Canoeing
Lake District
Canoeing - One of the most popular watersports in the Lake District
The best way to see the beautiful lakes that make up so much of the Lake District is by boat. Canoes have been used throughout history for trading, transporting and also in war! Canadian Canoes which are different to Kayaks are completely versatile. Designed to fit two people or 3 if you have a little one! You can pack up a canoe and travel around the Lakes in comfort. You can even join two canoes together to make a stable raft. Great for distance, little arms or those that prefer a more stable craft! They are just a fabulous way to explore the lakes and scenery that is on offer.
We guide full, half day trips in Canadian Canoes. We also offer Canoe Coaching and White Water River trips and guiding. You'll be guided by an experienced instructor who will equip you with everything you need to have a safe and amazing adventure.
How to Book:
You can book our activities online here.
If you are looking for alternative dates/times, cannot find your chosen activity or have children below the stated age please do contact us to arrange your activity - we will do our best to accommodate you. For some of our more bespoke activities please contact us.
Please note: All under 18's must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
Rest assured - all our bookings come with a no quibble Covid-19 refund policy.
Prices:
Half day Canoe - £49pp / Full day Canoe or Canoe & Bushcraft- From £79pp.
Discounts available for large groups.
Canoeing
Coniston Water
Tranquil with stunning mountain views.
Explore the magnificent Coniston Water by Canoe and take a visit to Wild Cat Island from the book and feature film 'Swallows and Amazons'. Coniston is the third longest lake in the Lake District and is famous for the world water speed record made by Donald Campbell in the Bluebird during the 1960s. Visit its lovely beaches, see the views of the famous Old Man of Coniston and watch as the steamer and sailboats pass you by.
We offer both half and full-day guided Canoe trips.
Suitable for: Age 5+
Fitness Level: Low to Moderate
Duration: 3 hrs half day or 6 hours full day
Location: Start - South West end of Coniston Water
Price: £49 Half day / £79 Full day of Canoeing
(Minimum x2 people)
Great combined with:
Canoe & Bushcraft
Coniston Water
Canoeing with a difference!
For something a little different, combine your canoe journey with Bushcraft and learn some skills along the way? Park your canoes on the lake shore and let our expert instructors teach you the fundamentals of Bushcraft.
Half day: Explore 'Wild Cat Island' from the film 'Swallows and Amazons' then stop off to try a little Bushcraft. We will cover the exciting and essential skill of how to make a fire using Fire Strikers. You’ll be able to boil water to make a brew and toast some marshmallows over the fire. Great fun for families.
Full day: You’ll get more time to perfect different methods of fire lighting including fire bows, have a go at filleting and cooking Rainbow Trout for lunch and cook this over your fire along with some homemade garlic bread. We’ll teach you how to use a knife and axe safely and you’ll have a chance to make feather sticks or whistles.
Great for adults or families with older children.
Suitable for: Age 5+ half day/Age 12+ full day
Fitness Level: Low to Moderate
Duration: 3 hrs half day or 6 hours full day
Location: Start - South West end of Coniston Water
Price: £49 Half day / £95 Full day with lunch & Bushcraft Knife included. (Minimum x2 people)
Great combined with:
Canoeing
Windermere
Both popular and beautiful . A must see.
Half Day: Canoe along the River Leven that flows out of Windermere and then onto the edge of Windermere itself. Enjoy the peaceful scenery and wildlife that surrounds the river. This journey starts and finishes at a luxury hotel - perfect if you want to finish your session with delicious refreshments by the River.
Full day: Take a canoe trip on the Lake Districts most famous lake - Windermere. You'll start your journey on the gentle River Leven then out onto Windermere which is England's largest natural lake and is almost 70 metres deep and 10.5 miles long. Its popularity attracts a variety of boats and activities. You'll see rowing boats, luxury yachts, cruise boats, kayaks and paddleboarders. Paddle along and admire the luxury lakeside properties and spectacular views. If your feeling peckish park your canoe and sample the lovely cakes and coffee at The Boathouse Cafe.
Suitable for: Age 5+
Fitness Level: Low to Moderate
Duration: 3 hrs half day or 6 hours full day
Location: South end of Windermere.
Price: £49 Half day / £79 Full day of canoeing
(Minimum x2 people)
Great combined with:
For something a little different try one of our Select Canoe Experiences:
River Canoeing
The Esk
For those that want to take life slowly!
We start this picturesque river tour from the quaint little village of Ravenglass. You'll canoe out with the tide along the estuary following the dunes and grassy river banks.
Paddle along this peaceful and quiet river and take in the rich wildlife that lives on the estuary - In spring the dunes come alive with wild flowers and in summer birds such as plovers and skylark nest there. Look out for the feeding oyster catchers and curlews that wade amongst the edges of the rivers. In Autumn the migrating birds return.
Sit back and enjoy the stunning views of the western Lakeland mountains. We'll stop off to enjoy lunch along the river banks then return with the tide to finish back at Ravenglass there you can finish the day with a well earned brew or pint at one of the cafes or pubs.
Suitable for: Age 10+
Fitness Level: Moderate
Duration: Full day - 5/6 hours
Location: Start and finish at Ravenglass.
Available: On appropriate tide times
Price: £79pp (Minimum number x4 people)
Sunset Canoeing
Coniston Water
Canoeing with a difference!
Want something extra special? Enjoy an evening paddle on Coniston Water exploring the bays and islands. We'll then park up the canoes and enjoy a dinner of steak, potatoes, mushrooms and tomatoes cooked over an open fire.
This is an experience for those that want to get away from it all! Sit back and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Lakes when everyone else has gone home! Paddle back to shore as the sun sets over the mountains.
Suitable for: Age 12+
Fitness Level: Low to Moderate
Duration: 4 hrs
Location: Start - South West end of Coniston Water
Price: £79pp (Minimum x2 people)
White Water Canoeing
An action packed 2 day course.
This package is designed to lay the foundations, giving you the essential skills, confidence and boat control needed for this exciting moving water environment.
Day 1 - This is spent on beautiful Windermere or Coniston. Here you will learn the fundamentals of paddling an open canoe, developing paddling techniques that you will need to confidently negotiate the river.
Day 2 - You will be paddling a grade 1-2 white water river which will be chosen to suit confidence, ability and conditions. Your experienced guide will lead you safely down the river, negotiating white water rapids, weirs and waves. You will be able to apply and build on all of the skills acquired the previous day, whilst learning new skills such as ferry gliding, breaking out and the ability to read a river.
Suitable for: Age 16+
Fitness Level: Moderate to high
Duration: 2 days
Location: First day South Windermere
Available: Approx: October to March
Price: £180pp (Minimum x2 people)
Dark Sky Canoeing
Coniston Water
Stargazing with a difference!
The Lake District is one of the most excellent venues in England for stargazing. Cumbria is listed in the top 5% of the darkest areas in the whole of Britain. On a clear night we are lucky enough to be able to see thousands of stars, constellations and the Milky Way just with the naked eye.
The guided canoe tour will start before sunset giving you time get the hang of paddling your canoe. Along the way we'll stop to enjoy hot soup and crumpets toasted over a fire and watch as the sun sets over the Coniston mountains. Once the sun has set, we will continue the journey stopping along the way to gaze at the stars, identify some constellations and see the beauty of the Milky Way.
Available: During dark nights (Nov - Mar)
Suitable for: Age 12+
Fitness Level: Low to Moderate
Duration: 3 hrs
Location: Start - South West end of Coniston Water
Price: £49pp (Minimum x2 people)
Dates: November to March
Dates:
March 13th 2021 5.00 - 8.00pm
March 26th 2021 5.30 - 8.30pm
Canoeing Wastwater
See England's most beautiful scenery.
Not only is the view down Wastwater voted the best in England, it also boasts being the deepest lake at 79 metres and is surrounded by the highest mountains! At the end of the valley, you'll also find the smallest church!
Paddle along and enjoy the panoramic views of Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Yewbarrow to name but a few. Paddle across to 'the screes' one of the Lake Districts most famous scenes and see the gigantic boulders that have rolled down from the hill above. Hear about the tales of the world warplane that crashed on to the screes, the divers secret gnome garden and Wasdale's 'Lady of the Lake'.
Make a day of it and combine it with Ghyll Scrambling or Rock Climbing, take a stroll into the hills or just relax in with a brew or a pint in Wasdales Inn.
Suitable for: Age 5+
Fitness Level: Low to Moderate
Duration: 3 hrs half day
Location: Parking is at the south west end.
Price: £49pp (Large groups only or x2 people if combined with another activity)
Great combined with:
What we offer:
Expect to meet like-minded people on your activity. We keep our ratios of instructor to client low so you can have a fabulous and safe experience.
If you would prefer a private session just let us know and we will accommodate if we can - please enquire for a price.
All bookings will be run in line with current government Covid rules.
We provide:
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Instruction from qualified and friendly local guides.
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Specialist quality equipment.
What to wear & bring:
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Warm layers, Hat, Gloves
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Waterproof Jacket & Trousers - Good quality
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Trainers you don't mind getting wet or Wellies
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Snacks if you would like and water bottle/drink
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Spare change of clothes.
Bring a packed lunch if you are with us for a full day - there are often no shops. If you are doing a full day Canoe and Bushcraft, lunch is provided