The Lake District, UK: where serenity meets stunning scenery.
Ever considered discovering the best places to paddle board in Lake District?
Picturesque lakes and dramatic fells await you.
Embrace the adventure and let’s explore the Lake District’s tranquil waters together. On board?
Table of Contents
Where to Paddle Board in Lake District
#1 Windermere
- ️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Bowness Pier
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Swans, ducks, geese, freshwater fish
- ️ Landmarks & Views: Langdale Pikes, Claife Heights, Belle Isle
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect speed limits, wear appropriate safety gear
Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, resides in the heart of the Lake District. Its calm waters and stunning surroundings make it the perfect location for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Explore the many bays of Windermere, take in the picturesque views, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.
#2 Derwentwater
- ️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Derwent Water Marina, Keswick Launch
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, fluctuating winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds, red squirrels
- ️ Landmarks & Views: Cat Bells, Friar’s Crag, Skiddaw
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of other water users, adhere to safety guidelines
Derwentwater, a picturesque lake surrounded by fells and woodland, offers paddleboarders a serene and peaceful experience.
Take in the beautiful scenery and explore the numerous islands on the lake, ensuring a memorable paddleboarding adventure.
#3 Coniston Water
- ️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Coniston Boating Centre, Brown Howe Car Park
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds
- ️ Landmarks & Views: The Old Man of Coniston, Brantwood estate, Peel Island
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local guidelines, be cautious of occasional lake traffic
Coniston Water, lying amidst majestic fells, provides a beautiful setting for paddleboarding. The lake served as an inspiration for Swallows and Amazons, a beloved British children’s book.
Explore its hidden coves and enjoy views in the shadows of the Old Man of Coniston.
#4 Ullswater
- ️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Pooley Bridge, Glenridding Pier
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, changeable winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, deer
- ️ Landmarks & Views: Helvellyn, Glencoyne Bay, Aira Force waterfall
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of other water users, follow any local signs and safety guidelines
Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the Lake District, offers paddlers both calm bays and dramatic scenery. Surrounded by striking fells, this lake’s beauty is inspiring.
Paddle along the shorelines and discover picturesque scenes like Glencoyne Bay and Aira Force waterfall.
#5 Thirlmere
- ️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- Access Point: Wythburn Beach, Armboth Car Park
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, wind from open moorland
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, roadside deer
- ️ Landmarks & Views: Helvellyn, Long Moss Moor
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local rules, be cautious of local weather conditions
Thirlmere, a quiet and secluded mountain lake, provides a serene paddleboarding environment. Located away from the main tourist areas, it is perfect for those seeking tranquility.
Glide through tranquil waters with views of the nearby fells and open moorland.
#6 Bassenthwaite Lake
- ️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Bassenthwaite Sailing Club
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, red squirrels
- ️ Landmarks & Views: Skiddaw, Osprey nesting sites
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid disturbing wildlife, respect private properties
Bassenthwaite Lake, nestled beneath Skiddaw, offers a peaceful paddleboarding escape. Its calm waters and abundant birdlife make for a relaxing experience.
Not only can you enjoy the views of the imposing Skiddaw, but you may even spot nesting ospreys nearby.
I apologize for any confusion in my previous response. As per your request, here are the #7 to #13 paddleboard spots near the Lake District:
#7 Crummock Water
- ️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Lanthwaite Wood Car Park
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
- ️ Landmarks & Views: Grasmoor, Melbreak
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local rules, respect nature and private properties
Crummock Water, situated between Buttermere and Loweswater, offers a tranquil paddleboarding experience. The lake is less crowded than some of its neighbors, providing a peaceful escape surrounded by beautiful fells.
#8 Ennerdale Water
- ️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Bowness Knott Car Park
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, red squirrels
- ️ Landmarks & Views: Pillar, Great Gable
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local rules, respect nature and private properties
Ennerdale Water, one of the most westerly lakes in the Lake District, is surrounded by spectacular mountains and offers a remote and tranquil paddleboarding experience.
#9 Esthwaite Water
- ️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Esthwaite Water Trout Fishery
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds
- ️ Landmarks & Views: Claife Heights, Grizedale Forest
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local rules, wear appropriate safety gear
Esthwaite Water is a smaller, privately-owned lake near Hawkshead. The lake is surrounded by lush woodland and offers calm waters for a relaxing paddleboarding excursion.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in the Lake District?
Popular places for paddle boarding in the Lake District include Ullswater, Coniston Water, and Derwent Water.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in the Lake District?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in the Lake District.
When is the best time to paddle board in the Lake District?
The prime time for paddle boarding in the Lake District is between late spring and early autumn, due to mild weather.
