Kayaking in the Lake District: Lakes, Hire & Permits
Kayaking in the Lake District
Kayaking in the Lake District in Cumbria offers some superb outings for the enthusiastic paddler with a varied selection of lakes to explore.
Beautiful scenery greets the avid kayaker from the water and whether you are kayaking in a group, or going solo, you’ll definitely find somewhere enjoyable to go Kayaking in the Lake District.
The other big plus of Kayaking in the Lake District, if you don’t have your own kayak, is that it is blessed with having a number of fantastic kayaking operators offering kayak lessons and guided tours!
With England’s tallest mountain and biggest lake, The Lake District really is an adventure playground for the outdoor enthusiast and kayaking is extremely popular in the area.
Our blog outlines our top picks for kayaking and will also provide some fantastic insights to ensure you enjoy your Lake District kayaking adventure.
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Which Lake District water should you choose?
- Hire and an easy introduction: compare sessions on Windermere, Ullswater and Coniston Water.
- Your own kayak: check the particular lake’s launch access and rules; they are not the same everywhere.
- Bassenthwaite: buy the required boating permit before paddling.
Our Keswick guide covers Derwentwater in more detail, while the UK kayak licence guide explains the wider picture.
Lakes and rivers to explore
Windermere by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
Windermere
As Lake Windermere is the largest and longest natural lake in England, the warmer months mean Kayaking Windermere will find the waters quite crowded with keen water sports lovers.
Paddleboarders, Canoes and all manner of pleasure craft will be out on the water especially on days with lots of sunshine.
However its sheer size ensures you can still find some tranquil spots to paddle and at eleven miles long and a mile wide in places, there is plenty of water to enjoy.
FYI – We do have a couple of specific articles on Kayaking Bowness and Kayaking Ambleside which are a little more in-depth on those specific locations here on Windermere.
There are plenty of islands to paddle around, although landing is not automatically allowed. Or maybe attempt part of the British Canoeing Three Lakes Challenge!
Whatever you decide or wherever you decide to launch from on Windermere you won’t be disappointed with the beautiful surroundings or with the level of wildlife that abounds in and about the lake.
Keep an eye out for the local legend of the lake: the elusive Tizzie Whizie!
As the access to Lake Windermere is administered by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) a kayak or waterways licence to paddle on Lake Windermere is NOT actually required.
When kayaking in the Lake District, especially at Windermere, plan where you wish to launch or land your kayak. Shoreline ownership varies and Belle Isle is privately owned, so a lovely view from the water is not permission to land.
To make certain you have the correct information, check the Lake District National Park’s lake activity and access guide before choosing your launch point.
Hiring a kayak on Windermere
Windermere Canoe and Kayak hires out kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and boats from its base at Bowness-on-Windermere and also offer a range of Kayaking Experiences.
Further north at Ambleside Low Wood Bay Watersports also has a great range of kayaks for hire along with other watercraft and expert instructors. Check out their current watersports options here.
Ullswater
Can you paddle here?
Yes you can and at nine miles long Kayaking on the Ullswater presents the Lake District visitor with some brilliant paddling opportunities.
What can you see from the water?
England’s second largest natural lake is considered the more beautiful of the larger lakes and boasts sandy beaches, a dramatic shoreline and several islands.
Kayaking Ullswater in the Lake District offers a breathtaking adventure amidst the stunning natural beauty of Cumbria.
As the second-largest lake in the district, Ullswater provides an ideal playground for kayakers of all skill levels.
Paddle across its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque landscapes.
Explore hidden coves and tranquil bays, then visit the famous Aira Force waterfall on foot as a separate shoreside outing.
With its serene atmosphere and captivating scenery, Ullswater is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Rent a kayak from local providers and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this awe-inspiring destination, where nature’s splendour unfolds at every stroke.
A little local history
It was on Ullswater that Donald Campbell set the world water speed record in 1955 piloting the “Bluebird K7” thanks to the geography of the lake providing a long straight stretch of water.
Kayaking the lake you’ll likely spot one of the famous historical Ullswater Steamers and you’ll certainly spot birdlife aplenty. And some fantastic scenery.
Do you need a licence?
I frequently was asked this question but like Windermere, Kayaking Ullswater requires no permit for paddling but has limited places to launch and land a kayak but again, the LDNPA provides a very handy reference Map of Lake Ullswater.
Hiring a kayak on Ullswater
Based at the stunning southern end of the Ullswater, the Glenridding Sailing Centre has kayaks, canoes and sailing boats for hire at very reasonable rates.
Guided trips on Ullswater
The team at Tall Bloke Adventures who operate out of Glenridding, offer top quality Kayaking Tours on the Ullswater that provide a fantastic scenic experience of the lakes islands, bays & beaches.
Ullswater Outdoor Adventures also offer an array of tours, tuition, and experiences.
Both operators are highly experienced, and come highly recommended. Ideal for your planned kayaking adventure on the Ullswater up here in the Lake District.
To get an idea of how amazing a kayaking paddle on Ullswater can be, check out the fantastic video footage captured by Scott Anderson on his Ullswater Kayak Camping trip in the Lake District.
Thirlmere
Known locally as the “hidden lake” Thirlmere is far less known than other Lake District waterways making it the perfect kayaking destination to really get away from the crowds.
The dammed Thirlmere reservoir supplies water to the North West of England. Its wooded shoreline, inlets and surrounding fells make it a wonderfully atmospheric place to paddle.
Canoeing and kayaking are permitted at Thirlmere, but check current access notices before travelling. Other activities have different rules: the National Park guide does not permit paddleboarding or swimming here.
Bringing or hiring a kayak
Hiring a kayak near Thirlmere is almost an impossibility which adds to the seclusion of the destination. You’ll definitely need to bring your own Kayak to enjoy this part of the Lake District.
The Wastwater by Matthew Daniels on Unsplash
Wastwater
Kayaking the three-mile long Wastwater can be a real thrill with the imposing surrounding skyline dominated by England’s highest peak on Scafell Pike.
The Wastwater is England’s deepest lake at 258 feet and the geography here is actually the inspiration for the Lake District National Park Authorities logo.
Canoeing and kayaking are permitted on Wastwater. Check current National Trust launch arrangements and any charges or group restrictions rather than assuming every shoreline access point is free.
Photographers, ramblers and kayakers alike are drawn to the loneliness of the Wastwater and the solitude and serenity here see’s the Wastwater as a favoured solo kayaking destination in the Lake District.
Organising a Wastwater paddle
Again, like Thirlmere, lack of towns in the proximity means finding a kayak hire vendor close to the Wastwater is near on impossible. However, one operator, West Lakes Adventure, offer a range of adventure activities on the Wastwater so, if you’re interested, contacting their friendly staff should be your first port of call.
Coniston Water by Steve Taylor on Unsplash
Coniston Water
Coniston Water provides yet more serene kayaking opportunities surrounded by yet more of the Lake Districts breath-taking scenery. The lake is largely surrounded by forested woodland and you can often spot deer drinking at the waters edge of this 6 mile long waterway.
The River Crake leaves Coniston Water at its southern end. Treat it as a separate river trip with its own access and white-water planning, rather than a simple continuation of a lake paddle to the sea.
No permit or licence is required but please consult the LDNPA map of Coniston Water that will provide you with all the details of launch areas and local facilities about the lake.
Also do check out the excellent Canoe Trails Leaflet put out by Canoe England which has great information on Coniston Water including all points of interest, kayak and canoe access points, parking and much more!
Hiring a kayak on Coniston Water
The Coniston Boating Centre is actually a not-for-profit run by the Lake District National Park Authority. Proceeds from all kayak hire (and other water craft hire) go towards the upkeep on the boating centre and the lake itself so it gets the nod as the preferred kayak supplier on Coniston Water.
The River Crake
Kayaking in the Lake District is by no means limited to lakes only and there are a number of notable rivers that offer some challenging paddles, Kayaking the River Crake offers just one such experience among many.
With a name that literally means “rocky stream” you can certainly imagine that kayaking this particular waterway would be a challenge. The River Crake flows from the south end of Coniston Water and runs approximately 6 miles into the upper estuary of the River Leven and into Morecambe Bay.
The river offers challenging grade 2 and 3 rapids not suited to kayaking beginners so do be wary of this prior to setting off down river.
Being a noted Salmon River means it’s frowned upon to kayak the Crake in the spawning season. Also in the summer some of the sections get very shallow.
As always you should consult local advice from those in the know and the folk over at ukriversguidebook.co.uk always seem to be in the know!
Overall Kayaking the Crake River can be an awesome and exhilarating experience but with plenty of narrow sections and lots of rocks, it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Some great video here on the River Crake from some keen kayakers visiting the Lake District from the West Yorkshire Canoe Club. The video was shot toward the end of winter so there was plenty of water at the time.
The River Derwent
Meandering through farmland, woodland and over gentle rapids, kayaking the section of water between the Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake can be a compelling experience.
Known as the Middle Derwent this is probably the best river based section of water in the Lake District for those looking for a less strenuous river paddling option. Don’t for one minute believe that this means the river is flat and slow moving though, as there are plenty of Grade 1 Rapids to negotiate on this short 4 mile section of the river.
Check current access arrangements for the Middle Derwent before setting off. If continuing onto Bassenthwaite Lake, you need a Bassenthwaite boating permit and must follow the lake’s conservation-zone guidance.
Looking after yourself and the lakes
Check, Clean, Dry: Always support this initiative to ensure that you minimise the spread of invasive aquatic species into the habitats of the Lake District. Making certain your kayak has been checked for contaminants then cleaned and dried before launching in any of the Lake District waters should be mandatory.
Life Jackets: The lakes are deep and very cold here in this part of northern England. Wearing a life-jacket should be a no-brainer for all kayakers as hypothermia or even drowning could be a real risk should you capsize your craft without one.
Weather: The Met Office provides the most comprehensive weather updates for the Lake District so you can plan your Cumbrian adventures with confidence.
Shoreline Access: Unless you know otherwise always assume that the shorelines of all the Lake District lakes are private. As pointed out previously, the absolute best resource for reference in regards to any shoreline access, including kayaking launch and landing points, is the LDNPA.
Useful planning links
National Trust | United Utilities | Lake District lake activity guide | The Rivers Trust
Getting a feel for the Lake District without having ever visited can be a challenge, but one view of Michael Allenby’s drone film of the lakes and surrounds and you’ll surely be hooked and wanting to get a kayak on the water before the films conclusion!
A final word before you paddle
The sheer scope of the Lake District and the number of tourists the area attracts means you’ll need to plan your kayaking jaunt rather than just “winging it”.
Accommodation, parking, lake access, kayak permits/licencing, what to bring, and many more things need to be considered when planning a kayaking trip to the Lake District in Cumbria.
Kayaking is a brilliant way to experience nature up close and the lakes here are overflowing with marvellous destinations to paddle.
We hope you enjoyed reading our guide to Kayaking in the Lake District. Please do check back from time-to-time, as this is going to be an ongoing project with more information on other lakes, tarns and rivers coming, watch this space!
Let us know in the comments below if you enjoyed the blog and if there are any Lake District kayaking topics you’d like us to add to this guide.
How about some other kayaking adventures – Have You Thought about Somerset?
Happy paddling everyone!
I’m Mark, enthusiastic paddler and owner of Kayak Mad! Find out more about me and Kayak Mad.
FAQs: kayaking in the Lake District
Are permits required for kayaking in the Lake District?
It depends on the lake. Windermere and Ullswater do not require a kayak permit, while Bassenthwaite requires a boating permit. Launch permission and charges are separate, so check your chosen lake and access point.
What are the best lakes for kayaking in the Lake District?
We think Ullswater is the best personally, but it is a subjective choice! Windermere, Coniston Water and Wastwater offer different scenery and experiences.
What can I see from a kayak in the Lake District?
Expect fell views, wooded shores, bays and wildlife. You can paddle around islands where permitted, but landing rights vary. Aira Force is a separate visit on foot, not a waterfall you paddle up to.
Can beginners go kayaking in the Lake District?
Yes, it is a great place to learn. Book a suitable introductory session and choose a sheltered route for the day’s wind and weather rather than assuming the whole of a large lake is beginner water.
