Until now, walking on water has been the stuff of miracles. In fact, it took humanity longer to find a way of achieving this feat than it did to cross the frozen wastes of the North and South Pole, or even to set foot on the moon. But the long wait is over - it’s now possible for you to take your first steps on the surface of the water - and you don’t need a team of huskies or a couple of tons of rocket fuel. No, all you need is a large, floating board, and a long paddle. This is paddleboarding, or SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). The next step is to find somewhere to make this dream a reality, and a perfect place, full of lakes, rivers and canals, is the county of Cheshire in northwest England.

Hre, bodies of water that are suitable for this sport are abundant. The most significant waterway in the county is the River Dee, which drains the mountainous areas of North Wales and carries the waters to the Irish Sea. Apart from the Dee, there are other rivers which criss-cross the region, such as the Gowy and the Weaver. On top of that, there are lakes. Many of them are known as Meres, like their larger, more famous counterparts in the Lake District. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, an urban paddler or a nature lover, we’ve got just the thing for you - keep reading to find out all about it!

Where are the best places to go paddleboarding in Cheshire?

• River Dee: There are actually five rivers called Dee in the UK, but this is the most significant. The name comes from the Roman word Deva, which means Goddess, and paddling with the current here is enough to help you channel your divine energy. It flows through the centre of the historic county town of Chester, offering a unique point of view on the ancient and modern architecture, as well as through some beautiful parts of the countryside.

• River Gowy: This river passes close to Chester, almost joining the Dee, but instead veers north to flow into the Mersey. It’s teeming with life, with a healthy population of eels which local anglers take advantage of, as well as rare species of insects and other invertebrates. You can enjoy the water, without having to share it with eels, by this activity.

• River Weaver: There are 20 miles of perfect paddleboarding routes on the Weaver. A good place to start is the town of Winsford, right in the centre of the county. Carried by the current downstream, you’ll pass idyllic rural scenes, as well as relics of the area’s industrial past, like the boat lift at Anderton.

• Manley Mere: When it comes to SUP opportunities on lakes, one of the best options in Cheshire is Manley Mere. Here, you can take a tranquil journey across the lake, or go super size with an XL paddleboard.

• Delamere: A large, freshwater lake in a forested landscape, Delamere is home to a watersports and aqua park with all kinds of activities on offer. It’s an ideal place for novices to gain confidence on a board, and SUP veterans to go exploring along the lake shore.

• Redesmere: Wooded banks surround this peaceful lake outside the market town of Macclesfield. It’s a popular spot for sailing, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a windswept body of water. Instead, it has calm waters and a tranquil atmosphere, enough to turn a paddleboarding session here into a meditative, mindful experience.

• Astbury Mere: Mindfulness is also on the menu on Astbury Mere in Congleton, but that’s not the only option. You can also go on a chaotic cruise with your mates by choosing a Mega SUP, a huge board that can fit the whole gang. If you all work together you might keep your heads above water - but it’s so hard to resist rocking the board!

Options to live this experience

- If you’ve never set foot on a SUP before - or even if you've never heard of one until now - you’re in good hands here. Paddleboarding taster sessions and introductory sessions are an option at both river and lake locations here, where you can learn the basics and start the journey of a lifetime. There are lessons for those with some experience too, so if you want to improve your technique, you’re in the right place. In general, lessons last between 1 and 3 hours.

- Typically, a paddleboard is a personal piece of equipment. It’s great to enjoy this activity as a social experience, with everyone on their own board, or you can turn up the intensity by getting everyone on a single oversized board known as an XL or Mega SUP. Several watersports centres offer this experience, and we guarantee that it’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. You can also try your hand at SUP surfing on the River Dee if you’re after something even more radical.

- Finally, renting SUP equipment - usually by the hour - is an option here. This is especially aimed at people who have some experience of paddleboarding, and it allows them to discover the county’s water ways as they see fit.

Who can enjoy this activity?

As we’ve said before, is a great place for beginners. There are numerous locations around the county where the water is calm, and, with the guidance of an instructor, pretty much anyone can learn to use a board. That means that this is a fantastic activity to try as a family. You can get your kids baptised into the world of SUP from the age of just 7 or 8 years old, and watch them move through the water with ease - they might even be better than you! Even the family dog can come along! Some choose to swim alongside your board, others curl up at your feet, all of them will have a great time.

Groups of other kinds are welcome here as well. Celebrations for birthdays or stag and hen dos, corporate team building events, or days out for youth groups, all of these can be enhanced by taking part in a session together.

Booking an experience on an SUP is as easy as 1-2-3! Go ahead and give it a try.