Cotswolds Paddleboarding Weekend

Overnight Expedition

Please note: This trip will not be available in 2025, but stay tuned for future adventures!

〰️

Please note: This trip will not be available in 2025, but stay tuned for future adventures! 〰️

  • Paddleboarding

    Challenge yourself with your first overnight SUP expedition!

  • Escape the City

    Reconnect with nature and explore a beautiful countryside location

  • Meet New Friends

    Meet like-minded women! 95% of our guests join solo

  • Camping

    Wild-ish camping where you can unplug and reconnect with nature!

Join Gutsy Girls for a paddleboarding weekend adventure, paddling over 43km of the UK's most stunning waterways. Glide through serene canals and tackle exciting river rapids, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Cotswolds. As the sunsets, we'll set up camp at a private paddock, for an overnight camping experience. Our boards will be packed with all the necessary gear for this expedition-style weekend, including stops for refreshments and cake along the route.

This adventure is ideal for those with some paddleboarding experience. Our expert guides are here to enhance your skills and boost your confidence on the water, ensuring a comfortable and empowering experience for all. No prior camping experience is needed! We provide lightweight bivouacs for a night outdoors, so just bring your sleeping bag and embrace the spirit of adventure for a truly memorable paddleboarding weekend in the UK.

Activities

  • The Adventure

    is SUP weekend is specifically designed for paddlers with some prior experience. Due to the challenging nature of covering over 43km in just two days, it is not suitable for complete beginners. If you have never been on a board before, we strongly recommend that you undertake at least a couple of lessons to prepare for this adventure.

    Over these two days, you will journey through some of the UK's most scenic waterways, supported by expert guidance and coaching. We provide top-quality gear to ensure your experience is as rewarding as possible. Join us to enhance your paddling skills in a supportive and breathtaking environment.

  • Camping

    Our overnight camp offers a ‘wild-ish’ camping experience in a private paddock next to quiet, self-catering log cabins. The exclusive bivvi site, in a separate, completely screened part of the property, provides flat, grassy terrain and a covered cooking area. Surrounded by trees, low hedges, and a brook, it offers complete privacy with only rabbits and swallows as neighbors.

    Embracing a minimalist and lightweight approach, you’ll be bivvy-ing overnight, sleeping directly under the stars and connecting with nature. You’ll have toilet facilities, running water, a sleeping mat, a bivouac (waterproof cover for your sleeping bag), and an optional tarp for overhead shelter. New to this type of adventure? Don’t worry! We’re here to provide all the help and support you need.

  • Community

    Gutsy Girls is an incredibly friendly, inclusive and supportive community of like-minded women. We’re all about encouraging you to reconnect with nature - and yourself in the process - by nurturing confidence and self-growth in the outdoors at your pace, whatever your ability or background.

    Most of our guests join Gutsy Girls’ adventures solo, and they leave with new, meaningful friendships!

The Adventure

This SUP weekend is specifically designed for paddlers with some prior experience. Due to the challenging nature of covering over 43km in just two days, it is not suitable for complete beginners. If you have never been on a board before, we strongly recommend that you undertake at least a couple of lessons to prepare for this adventure.

Over these two days, you will journey through some of the UK's most scenic waterways, supported by expert guidance and coaching. We provide top-quality gear to ensure your experience is as rewarding as possible. Join us to enhance your paddling skills in a supportive and breathtaking environment.

Camping

Our overnight camp offers a ‘wild-ish’ camping experience in a private paddock next to quiet, self-catering log cabins. The exclusive bivvi site, in a separate, completely screened part of the property, provides flat, grassy terrain and a covered cooking area. Surrounded by trees, low hedges, and a brook, it offers complete privacy with only rabbits and swallows as neighbors.

Embracing a minimalist and lightweight approach, you’ll be bivvy-ing overnight, sleeping directly under the stars and connecting with nature. You’ll have toilet facilities, running water, a sleeping mat, a bivouac (waterproof cover for your sleeping bag), and an optional tarp for overhead shelter. New to this type of adventure? Don’t worry! We’re here to provide all the help and support you need.

Community

Gutsy Girls is an incredibly friendly, inclusive and supportive community of like-minded women. We’re all about encouraging you to reconnect with nature - and yourself in the process - by nurturing confidence and self-growth in the outdoors at your pace, whatever your ability or background.

Most of our guests join Gutsy Girls’ adventures solo, and they leave with new, meaningful friendships!

Location

We’ve chosen Bath and the Cotswolds for its stunning landscapes and its super accessibility via public transport!  Our meeting point is just an 8 minute walk from Bath Spa train station with frequent trains from London and many other UK train stations.

What to Expect

This trip is rated moderate. A good to high level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the experience.

Required Experience: You must have paddleboarded before, having had a formal lesson from a SUP instructor. You should feel confident in your ability to paddleboard all day

Duration: Gear up for 6-8 hours of paddling each day.

Distance: On day 1, expect to paddle up to 20 km, followed by up to 23 km on day 2.

Loaded Board: Your board will carry all essentials, which adds weight to the board and will increase the effort needed to make progress.

Portages: You will be required to carry your board and all kit at times to cross locks and weirs.

Consecutive Days: Prepare for 2 consecutive days of paddling, which may be physically challenging!

Camping: Experience a night under the stars, sleeping in a bivvy and under a tarp in a semi-wild campsite. Toilets are available but no other luxuries.

  • We will meet at 9am at Bath Outdoors, in Bath. Here we’ll pack our bags and get ready for our adventure:

    Bath Outdoors

    Unit 8

    Broadway Court

    Miles Street

    Bath

    BA2 4HX

    It’s an 8-minute walk from Bath Spa train station, so you can catch a morning train from London Paddington and many other UK train stations.

    Check out our full FAQs for parking and travel information.

  • You can travel to Bath by train from London and many other UK towns and cities. We meet an 8 minute walk from the station.  

  • It’s worth considering that the more you bring, the heavier and bulkier your kit and harder it will be to portage (carry around locks and other obstacles). The key is finding the balance between comfort and necessity. Please check the weather forecast for Bath close to your departure to help with your packing!


    We provide:

    • Stand Up Paddleboard

    • Paddle

    • Waist leash

    • PFD (Personal floatation device)

    • 22 litre and 13 litre dry bags (This will be enough space to carry a change of clothes and a few extra warm clothes for the evening and night time, some toiletry essentials and your camping equipment. Lightweight is the name of the game though!)

    • Sleeping mat

    • Bivvy bag and tarp

    • Camp cooking equipment

    • Spork

    • Collapsible cup

    • Dinner and breakfast expedition meals

    You will need:

    • Warm, lightweight sleeping bag (2 or 3 season) -bulky and heavy sleeping bags can be a challenge to carry

    • Camping pillow (optional - you can make one with a stuff sack full of soft things you’re not wearing)

    • Eye mask and earplugs (optional)

    • Warm dry clothes for the evening and overnight 

    • Lightweight warm coat (down or synthetic)

    • Additional dry bags (optional - in case you want to double wrap your dry kit)

    • Warm hat

    • 2 x 750 ml Water bottles or 1.5 litre hydration pack (there are numerous places to fill up en route)

    • SUP clothing: sportswear which is fast drying and suitable for the weather conditions, with a change of clothes with you in case you fall in! 

    • We will paddle in trainers, wetsuit booties, watershoes or barefoot. You will need to bring shoes with you on the board for the portages - neoprene boots, trainers or outdoor sandals; no neoprene socks!

    • Gloves for paddling (optional)

    • Waterproof jacket (waterproof trousers if the forecast looks wet!)

    • Basic toiletries

    • Sun screen

    • Sunglasses (with floating strap!)

    • Prescription medication

    • Insect repellent

    • Electrolytes (if hot)

    • Flip flops (for the evening)

    • Cash - there is the odd pub, cafe or farm shop en route. You will need cash as well as a card due to some of the more remote locations only taking cash.

    • Headtorch

    • Penknife (optional)

    • Lighter / fire steel (optional)

    • Packed lunch for both days. Make sure that your day 2 lunch does not need refrigerating as you'll be carrying it with you from the outset.

    • Snacks! (There will be stops along the way but you should bring enough to get you through the weekend). Snacks should be high energy foods like flapjacks, cereal bars, nuts, dried fruit etc.

    • Phone and power bank unless you want to go off-grid for the weekend!

    You can leave a small bag with a change of clothes at our start point, please make sure it is soft sided and easy to store; there isn’t much space.

  • We recommend paddling in sportswear which is fast drying and suitable for the weather conditions for this paddle boarding adventure, with a change of clothes with you in case you fall in! 

    We will paddle in trainers, wetsuit booties, watershoes or barefoot. You will need to bring shoes with you on the board for the portages - neoprene boots, trainers or outdoor sandals; no neoprene socks!

Itinerary

  • Arrival | Day 1

    We'll begin our adventure on the Kennet and Avon Canal, where panoramic views over Bath unfold. Glide over Georgian aqueducts and through a Cotswold wooded valley, covering 19km of picturesque scenery.

  • Night 1

    As dusk settles, we'll set up camp at a local private paddock. The exclusive bivvi site provides flat, grassy terrain and a covered cooking area. We'll enjoy an expedition meal, before a night of sleeping under the stars!

  • Day 2

    The adventure continues with 23km of serene paddling along the River Avon. This stretch is alive with opportunities for wild swimming and navigating lively weirs and rapids. Keep an eye out for an abundance of wildlife, including kingfishers, otters, and even beavers! Our journey concludes back in Bath by 4:30 pm.

Dates

Please note: This trip will not be available in 2025, but stay tuned for future adventures!

Join for £270

  • 2 days of guided paddleboarding

  • 1-night camping

  • Top-quality dehydrated dinner and breakfast

  • Gutsy Girls mug and beanie

  • Paddleboarding and camping equipment

  • Expert guiding from SUP instructor

  • Gutsy Girl host

  • Your dinner and breakfast will be covered by us, and dinner will be a top quality rehydrated meal, eaten around bubbling stoves. Please note you’ll need to bring along your own lunch and snacks for this adventure.

    We can cater for most dietary needs including plant based, gluten free and lactose free. For other allergies please get in touch prior to booking.

  • This trip has a maximum of 7 guests.

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking.

    • Travel to Bath

    • Sleeping bag

    • Lunches and snacks

  • Yes! 

    For this adventure you must have paddleboarded before. We will be paddling for 6 - 8 hours each day, covering around 20 - 23 km daily.

    • You must have had a formal lesson from a SUP instructor 

    • Feel confident in your ability to paddleboard all day

    We will offer technique pointers over the course of the day, but we will not be able to accept beginners on this session. 

  • Yes!  We ask for previous SUP experience on this trip and this route will be great fun; you’ll be paddling for two consecutive days covering 20 - 23 km per day.

    You do need to have a reasonable base level of fitness and stamina, but you don’t need to have done multi day paddling before. 

    The camping equipment and route and all the details necessary for a night of semi-wild camping is all planned out for you by our experienced guides, so this is a great introduction to multi day expeditions for that next level paddling!

  • This trip is rated moderate. To fully enjoy and make the most out of this experience, a good level of fitness is essential.

    WHAT TO EXPECT

    Required Experience: You must have paddleboarded before:

    • You must have had a formal lesson from a SUP instructor 

    • Feel confident in your ability to paddleboard all day

    Duration: Gear up for 6-8 hours of paddling each day.

    Distance: On day 1, expect to paddle up to 20 km, followed by up to 23 km on day 2.

    Loaded Board: Your board will carry all essentials, which adds weight to the board and will increase the effort needed to make progress.

    Portages: You will be required to carry your board and all kit at times to cross locks and weirs.

    Waterways: Our journey takes us along leisurely canals and rivers as well as challenging fun weirs and water races where you will be coached on basic white water skills.

    Consecutive Days: Prepare for 2 consecutive days of paddling, which may be physically challenging!

    Camping: Experience a night under the stars, sleeping in a bivvy and under a tarp in a semi-wild campsite. Compost toilets are available but no other luxuries.

  • All Gutsy Girls events are for over 18s only.

  • There is no upper age limit for our adventures - we have women up to 70 years old join us.

    The Gutsy Girls community is filled with fun, friendly and supportive women from 18-70+. We never ask your age, just that you are up for an adventure!

    As a rough guide, most Gutsy Girls guests are 24 - 60 years old, with around 60% in their 30s and 40s.

    After a day learning to surf, mountain biking on muddy bridleways, hiking to peaks for incredible views or exploring remote locations by paddleboard, age becomes irrelevant and we bond over our shared experiences.

  • Definitely, the vast majority of guests come along to our events and retreats solo.

    Our aim is to connect you with like-minded new friends! We are a very friendly bunch, come as you are, we can’t wait to meet you!

  • Please check your spam folders before contacting us. Hotmail in particular like to put our emails in spam. You'll need to add events@gutsygirls.co.uk to your safe list or to your contacts.

  • We recommend all guests have appropriate travel insurance that protects them for cancellation. For UK based trips this might be a different policy than your usual travel insurance. We can't advise on insurance, but you'll find lots of information here.

  • Whenever possible we use female instructors and guides on our day events and trips, however we cannot always guarantee this, simply because there are fewer female instructors available!

    Our first priority is to work with the most highly experienced and considerate instructors and guides, who are patient, friendly and as passionate as we are about building women’s confidence in the outdoors. Simply due to the ratio of men to women in the outdoors industry, sometimes this means our guides and instructors are male. We keep a close eye on the feedback our guides receive from our guests as we believe that overall this is more important than their gender.

    We sincerely hope that as more women are introduced to adventure sports and activities, the amount of female guides and instructors in our industry will increase.

  • We recommend paddling in sportswear which is fast drying and suitable for the weather conditions for this paddle boarding adventure, with a change of clothes with you in case you fall in! 

    We will paddle in trainers, wetsuit booties, watershoes or barefoot. You will need to bring shoes with you on the board for the portages - neoprene boots, trainers or outdoor sandals; no neoprene socks!

  • It’s worth considering that the more you bring, the heavier and bulkier your kit and harder it will be to portage (carry around locks and other obstacles). The key is finding the balance between comfort and necessity. Please check the weather forecast for Bath close to your departure to help with your packing!


    We provide:

    • Stand Up Paddleboard

    • Paddle

    • Waist leash

    • PFD (Personal floatation device)

    • 22 litre and 13 litre dry bags (This will be enough space to carry a change of clothes and a few extra warm clothes for the evening and night time, some toiletry essentials and your camping equipment. Lightweight is the name of the game though!)

    • Sleeping mat

    • Bivvy bag and tarp

    • Camp cooking equipment

    • Spork

    • Collapsible cup

    • Dinner and breakfast expedition meals

    You will need:

    • Warm, lightweight sleeping bag (2 or 3 season) -bulky and heavy sleeping bags can be a challenge to carry

    • Camping pillow (optional - you can make one with a stuff sack full of soft things you’re not wearing)

    • Eye mask and earplugs (optional)

    • Warm dry clothes for the evening and overnight 

    • Lightweight warm coat (down or synthetic)

    • Additional dry bags (optional - in case you want to double wrap your dry kit)

    • Warm hat

    • 2 x 750 ml Water bottles or 1.5 litre hydration pack (there are numerous places to fill up en route)

    • SUP clothing: sportswear which is fast drying and suitable for the weather conditions, with a change of clothes with you in case you fall in! 

    • We will paddle in trainers, wetsuit booties, watershoes or barefoot. You will need to bring shoes with you on the board for the portages - neoprene boots, trainers or outdoor sandals; no neoprene socks!

    • Gloves for paddling (optional)

    • Waterproof jacket (waterproof trousers if the forecast looks wet!)

    • Basic toiletries

    • Sun screen

    • Sunglasses (with floating strap!)

    • Prescription medication

    • Insect repellent

    • Electrolytes (if hot)

    • Flip flops (for the evening)

    • Cash - there is the odd pub, cafe or farm shop en route. You will need cash as well as a card due to some of the more remote locations only taking cash.

    • Headtorch

    • Penknife (optional)

    • Lighter / fire steel (optional)

    • Packed lunch for both days. Make sure that your day 2 lunch does not need refrigerating as you'll be carrying it with you from the outset.

    • Snacks! (There will be stops along the way but you should bring enough to get you through the weekend). Snacks should be high energy foods like flapjacks, cereal bars, nuts, dried fruit etc.

    • Phone and power bank unless you want to go off-grid for the weekend!

    You can leave a small bag with a change of clothes at our start point, please make sure it is soft sided and easy to store; there isn’t much space.

  • We will provide a top quality SUP, paddle and waist leash, as well as a PFD (buoyancy aid) which is mandatory to wear.

    For your overnight belongings we provide a 22l and 13l dry bag per person.

  • You will need to bring your own warm, lightweight sleeping bag for this adventure.

    You will be provided with:

    • Sleeping mat

    • Bivvy bag

    • Tarp / Teepee Tent / Hammock - dependent on the campsite

    • Camping stove and gas canister

    • Collapsible cup

    • Spork

    • Cooking pot and beverage kit

    • 22 litre dry bag

    • 13 litre dry bag

    One dinner and one breakfast dehydrated expedition meals will also be provided.

  • You will be provided with one 22l dry bag and one 13l dry bag.

    This will be enough space to carry a change of clothes, a few extra warm clothes for the evening and night time, some toiletry essentials and your camping equipment. Lightweight is the name of the game though; keep your packing to a minimum!

    You will be provided with a small camping stove, a bivvy bag, a tarp as well as some food which you will have to fit in there as well. You will be able to ask advice from our guides when it comes to packing your kit!

  • Please get in touch at bookings@gutsygirls.co.uk if you want to bring your own kit, and we will check to see if this is possible.

    Please ensure you have checked your equipment for serviceability prior to the weekend.

    Please note we do not provide any reduction in price for those bringing their own kit.

  • There is a very small toilet in the shop where we meet and start, so there is somewhere to change if you need to.

    However if you are able to come dressed and ready for paddling that would be much easier as the bathroom is tiny!

  • Anything you don’t or can’t pack on the SUP can be stored at the shop at our start point at your own risk, but bring your valuables with you. The storage area is small so please don't plan on leaving too much at the shop.

  • STARTING TIME 9 AM - ready to paddle

    Bath Outdoors

    Unit 8 Broadway Court

    Miles Street

    Bath

    BA2 4HX

    It is an 8 minute walk from the train station.

    If you are struggling to find the shop, head for the corner of Miles Street and Excelsior Street. You will then find yourself standing opposite Broadway Court. The shop is the end unit in the railway arches.

    Google Maps

    Please make every effort to arrive on time, to be fair to the group we cannot wait for latecomers.  If you do have issues with your journey, please let us know via the WhatsApp group and contact our providers at Bath Outdoors: ‭01225 251448

  • We aim to finish by 4 - 5 pm, but this can depend on the group and pace, and can sometimes be later. Please book flexible travel tickets.

    Many of our guests choose to enjoy a drink or dinner together before heading home.

    Bath Outdoors

    Unit 8 Broadway Court

    Miles Street

    Bath

    BA2 4HX

    It is an 8 minute walk from the train station.

    Google Maps

  • Yes! 

    You can travel to Bath by train from London and many other UK towns and cities. We meet an 8 minute walk from the station.  

  • There isn't parking on site, you'll find lots of car parks around the train station. 

    VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS

    Another site to look for parking is Just Park

    It is your responsibility to ensure you are allowed to park overnight and to pay all relevant parking charges.

  • There is a toilet at the start point which you are welcome to use. We will make the occasional stop at a pub or cafe so there will be the opportunity to use the facilities there.  On the overnight camp, we will have access to a toilet and running water.

    For those of you who will be on your period during the expedition, after many expeditions on mine, I’m happy to address any questions you may have about this! 

    We will need to carry any waste out with us, so if you do not use a menstruation cup, remember to bring extra zip lock bags for your waste.

  • Our overnight camp offers a ‘wild-ish’ camping experience in a private paddock next to quiet, self-catering log cabins. The exclusive bivvi site, in a separate, completely screened part of the property, provides flat, grassy terrain and a covered cooking area. Surrounded by trees, low hedges, and a brook, it offers complete privacy with only rabbits and swallows as neighbours.

    Embracing a minimalist and lightweight approach, you’ll be bivvy-ing overnight, sleeping directly under the stars and connecting with nature. You’ll have toilet facilities, running water, a sleeping mat, a bivouac (waterproof cover for your sleeping bag), and an optional tarp for overhead shelter. New to this type of adventure? Don’t worry! We’re here to provide all the help and support you need.

  • We will provide dinner on day one and breakfast on day two.  

    These will be in the form of dehydrated expedition meals, which we rehydrate with hot water, creating a hot, satisfying and nutritious meal. Examples are veggie chili, squash and chickpea stew. 

    We can cater for all dietary requirements; we will request information prior to your arrival.  

    You will need to bring your own packed lunch for both days. Carbs are good!  Make sure that your day 2 lunch does not need refrigerating as you'll be carrying it with you from the outset.

    There is the odd pub, café or farm shop en route for refreshments - you may need some cash for this as not all places take cards.

    Please bring plenty of high energy snacks as well. (There will be stops along the way but you should bring enough to get you through the weekend). 

    Snacks should be foods like flapjacks, cereal bars, nuts, dried fruit and so on. 

  • We paddle come rain or shine! 

    Whilst we hope the weather is kind to us, British weather is unpredictable. We will paddle in the rain, so please pack your waterproofs if the forecast is wet.

    If the weather conditions are unsafe, we will notify you as soon as possible to re-arrange your adventure. 

    Make sure your travel tickets are flexible in the rare instances this happens. 

  • Please leave the weather watching to us!

    Our guides will be monitoring the weather conditions in the lead up to your session and we will be in touch if we need to cancel. (Please also see "What if it rains"!)

  • Please contact the WhatsApp group you'll have been invited to. We will try to accommodate you but we need to be fair to the group and we cannot guarantee we will be able to wait for you.

  • Cancellations by You

    You can cancel your day event booking with us at any time.

    Your cancellation will be effective from the date that the cancellation is received in writing by email.

    Cancellation Fees

    If you cancel more than 30 days before your day event, we will refund you 50% of your payment.

    If you cancel within 30 days of your day event, no refund will be given

    How to Cancel

    If you want to cancel your booking, send us an email with your name, details about the event that you booked and the date that the event is due to take place on.

    We will confirm cancellation of your booking.

    If you’re due a refund this will be facilitated and be in your account within 5-10 working days.

  • As an alternative to trip cancellation we also offer the option of rescheduling. This can be done at any time on the condition that Gutsy Girls are able to fill your spot. There is a £20 admin fee for rescheduling if your spot is filled.

    If we are not able to find a replacement to take your spot, then rescheduling will not be possible. Your payment is non-refundable, but no additional admin fee will be charged.

    Just to note:

    If you want to reschedule because the weather forecast for your event is looking like it will rain, it is highly unlikely that your spot will fill. We recommend joining us in the rain, bring a raincoat! 

    The sooner you notify Gutsy Girls that you want to reschedule the more likely it is that your spot will fill. Last minute rescheduling is not advised as we are unlikely to fill your spot at short notice. 

    How to Reschedule

    If you would like to reschedule your booking, email us your name, details of the event that you've booked and the date that the event is due to take place.

    Gutsy Girls will cancel your spot on our booking system and open the spot up for others to book. If another person books the spot, you will receive a credit voucher for the amount you paid, minus the £20 administration fee.

    You can use your credit voucher to rebook onto any Gutsy Girls Day Event. The voucher is valid for 6 months from issue.

    If you would like to use this towards the payment of a Gutsy Girls holiday, you'll need to get in touch via email.

    Gutsy Girls will notify you if we are able to fill your spot.

  • You'll see our full booking terms and conditions here