Top 10 places to kayak in the Lake District

The Lake District is a mecca for those who love water sports, with the national park’s 16 lakes offering an array of water-based activities. One of the most popular of these is kayaking and a total of 12 lakes are navigable by kayak, although some require permits before you launch. 

There are also numerous rivers meandering through the landscape and tempting you to get out the paddles. Be aware, however, that many rivers are not suitable for kayaking at certain times of the year due to water levels and wildlife protection, so be sure to check what’s what beforehand. 

We’ve put together our pick of the best places to kayak in the Lake District to help you plan your next adventure. Where will you choose to visit first?

Skip to:

When you take to the water...

Before you set off, make sure your equipment is in order, and be aware of other water users on the more popular lakes.

Whenever you’ve finished on the water, make sure to thoroughly check, clean and dry your equipment (and self) before going into the next body of water. This is to prevent the transfer of plants and animals that could upset the unique natural balance of each lake. Check the NNSS website for more information. 

Kayaking on Windermere

Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England, so it’s a great place to start your kayaking adventure in the Lake District. As you paddle, you can spot Wray Castle as well as a whole host of wildlife including otters, crayfish and tufted duck. You can take your own kayak on Windermere or make use of local hires and guided kayak tours. Just be aware that launching is prohibited on some shores, which are privately owned, and you can’t land on Belle Isle.

If you’re new to kayaking, then enjoy splashing around close to the shore at popular points like Miller Ground and Fell Foot. If you’re more experienced and love a challenge, do you think you can paddle the whole 10.5-mile length of Windermere?

Kayaking on Ullswater

The Lake District’s second largest lake has a lot of privately owned shoreline, so your best bet for launching a kayak on Ullswater is in the north east section, close to the lovely town of Glenridding and the popular Aira Force waterfall. There are also a handful of public jetties at other points around the lake.

Once you’ve found an appropriate spot, push off onto the water and discover why Ullswater is so commonly named the most beautiful lake in the national park. With mountains like the mighty Helvellyn and High Street towering on either side, and a ribbon shape to the water, the landscape truly is breathtaking.

Coniston Water kayaking

With a view described by John Ruskin as 'the best in all England', there are few more picturesque spots for a kayak trip than Coniston. Paddle amidst high fells and within sight of the imposing Old Man of Coniston (check out the easy way up Coniston if you choose to climb it while you're there!) and make your way to the three small islands where you can rest and soak up the views. If you’re a fan of the books, you can even have your own Swallows and Amazons adventure: one of these islands was the inspiration for Arthur Ransome’s Wild Cat Island! You may not be in a sailing boat like the children in that story, but you can still enjoy the thrill of exploring the island.

As you paddle on by, look out for the Steam Yacht Gondola, a heritage steam-powered boat that floats serenely across the water. You’ll have to keep out if its way in your kayak, but can enjoy the glamorous sight as the Victorian boat makes its way across the lake.

Kayaking on Derwentwater

There are lots of things to do around Derwentwater, and it's a great choice for a kayak trip if you’re staying in Keswick, as it’s very close to town. It’s a peaceful lake with minimal motorised traffic and serene views towards the Borrowdale fells, as well as other famous mountains such as Blencathra, Skiddaw and Catbells. Check out our guides for the easy way up Blencathra and all the walking routes up Skiddaw if you fancy a change from kayaking!

There is much more public access along the shore at Derwentwater than at some of its famous cousins in the South Lakes, so you have more opportunities for launching. As there are also lots of activity providers and not too much lake traffic here, it’s the perfect place to get some kayaking lessons.

Ennerdale Water kayaking

For a more peaceful kayak adventure, head to Ennerdale Water which, as the most westerly lake in the national park, is more remote and therefore attracts fewer crowds. The water is fringed by conifers, creating a very pretty scene. If you’re in a larger group, you’ll need a permit before you paddle – these are available free of charge from United Utilities (01768 772334).

Use of Ennerdale Water is restricted to canoes, kayaks and rowing boats, so there are no loud motors to contend with, and minimal boat traffic in general. As a result, this is a beautifully isolated location to kayak in, surrounded by stunningly rugged scenery that’s part of an extensive rewilding project.

Kayaking on Grasmere lake

Wordsworth’s 'loveliest spot that man hath found' is all the lovelier when explored by kayak. Unfortunately, you can’t land on the poet’s beloved island in the middle of the lake, but Grasmere is well worth visiting anyway.

Grasmere is a small lake, sharing a name with the pretty nearby village. Despite its diminutive size, it’s brimming with character and surrounded by some of the most wonderful scenery that the Lake District has to offer. Kayaking on Grasmere gives you the opportunity to see all these delights from a different perspective to what you’d find on dry land.

Thirlmere reservoir kayaking

Head to Thirlmere for a unique day out, where you’ll be kayaking over villages that were submerged to make the reservoir. As well as this, you can soak up the views of the spectacular Helvellyn Ridge and the Borrowdale fells.

Despite relatively easy access from Keswick to the north and Ambleside to the south, and a reasonably busy road along its eastern shore, Thirlmere retains a feeling of remote wildness. The exposed waters are a good challenge for more experienced kayakers, and the austere conifer woodlands surrounding it provide an impressive backdrop.

Kayaking on Wastwater

Experience the true scale of the Lake District with a kayak trip on Wastwater. The deepest lake in the national park, it’s also surrounded by a majestic array of mountains including the impressive Scafell Pike. It can be quite exposed, however, so make sure you dress for the conditions.

Wastwater is another quite lake offering a wonderful sense of remoteness. The dramatic screes rising out of the water are a breathtaking backdrop to your kayaking adventure, and the view towards England’s highest mountains is not to be missed.

Kayaking on Bassenthwaite lake

This is one of four national park lakes that require a permit before you launch your kayak; for Bassenthwaite, these are available from Keswick Tourist Information Centre. One of the shallowest lakes in the national park, you can spot a wide range of wildlife including ospreys and Atlantic salmon here as you paddle.

The lake will be shared with the local sailing club, who often run races throughout the summer months. Look out for their buoys so you know which areas to avoid. Bassenthwaite is right next to a main road, but you would never guess it from its tranquillity under the shadow of mighty Blencathra.

Kayaking on Buttermere lake

Purchase your permit from the National Trust car park in Buttermere before you set off and you can enjoy a paddle taking in the views towards Fleetwith Pike. The number of watercraft is limited to ten per party here to maintain the lake’s tranquil character.

Buttermere is a reasonably small lake but is hugely popular - and it’s easy to see why. The scenery surrounding this lake is second to none, with the gentle fields and forests of the valley quickly rising into characterful mountains towering ahead. The 360-degree views you get from your kayak are absolutely marvellous.

Kayak hire in the Lake District

You’ll find kayak hire on most of the largest lakes in the Lake District, specifically Windermere, Coniston Water, Derwentwater and Ullswater. Other lakes don’t have any nearby kayak hire, though Marra Bikes and Boards offer a hire service that allows you to collect an inflatable kayak and take it where you want before returning it to their base in Nether Wasdale.

Self-catering accommodation

We have a wide range of cottages close to these tempting lakes, many with storage for kayaks and other water sports equipment. Start planning your next outdoor adventure by browsing our collection of Lake District cottages.