Author

Neil Heath, Senior PR & Communications Officer at Paddle UK

The challenge was to travel from Nottingham to the English Riviera car-free with a SUP, along with other luggage, for a two-night stay. How difficult would it be? Paddle UK’s Neil Heath went to find out.

Going paddling without a car, and using public transport, on a local level, can be done fairly easily.

But travelling 230 miles (370 km) from the East Midlands to South Devon? 

I decided to take Decathlon’s inflatable SUP, which is lightweight (8kg) and folds up neatly in the backpack. 

It’s ideal for public transport. My journey would entail a bus and three trains, and some walking.

I strapped the paddle to the side of the bag and packed a small suitcase for my kit and clothes that I could wheel behind me.  

Benefits of Going Car-Free:

• Directly contributes to lowering carbon emissions.

• Reduces traffic stress and increases physical activity.

• Saves money on fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

• Allows for a slower, more intentional pace, taking in views of the countryside and sea

I woke at 5am so I could be in Torquay for lunchtime and ready for an afternoon paddle.

I caught a bus into Nottingham, and after getting off, I walked for 13 minutes to Nottingham Station.

Carrying the SUP felt comfortable. You wouldn’t want to run a marathon with it, but short distances are fine.

My main concern was being on a crowded train and having no space for the SUP and my luggage.

I caught the train to Derby at 6:45, and it was quiet, thankfully. However, the number of commuters grew as I waited for the 7:20 to Exeter St Davids.

The route takes in Birmingham, Cheltenham and Bristol, so the train was packed.  

I managed to squeeze the SUP and my case into the small luggage compartment and sat close by.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to sit with the kit near the toilets.

It was about 3 hours to Exeter St Davids, where I alighted, and then I boarded the train to Torquay at 11am.

This was the bit of the journey I was looking forward to the most.

The route runs alongside the River Exe and gives you fantastic views of the tidal streams and mudflats.

You get to see some of the Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve before the track veers right and runs alongside Dawlish Warren Seaside.

I wouldn’t have got these views of the sea in a car journey.

I arrived at Torquay station at 11:35am following a comfortable and stress-free journey, ready for a paddle.

Downsides of Going Car-Free:

• Trains and buses are not always on time or quiet with passengers

• You are potentially a walking hazard with all the kit, especially if it's congested

• The cost. Car fuel for the journey cost about £100, but the train ticket itself (one way) was £130.

• You’re limited to where you want to go without a car

My first impressions of paddleboarding in Torquay

After leaving the station, the beach was only a 10-minute walk away. I could have easily jumped on the paddleboard there and then.

However, I wanted to drop off my luggage beforehand.

This was my first time in Torquay. My first impressions were that it was welcoming, clean and elegant. I couldn’t wait to explore.

I paddled from Meadfoot Beach to Torre Abbey Sands, and it was absolutely delightful.

You get to fully appreciate the amazing rock formations, as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, while paddling.

My highlight was paddling through London Bridge – a natural arch in the sea (pictured at the top). 

The water was calm, and the people I met along the way said ‘hello’. 

In the evening, I enjoyed exploring the harbour area, taking in a wonderful sunset. 

The next day, I headed over to Brixham and took in the calmness of Fishcombe Cove.

It was particularly beautiful and quiet. I had fun bobbing around on my paddleboard, enjoying the view.

Goodrington Sands was also a lovely beach to visit. 

The sea felt too rough for paddleboarding that day, and so I walked along the South West Coast Path before taking the steps down to Saltern Cove and exploring the rock pools.

I had a wonderful three days in the English Riviera before heading home, but not before planning another visit.