Paddle boarding in the Lake District
Paddle boarding in the Lake District has grown in popularity since the covid 19 pandemic.
Paddle Boarding is quickly becoming one of is not the most popular adventure activity that we run here in the Lake District and there is a really good reason for that. Unlike Rock climbing or abseiling it does not need to be dry and can be done on a rainy day.
It’s one of the quietest and most relaxing ways to travel across water and to explore, meaning you can get incredibly close up to wildlife without scaring it away.
You can either sit down or stand up, meaning it’s comfortable.
The Lake District is without a doubt England most captive and beautiful national park. It’s the home to Scafell Pike England highest mountains, holds World Heritage status and welcomes over 16million visitors a year all looking to see the beautiful views and have some fun!
LAKE DISTRICT PADDLE BOARDING
The following are really great places to give Lake District Paddle boarding a go.
Coniston Water: spread out from the base of the Old Man of Coniston, the mountain offers a fantastic backdrop to a day’s paddling on the lake. It has three small islands, and look out for blue and white flags which indicate the possibility of swimmers!
Derwentwater: with bustling Keswick just, a stone’s throw away it’s no wonder that Derwentwater is one of the most well-known and busy lakes in the Lake District. It’s dramatic views and backdrop of Skiddaw to the north and Borrowdale to the south make for an impressive setting for a paddle. There are several islands to explore though Derwent Island is private land and no landing is permitted on this one.
Ullswater: the second largest lake has the might Helvellyn towering over it, making for an impressive backdrop to any paddle here. Most of the lake is surrounded by mountains, and yet it’s also one of the most accessible. In 2017 the local community created the Ullswater way which circumnavigates the rim of Ullswater.
Wastwater: the deepest of all the lakes, and also with one of the most striking vistas, surrounded as it is by several mountains: Kirk Fell, Red Pike and the highest in England, Scafell Pike. The view from the area was voted the nation’s favourite in a program on ITV in 2007.
Windermere: the largest lake in the Lake District, and the biggest in England. It’s 10.5 miles long, one mile wide, 220ft deep and the busiest of all the lakes too. The lake has several sizeable settlements along its eastern shore (Windermere and Ambleside being notable), and it’s also well known for being the source of much inspiration for Arthur Ransom’s ‘Swallows and Amazons’ books.
River Derwent: starting from under the shadow of England’s tallest mountain, the Derwent flows through the stunning Borrowdale valley with its many stunning ancient oak forests, making for a magical and rewarding experience.