stand up paddleboarding consiton lake district

Best Places to go Stand Up Paddleboarding in the Lake District

10 June 2022 Local area

Here’s our pick of the top places to go stand up paddleboarding in the Lake District.

Stand up paddleboarding is the fastest growing sport in the world and it’s not difficult to see why. It’s gentle, great for core strength and can be adapted to suit all ages and abilities.

The Lake District is widely considered one of the best places to go stand up paddleboarding in the UK. There’s an abundance of lakes to choose from as well as a wealth of activity providers offering board hire and tuition. We think it’s one of the best outdoor adventure activities to try during your stay at our caravan and holiday park.

Here’s our pick of the top places to go stand up paddleboarding in the Lake District.

 

SUP in The Lakes

windermere

Windermere

Windermere is the largest lake in England and one of the most popular destinations in the National Park. At 11 miles long and almost a mile wide there’s no shortage of places to give stand up paddleboarding a go. It’s a great spot for complete beginners as well as those who have tried paddleboarding before.

If you’re just starting out, we highly recommend heading to Brockholes or Fell Foot Park where you can build your confidence in the sheltered and shallow waters. Both are well suited to families with younger children in tow.

Experienced paddlers can venture further afield and explore attractions such as Wray Castle and Storrs Temple.

Important info:

  • Windermere can get very busy, especially in the summer months. Be mindful of other people in the water and watch out for boats

 

SUP hire and lessons Windermere

  • Windermere Canoe Kayak offer instructor led sessions designed to give you a taster of the sport. SUP hire is also available.
  • Lake District Paddleboarding are the leading SUP provider in The Lakes. Join their highly qualified team for an introductory session or private lesson with your family and friends. The instructors are experienced at guiding all abilities. They will help you master the basics or perfect your technique.
  • Stoked Watersports offer SUP hire by the hour. You will get access to the ‘Active Base’ changing facility as part of your fee. The state of the art building has underfloor heating, hairdryers an secure lockers.
  • Brockhole have paddleboards available to hire by the hour. All boards come with buoyancy aids, which must be worn at all times.
Ullswater

Ullswater

Ullswater has plenty to offer paddleboarders looking to get out on the water during a camping or caravan holiday in the Lake District. It’s one of our favourite places to escape the crowds and enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet in the great outdoors.

The scenery surrounding the lake is a mix of rolling hills and dramatic fells. There are plenty of villages lining the shore, where you can disembark and enjoy a couple of minutes rest.

We think Pooley Bridge is one of the best starting points. Or you could launch near the car park at the Glenridding Steamer Terminal.

Important info:

  • Some areas of Ullswater are quite exposed, which can cause waves and choppy conditions. Make sure you consult the weather forecast carefully on the day.

 

SUP hire and lessons Ullswater

  • Ullswater Paddleboarding provide a varied programme of SUP lessons, tours and equipment hire geared towards all ages and abilities. We highly recommend their guided tour, which takes you on a ‘journey of discovery’ along the lake. You’ll follow one of the highly qualified instructors to some of the lake’s most inaccessible places, including headlands, cliffs and islands. If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife!
  • Alfresco Adventure hire stand up boards by the hour. Board hire comes with mandatory buoyancy aids and safety briefing. Wetsuits are also available to rent for the duration of your session.
  • Another Place offer ‘Introduction to SUP’ lessons for families and groups. Prices start at £40 per person and are well-suited to children aged 7 and up. The experienced instructors will teach you how to balance and where to position yourself on the board. They’ll teach you how to self-rescue, so you know how to get back on once you’ve fallen in.
  • Wake & Surf early morning and evening paddleboarding sessions for groups of up to 6. Learn the basics under the watchful eye of a qualified coach. Board hire also available.
coniston water

Coniston Water

Coniston Water is one of the most popular lakes in the National Park and it’s not difficult to see why. It occupies an idyllic location beneath the Old Man of Coniston and boast spectacular views of the surrounding fells. The lake is relatively sheltered, which makes it one of our top picks for SUP. It’s a great choice for experienced paddlers and those just starting out.

If you have your own gear, we recommend launching from Brown Howe Bay, which is situated just a couple of minutes’ walks from the car park. Alternatively, you could launch from the small beach next to Bluebird Café – one of our favourite eateries in the area and the perfect place to grab a post paddle snack!

Once you’re on the water head out to centre and circumnavigate Peel Island – the inspiration behind the famed children’s adventure novel, ‘Swallows and Amazons’. Confident paddlers should hear to the other side and spend time exploring the scenic shoreline which is dotted with quiet coves.

If you want to make a day of it you could paddle around the entire lake! Its roughly 19kms and will take you a few hours to complete.

Important info:

  • There is a small fee to launch from the beach next to Bluebird café
  • Peel Island is privately owned and a haven for nesting birds and other wildlife. You are not permitted to land on the islands in Coniston

 

SUP hire and lessons Coniston

  • Coniston Boating Centre have a selection of stand-up paddleboards available to hire. Book online, or simply turn up on the day. The friendly team will give you some pointers and answer any questions you may have before you head out. Well behaved dogs are welcome if you fancy taking your four-legged friend for an adventurous day out! SUPs can be hired for 2 hours at a time. The team have a small quantity of boards that you can hire for the duration of your holiday, so that you can explore multiple lakes during your stay.
bassenthwaite lake shoreline

Bassenthwaite Lake

Bassenthwaite is one of our favourite places to go stand up paddleboarding in the Lake District National Park. It has National Nature Reserve Status and is an important habitat for wildlife, including insects, small mammals and birds. Ospreys nest nearby and can often be seen swooping from above to feast on fish. It really is a special place to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Motor craft are not permitted on Bassenthwaite, which creates a peaceful environment to paddle and soak up the scenery. The number of permits are restricted, which means there won’t be too many people around.

Visitors must launch from Peele Wyke on the lakes western shore. From here you can enjoy a leisurely paddle with family and friends.

Important info:

  • Anyone over the age of 16 will need a boat permit to paddleboard on Bassenthwaite – the funds are used to protect the area and invest in ecological initiatives. You can purchase a day ticket or season ticket online via the Lake District National Park website. Permits must be purchased in advance and are not available on the lake shore. 
  • There are two privately owned areas of the lake where you are not allowed to SUP. Restricted areas are marked by white topped posts.

 

SUP hire and lessons Bassenthwaite

  • There are no board hire or SUP lessons available on Bassenthwaite

SUP safety tips

  • Avoid going paddleboarding on your own. Always try to go with at least one other person
  • Let a friend or family member know where you’re going and what time you expect to be back
  • Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Wear a suitable wetsuit and shoes to keep you warm
  • Inspect your equipment before you set off for the day. Ensure you’ve got everything you need and check for punctures and any other damage that could cause problems whilst you’re paddling
  • Wear a buoyancy aid or floatation device at all times. Make sure it is the appropriate size and securely fastened
  • Ensure your leg leash is attached securely for the duration of your paddle. Never take it off
  • Bring a hand-held radio or mobile phone in a waterproof case. Make sure it is fully charged before heading out
  • Check the weather and tidal conditions carefully before setting off. Remember the golden rule – ‘if in doubt, don’t go out’
  • Consider signing up to some beginner’s lessons if you’re just starting out. A qualified instructor will be able to teach you basic techniques and good practice
  • Keep an eye out for other water users, including boats, jet skis and open water swimmers. Be mindful of the wake from boats – it will create waves that could knock you off
  • If you plan on paddling on multiple lakes during your holiday in the Lake Districts it’s important to wash your gear thoroughly in between venues. This will stop the spread of bacteria which could damage the carefully balanced eco-system

 

In the event of an SUP emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

SUP FAQs

Can you SUP in the Lake District?

Yes, there are plenty of places to go stand up paddleboarding in the Lake District. In fact, it is widely considered one of the best SUP destinations in the UK. Bring your own paddleboard or hire equipment from one of the many outdoor activity providers. There are also SUP lessons for all ages and abilities.

 

Do you need a permit to SUP in the Lake District?

A permit is needed to paddleboard on some bodies of water in the Lake District. See details below:

 

Permit required:

  • Bassenthwaite – buy permit online
  • Buttermere – day permit available from Buttermere carpark CA13 9UZ
  • Crummock Water – day permit available from Buttermere carpark CA13 9UZ
  • Loweswater – day permit available from Buttermere carpark CA13 9UZ

 

Permit NOT required:

 

You are not permitted to SUP on:

  • Ennerdale Water
  • Haweswater Reservoir
  • Rydal
  • Thirlmere Reservoir

 

Can you SUP on Windermere?

Yes, SUP is permitted on Windermere – it is one of the most popular places to go stand up paddleboarding in the Lake District. SUP hire is available from a number of activity providers. You can also book yourself onto a stand-up paddleboarding lesson. You do not need a permit to SUP on Windermere?

 

Can you paddleboard on any lake in the Lake District?

No, there are some restrictions in place. Stand up paddleboarding is not permitted on the following bodies of water:

  • Ennerdale Water
  • Haweswater Reservoir
  • Rydal
  • Thirlmere Reservoir

 

Permits are required to SUP on:

 

Permit required:

  • Bassenthwaite – buy permit online
  • Buttermere – day permit available from Buttermere carpark CA13 9UZ
  • Crummock Water – day permit available from Buttermere carpark CA13 9UZ
  • Loweswater – day permit available from Buttermere carpark CA13 9UZ

 

SUP allowed and permit NOT required:

 

Where can I SUP on Windermere?

Windermere is one of the best places to go paddleboarding in the Lake District. There are a number of places to launch your SUP. We recommend heading to Brockholes or Fell Foot Park.

 

Can you paddleboard on Crummock Water?

Paddleboarding is allowed on Crummock Water, but you will need to purchase a permit before heading out on the water. You can purchase a day permit from the car park at Buttermere (Postcode CA13 9UZ). For season permits please call 017687 74649.

 

Can you SUP on Ullswater?

Yes, SUP is permitted on Ullswater and you do not require a permit.

 

Do you need a permit to paddleboard on Derwentwater?

No, a permit is not required to go stand up paddleboarding on Derwentwater.

 

Can you paddle board on lake Coniston?

Yes, you are allowed to stand up paddleboard on Coniston. You do not require a permit.

 

Can I paddleboard on Derwentwater?

Yes, you can stand up paddleboard on Derwentwater. You do not need a permit to do so.

Paddleboarding holidays in the Lake District

Park Cliffe is the perfect base for a paddleboarding holiday in the Lake District. Our multi-award-winning park is situated in an idyllic location, with views over Windermere and the surrounding fells. We have a range of self-catering accommodation on offer – ideal for couples, families and friends. Stay in one of our static caravans or try our cosy cottage, shepherd’s hut or one of our camping pods.

We also welcome motorhomes, caravans and campervans and tents. Our facilities are maintained to a high standard to ensure you have a comfortable stay.