Seeing the Fells from the water is absolutely heavenly. And should not be missed. So if you can fit it in during your visit, then try to get out on The Keswick Launch on Derwentwater or on one of the Ullswater ‘Steamers’, or on Coniston Water or Windermere.
But if you want to get ‘up close and personal’, it doesn’t need to break the bank. You don’t have to own a boat or hire one. Paddle boarding can be just as breathtaking.
And with all this wonderful weather at the moment, why not hire a paddleboard?
At George Fisher in Keswick you can hire a Red paddle board for a half-day, full day, 3-days or 7-days. The kit hire includes a Personal Flotation Device and a carry-case. And you can also buy a waterproof phone case whilst you’re there. They also offer a ‘Try before you buy’ option, which means your hire charge will be refunded if you purchase a Paddle Board within 30 days of hire. (Receipt for hire must be shown. Maximum of 3 day hire will be refunded against Paddle Board purchase. Ask in store at George Fisher, Keswick for full T&Cs.)
You can paddle board on some of the Lakes for free and some you will need to buy a permit. You can find all the information you need on the Lake District National Park website.
For example, if you go to Lanthwaite Wood Car Park (Postcode CA13 9UY, OS reference NY158207) – you can buy your permit at the car parking machine for £5 and enjoy Crummock Water and the permit is also valid for Buttermere and Loweswater. And as this is a National Trust Car Park – and if you’re a NT member – then don’t forget that your parking is free, bonus!
The National Trust describe it as: ‘park here for a half mile level walk to one of the most jaw-dropping beach-side views in the Lakes looking right down Crummock Water to the fells beyond.‘
But don’t forget safety always comes first. And the Lake District National Park website has loads of information on safety tips, including a video from Adventure Smart UK about paddle boarding.
Adventure Smart UK also have a whole section dedicated to paddle boarding safety in the Lake District so be sure to check this out as well.
And should you fall in love with paddle boarding in the Lakes and want to read more about it, then I would definitely recommend reading Jo Moseley’s book ‘Stand-up Paddle boarding in the Lake District: Beautiful places to paddleboard in Cumbria’ – the photos are simply amazing and will inspire you to come and try it for yourself.
So, if you would like to book a break at Maple Bank just call us on 017687 789 229 or 07494 219 592 or email us at enquiries@maplebank.co.uk And don’t forget that booking direct will also get you the best price. Please don’t miss out.
Take care. Stay well. And we look forward to seeing you soon.