website.
There is blue badge parking directly next to the centre on the lakeside. The centre and café are fully accessible and has a great view directly over the water. As well as paddlesports there are other water and land-based activities to have a go at.
