Canoeing

Canoes along the shores of Coniston Water

There is no better way to explore the lakes of the Lake District than by boat, and if you are looking for something more adventurous than a traditional steamer ride, then canoeing might be for you.

A canoe is an open narrow boat that is manoeuvred through the use of paddles. Unlike kayaking that uses a double ended paddle, canoeing, also known as Canadian canoeing, uses a single ended paddle.

What Canoeing Involves

Canoeing takes a number of forms. In the Lake District, the most popular canoeing activity available is recreational canoeing where participants may take a gentle paddle around a lake or along a river. Some activity companies also offer white water canoeing, with boats specially designed to withstand the forces of choppy waters. Canoeing also has a sporting element with professionals competing in a variety of races from short sprints to long marathons.

What to Wear and Bring

The type of clothes that you should wear for canoeing very much depend on both the weather and the sort of activity you are planning to do. For instance, it’s unlikely that you will need a wetsuit for a gentle paddle around a lake, but you might need waterproofs if it is raining. In white water canoeing, you will certainly require a wetsuit, but it might be that your activity company provides one and it is best to check in advance. Non-swimmers will need buoyancy aids.

Ensure that you have enough refreshments to last you for your activity and a mobile phone to call for help if required.

Where to Canoe in the Lake District

There are three options for canoeing in the Lake District, which include bringing your own canoe to use on the lakes, hiring a canoe to take out for the day, and for the complete canoe novice, joining a guided canoe tour. Below we describe a bit more about each option and the best companies to look into for all of your canoeing escapades.

1. Bringing Your Own Canoe to the Lake District

If you have your own canoe, you can simply use it on one of the permitted lakes as outlined in this document from the Lake District National Park Authority.

2. Hiring Canoes for Personal Exploration

A number of locations around the Lake District have canoes available to hire for people experienced in canoeing who just want to take a canoe out to explore. These include:

3. Guided Canoe Tours in the Lake District

However, for complete novices we would recommend you use an activity company to provide you with a guided session. There are a number of companies offering a range of canoeing experiences, some involving leisurely paddles, others with more thrilling white water canoeing.