The Lake District is a picturesque region in Cumbria, England, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of lakes. Combining the thrill of paddleboarding with the tranquility of camping, Lake District Camping Paddle Boarding offers an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, this guide will provide you with the essential information to plan your Lake District Camping Paddle Boarding experience.
Best Lakes for Paddleboarding in the Lake District
The Lake District boasts several lakes that are perfect for paddleboarding, each offering its own unique charm and scenery. Here are some of the top destinations:
-
Windermere: As the largest lake in the Lake District, Windermere provides a serene and picturesque setting for paddleboarding. Its calm waters and stunning surroundings make it a popular choice for both experienced and novice paddlers.
-
Ullswater: Known as the second-largest lake in the Lake District, Ullswater is a true gem. Its tranquil waters and breathtaking mountain backdrops create a truly mesmerizing experience for paddleboarding.
-
Coniston Water: This lake is famous for its connection to Donald Campbell’s water speed record attempt and offers a peaceful atmosphere for paddleboarding. Surrounded by the majestic Coniston Fells, it’s a must-visit destination.
-
Derwent Water: Located near the charming town of Keswick, Derwent Water is a popular spot for paddleboarding and kayaking, with its calm waters and scenic surroundings.
-
Grasmere: A smaller lake, Grasmere is ideal for those seeking a more secluded and peaceful paddleboarding experience, surrounded by the stunning Lake District landscape.
Camping Sites for Paddleboarding in the Lake District
To fully immerse yourself in the Lake District’s natural beauty, consider camping near the lakes you plan to explore. Here are some top-rated camping sites that cater to paddleboarding enthusiasts:
-
Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite: Located near Coniston Water, this campsite offers direct access to the lake, making it an ideal base for paddleboarding.
-
Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club campsite: Situated on the shores of Derwent Water, this campsite provides a great starting point for exploring the Lake District and enjoying paddleboarding.
-
Tarn Foot Farm, Ambleside: This small, back-to-basics campsite is near Loughrigg Tarn and offers a tranquil setting for paddleboarding.
-
Waterside House Campsite, Ullswater: This family-run campsite is set on a farm on the northern shores of Ullswater, providing direct access to the lake and amenities like a café and boat hire.
Renting a Paddleboard for Camping in the Lake District
If you don’t own a paddleboard, there are several rental options available in the Lake District to make your camping adventure more enjoyable:
-
Graythwaite: Located on Windermere, Graythwaite offers paddleboard hire and lessons for beginners.
-
Coniston Boating Centre: This centre provides a range of boats and paddleboards for hire, allowing you to explore the serene waters of Coniston Water.
-
Keswick Adventures: Offering paddleboarding experiences and lessons, including equipment hire, Keswick Adventures is a great resource for your Lake District Camping Paddle Boarding trip.
Safety and Tips
To ensure a safe and enjoyable paddleboarding experience in the Lake District, consider the following tips:
-
Weather: Always check the weather forecast before heading out on the water, as the Lake District is known for its unpredictable weather conditions.
-
Personal Flotation Devices: Wearing a personal flotation device is essential for any water sport activity, including paddleboarding.
-
Safety Videos: Watching safety videos and following top tips can help you prepare for a safe and successful paddleboarding adventure in the Lake District.
Cost and Timings
When planning your Lake District Camping Paddle Boarding trip, consider the following cost and timing information:
-
Paddleboarding Lessons: Prices for a 3-hour paddleboarding lesson with Keswick Adventures start at £50 per person, plus any booking fees.
-
Paddleboard Hire: The cost of paddleboard rental varies depending on the location and duration of hire.
-
Operating Hours: Most paddleboarding rental and activity providers in the Lake District are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Value and Reviews
Paddleboarding in the Lake District has received positive reviews from both locals and visitors. Here’s a glimpse of the value and reviews:
-
Keswick Adventures: With a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Keswick Adventures is praised for its knowledgeable instructors and the overall quality of the paddleboarding experience.
-
Graythwaite: Also boasting a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Graythwaite is commended for its stunning location and the well-maintained equipment.
References
- Otis and Us. (2024). The BEST campsites for paddle boarding UK. Retrieved from https://otisandus.co.uk/best-campsites-for-paddle-boarding/
- Smudged Postcard. (2024). Waterfront campsites for paddle boarding and wild swimming UK. Retrieved from https://smudgedpostcard.com/waterfront-campsites-paddle-boarding-wild-swimming/
- Keswick Adventures. (n.d.). Stand Up Paddle Boarding in the Lake District. Retrieved from https://keswickadventures.co.uk/outdoor-activities/paddle-boarding/
- Lake District National Park. (n.d.). Paddleboarding and kayaking. Retrieved from https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/water/canoeing-kayaking-paddleboarding
- Visit Lake District. (n.d.). Paddleboarding in the Lake District, Cumbria. Retrieved from https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/things-to-do/adventure-activities/paddleboarding-in-the-lake-district-cumbria