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:
Brockhole
The Lake District National Park Authority’s visitor centre on Windermere has a plethora of activities available, including canoe hire.
- Address: Windermere, LA23 1LJ
- Tel: 01593446601
- Website: brockhole.co.uk/attractions/boat-hire
Glenridding Sailing Centre
As well as offering a range of courses, this centre located at the southern end of Ullswater has a range of boats available to hire.
- Address: The Spit, Glenridding, Penrith, CA11 0PE
- Tel: 01768482541
- Website: glenriddingsailingcentre.co.uk
Coniston Boating Centre
Operated by the Lake District National Park Authority as a non-profit making company, Coniston Boating Centre has a great selection of boats available to hire.
- Address: Lake Road, Coniston, LA21 8EW
- Tel: 01539441366
- Website: conistonboatingcentre.co.uk
Derwent Water Marina
Accredited by the Royal Yachting Association, the marina offers professionally led courses and taster sessions, as well as having boats available for hire.
- Address: Portinscale, Keswick, CA12 5RF
- Tel: 01768772924
- Website: derwentwatermarina.co.uk
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.
West Lakes Adventures
Various canoeing sessions are available through West Lakes Adventures, including sessions on lakes and rivers, and expeditions.
- Address: Woolpack Farm, Boot, Eskdale Valley, CA19 1TH
- Tel: 01946723753
- Website: westlakesadventure.co.uk
River Deep Mountain High
Based at Coniston, River Deep Mountain High are able to offer an authentic “Swallows and Amazons” experience through their canoeing sessions.
- Address: Lowick Old School, Nr Ulverston, LA12 8EB
- Tel: 01539528666
- Website: riverdeepmountainhigh.co.uk
Keswick Adventure Centre
Canoeing sessions are held on Derwentwater with tuition on basic skills and competitive games.
- Address: Keswick Adventure Centre, Brundholme Road, Keswick, CA12 4NL
- Tel: 01768775687
- Website: keswickadventurecentre.co.uk
Mobile Adventure
Beginners are invited to canoe on Derwentwater or Thirlmere, whilst those with experience can test their skills on a white water course.
- Address: Laal Moota, Blindcrake, Cockermouth, CA13 0QE
- Tel: 01697323548
- Website: mobileadventure.co.uk
Keswick Canoe and Bushcraft
From half day sessions, to an overnight canoeing expedition, Keswick Canoe and Bushcraft will get you closer to the wilderness through their canoeing sessions.
- Address: Mire House, Keswick, CA12 4TT
- Tel: 07950559623
- Website: keswickcanoeandbushcraft.co.uk
Adventure North West
Adventure North West excitingly offers a Swallows and Amazon’s inspired adventure session where you can canoe to the famous 'Wild Cat Island' (Piel Island). This one is perfect for children, as they then get to explore the island and toast marshmallows / pop popcorn on a fire as an added bonus! The company also offers an array of other canoeing sessions in Coniston, allowing you to take part in games on the water.
- Tel: 07795917171
- Website: adventurenorthwest.co.uk/canoeing