Best places to paddle board in the Lake District
Remember if you are moving from lake to lake it is very important to Check, clean and dry the equipment before moving on. This helps stop the spread of invasive plants and animals into our waterways.
Paddle boarding Coniston
Coniston Water is half a mile wide, close to 5 miles long and 184 feet deep. Coniston Water has three small islands which prove important habitats for natural wildlife, so please do not land on these. These islands are owned by the National Trust. The Lake is popular with fisherman and hire boats, making it a popular summer destination for locals and visitors. However, as soon as you hit the water you can find your own space of calm. Remember, parts of the Lake District lakes can be quite exposed. Make sure you’ve planned your route if you’re going touring. Plan your paddling in line with the weather and be well prepared for a day on the water.
https://gopaddling.info/lakes/coniston-water/
Paddle boarding Loweswater
Not far from Cockermouth and surrounded by rolling hills, mountains and fells, Loweswater is one of the smaller Lake District bodies of water.
At just over a mile long and a third of a mile wide it is compact paddle. It is also one of the more peaceful places to paddle in the area.
Away from the crowds, you’ll find the perfect day trip on Loweswater and as you paddle the quieter parts of the Lake District. Paddle boarding is extremely popular on Loweswater, but is enjoyed by many and is a perfect Day out.
Car Parking can be found along the waters shore, please park sensibly.
Day permits are available from the car parks at Buttermere CA13 9UZ and Lanthwaite Wood CA13 ORT.
£5 per day per craft.
https://gopaddling.info/lakes/loweswater/
Paddle boarding Crummock water
Situated between Loweswater and Buttermere, Crummock Water with the mighty Grassmoor on the west and the fells of Mellbreak on the east, it has unparalleled views from either side. It is 2 1/2 miles long, 3/4 mile wide and 140 feet deep and is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Hause Point is one of the main car parks and launching sites to crummock water and is perfect for paddle boarding.
Day permits are available from the car parks at Buttermere CA13 9UZ and Lanthwaite Wood CA13 ORT.
£5 per day per craft.
https://gopaddling.info/lakes/crummock-water
Paddle boarding Buttermere
The National Trust managed Buttermere Lake is another treasure to paddle. Many years ago, it was a larger lake with its neighbour Crummock Water. Erosion to the fells has left a divide, and so you have Buttermere and Crummock Water.
Both lakes have national and international levels of protection because of their wildlife interest.
So why should you do paddle boarding on Buttermere and not the others in the Lake District? Well, that’s a tough question, because they’re all stunning in their own way.
Buttermere is quieter than the main lakes, such as Windermere. They’re also smaller and more manageable for paddling, especially if you’re looking for more of a leisurely paddle.
There is a National Trust car park on the outskirts of the village of Buttermere (Grid Ref NY 172 173). Spaces are limited and this car park does fill up fairly early on during peak days.
A large pay and display car park is available in Buttermere itself, operated by the National Park. Alternatively, at the other end of the lake a small pay and display car park is operated by Gatesgarth Farm (Grid Ref NY195 150).
Day permits are available from the car parks at Buttermere CA13 9UZ and Lanthwaite Wood CA13 ORT.
£5 per day per craft.
https://gopaddling.info/lakes/buttermere-lake/
Paddle boarding Wastwater
Managed by the National Trust, Wastwater is another body of water in the Lake District to visit. The glacial lake is almost 3 miles long, a third of a mile wide, and 258 feet deep. While the surface of the lake is 200 feet above sea level, the bottom is about 50 feet below it.
Wastwater is a superb for paddle boarding but can be quite exposed at times. It’s surrounded by mountains including Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike which is England’s highest mountain.
This certainly makes it one of the most spectacular paddles and lake district activities within the Lakes, with something to offer all year round from snow capped mountains to bright, sunny skies. Just make sure you dress for the weather!
Car Parking is available along the lake shore, please do not park in passing places and respect others around you. eg: emergency services.
https://gopaddling.info/lakes/wastwater/
Paddle boarding Bassenthwaite Lake
The most northerly lake in the Lake District, Bassenthwaite Lake sits to the north of popular Keswick in the shadow of Skiddaw.It is 4 miles long, 0.8 miles wide and has a maximum depth of 70 feet.
A designated nature reserve, the lake is quieter than some of its popular relatives such as Windermere and Derwent water. So if you’re looking for a beautiful lake to do paddle boarding/ stand up paddleboarding to escape the crowds, Bassenthwaite could be it!
A permit is needed for Bassenthwaite and can be purchased here
Hursthole point and Peel Wyke are good launching sites based along the A66
https://gopaddling.info/lakes/bassenthwaite-lake/
Paddle boarding Derwent water
Popular 2.9 mile long Derwentwater sits to the south of Keswick, close to neighboring lake Bassenthwaite. It is fed and drained by the River Derwent.
There are several islands on Derwentwater including Derwent Island, Lord’s Island, St Herbert’s Island, Rampsholme Island, Park Neb, Otter Island, and Otterbield Island. Please do not land on the islands and disturb the wildlife – just observe them from afar.
Ashness Gate Launch near the ferry jetty. There is a small car park nearby. Can be very busy so get there early.
Kettlewell Carpark Located down in the Borrowdale valley, good launching site, owned by the national trust and is pay and display.
Theatre By the lake pay and display carpark, Launching is about 200m away either in crow park or Keswick launching beach.
https://gopaddling.info/lakes/derwentwater/
What to wear paddle boarding
The Lake District can be pretty unpredictable when it comes to the weather so its best to be prepared for all conditions.
Explore The Lakes Paddle board hire strongly suggest you wear our buoyancy aid on top of all other articles of clothing.
Suitable footwear should be used at all times. (old trainers, water shoes)
Sunny Weather:
- Swimwear! or any clothing you don’t mind getting wet. We recommend lightweight, clothing, no denim or suede this will weigh you down if you fall in.
- If you own a wetsuit, you might as well wear it! Even in the summer the lake is still a bit nippy.
- If you’re exposing your skin, don’t forget your sunscreen! With the reflection off the water it is easy to burn.
- We suggest you take some water to help stay hydrated.
A rainy day:
- If you own a wetsuit, wear it. If you don’t, maybe consider hiring one from us. You will get wet, the wetter you are the colder you will feel so its best to be prepared.
- No wetsuit? Layer up with thermal base layers, followed by something fleece and lastly waterproofs, top and bottoms.
- If it a bit chilly outside a hat and a pair of gloves will always be appreciated when your out on the water.
Explore The Lakes suggests always taking a full change of clothes and towel with you
There is always the possibility of taking a swim paddle boarding so its best to be prepared for the worst.
Explore The Lakes recommends paying strong attention to the weather forecasts and paddling within your own limitations.
If it is looking windy, we will let you know whether it is safe and some potential quieter options to go paddling, or we may have to advise you to re-schedule your hire for another day, subject to availability.