Kayaking in the Lake District: 6 best places to paddle
The Lake District offers some of the best lakes for kayaking in the UK, including Coniston Water, Lake Windermere, and Derwentwater.
But with so many to choose from (there are 16 bodies of water in total!), you might be wondering which ones are best for kayaking in the Lake District.
In this guide, we outline six stunning lakes for every skill level, including launch points, route recommendations, and where to stay on your trip.
1. Coniston Water
Best for: All levels
Skill level: Beginner-friendly with room to progress
Launch points: Monk Coniston car park, Coniston Boating Centre, Coniston Hall, or Brown Howe
Best route: East Side Return (8 miles, 1-3 hours)
Kayaking Coniston Water is a truly spectacular experience. It’s much quieter than Lake Windermere and offers breathtaking views of the Old Man of Coniston, a famous Wainwright totally worth adding to your itinerary (check out these five Coniston Old Man routes)!
The kayaking route we recommend launches from Monk Coniston. You’ll pass the vast Grizedale Forest, Brantwood House, and Peel Island – the inspiration for Wild Cat Island in Swallows and Amazons (and featured in the film adaptations!)
As you make your way around these Coniston Water paddle routes, keep an eye out for the heritage Steam Yacht Gondola, gliding along the lake. While you’ll want to stay out of its way (for obvious reasons), a glimpse up close will and you’ll recognise it as the inspiration for Captain Flint’s houseboat.
Where to stay: Our cottages on Coniston Water offer stunning views of the surrounding fells and lake. You’re in a perfect spot to explore Coniston village and Coniston Water, making it ideal for holidays where kayaking, paddleboarding, and wild swimming are on the agenda.
2. Lake Windermere
Best for: Beginners and families
Skill level: Easy water, but busy
Launch points: Red Nab car park (west shore) or Ferry Nab, Bowness
Best route: Red Nab to Ferry House and back (4.8 miles, 2-3 hours)
Lake Windermere is arguably one of the most well-known lakes in the Lake District. It’s also the longest, at nearly 11 miles, so there’s plenty of room for paddling and lots of launch points scattered along the shoreline.
That said, the lake can get quite crowded (especially during peak season), so you’ll need to be somewhat confident on the water. If you’re a complete beginner kayaking Windermere, we’d recommend visiting during quieter seasons (like spring and autumn) as there are fewer cruise boats and ferries.
Also consider keeping close to the shore at popular spots like Millerground and Fell Foot (where you’ll find well-priced kayak rentals in the Lake District).
There are plenty of kayaking trails in the Lake District, but Red Nab to Ferry House is one of the most scenic. You’ll pass Thompson’s Holme and Belle Isle (Windermere’s largest island), and you might even be lucky enough to spot rich wildlife like otters and white-clawed crayfish.
Where to stay: Our Windermere cottages put you roughly 20 minutes away from launch points, offering easy access, but promising a peaceful sleep away from the bustle of Bowness.
3. Ullswater
Best for: Intermediate paddlers chasing stunning scenic views
Skill level: Mid-level (the lake is more exposed than others in this guide)
Launch points: Glencoyne Bay or Dunmallard
Best route: Glenridding out to Aira Point and back (3 miles, 1-2 hours)
Ullswater is the second-largest lake in the Lake District, and possibly the most beautiful. In fact, it was the inspiration for Wordsworth’s famous Daffodil poem!
The lake itself is quite exposed as wind funnels straight down the valley. You’ll want to keep an eye on the weather as it can create quite choppy conditions (especially on the northern stretch), making these routes more difficult than ones across Coniston and Windermere.
That said, it’s the perfect place to soak up the beauty of the Hellvellyn Fell Range, and you might even spot the hikers trailing up the infamous Striding Edge. The heritage Ullswater Steamer also sails daily, offering a glimpse into 19th-century maritime life.
Where to stay: Tiny villages like Pooley Bridge and Patterdale surround Ullswater, so it can be easier to find accommodation elsewhere and venture in for the day. Our cottages in Langdale, Coniston, and Hawkshead put you roughly an hour away.
4. Derwentwater
Best for: Complete beginners
Skill level: Beginner (very sheltered)
Launch points: Kettlewell Car Park and Derwentwater Marina
Best route: St Herbert’s Island Loop (roughly 4 miles, 1.5-2 hours)
As a relatively small, well-sheltered lake with plenty of public access, Derwentwater is perfect if you’ve never paddled before. You’ll find seven small islands along the way (some to view only).
St Herbert’s Island makes for a nice picnic spot, and once served as a pilgrimage site, as well as inspiration for Beatrix Potter’s Owl Island from The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin. You’ll see impressive views of the Borrowdale Fells, as well as Blencathra, Skiddaw, and Catbells.
Derwentwater also offers a brilliant atmosphere and you’ll find yourself in good company of other kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders. With ample public shoreline access, it’s also easy to launch, book a guided tour, or take a kayaking lesson.
Where to stay: Keswick is a bustling town in the Lakes, so you’ll find lots of accommodation options. If you’re after a peaceful countryside setting, our Lake District cottages in Coniston are just 45 minutes away.
5. Bassenthwaite
Best for: A wildlife-rich paddle away from crowds
Skill level: Moderate
Launch points: Scarness Bay (near Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges) or Peel Wyke
Best route: A short there-and-back between Scarness and Peel Wyke
Bassenthwaite is one of a few lakes where you’ll need to buy a boating permit (£7 per day) to paddle and the money goes into protecting and conserving the area. As a National Nature Reserve, you’ll spot ospreys, salmon, and aquatic flora.
While the launch point is near a main road, Bassenthwaite offers total tranquillity, as well as scenic views of Skiddaw and Blencathra. Be aware that the local sailing club uses Bassenthwaite during summer, so note the buoys, marking areas to avoid.
Where to stay: Our cottages in Satterthwaite put you within an hour of this magical lake. You’ll find Coniston and Windermere on either side of you, making it a great base for a multi-lake kayaking adventure!
6. Wastwater
Best for: Experienced paddlers only
Skill level: Advanced (cold, deep, exposed)
Launch points: Overbeck Bridge
Best route: Overbeck Bridge towards Nether Beck and back (1.9 miles, 1 hour)
If you want more of a challenge when it comes to kayaking Lake District waters, we’d recommend Wastwater. You’ll find little shelter along the routes, and the wind can quickly change direction.
Wastwater is England’s deepest lake (258 feet), so expect cold water all year round. You’ll also need some skill to navigate it, due to the strong and changing winds that come funneling down from massive peaks including Scafell Pike – England’s highest mountain!
The reward certainly makes up for it though. Wastwater’s remote location offers a peaceful escape from reality, and you’ll get dramatic views of huge mountains as you paddle.
Where to stay: Wastwater is located in Wasdale, a remote location where accommodation is limited. Our cottages in The Duddon Valley are 50 minutes away and make the perfect base for exploring some of the quieter parts of the Lakes.
Choose a Coppermines Cottage for kayaking in the Lake District
Ready to explore thrilling kayaking trails in the Lake District? We recommend Coniston Water, since you’ll find routes for all levels, and five other lakes close enough for a day trip.
Hire a Lake District canoe and kayak for a morning, hike The Old Man of Coniston, and visit the vibrant Coniston village. Browse our cottages to find your perfect base or contact our friendly team to help!
