We've produced a simple A4 Lakes Activities Guide explaining the activities you can do on the main lakes, we also unpack further information below. Please ensure you're aware of relevant speed limits and byelaws and to remember to Check, Clean, Dry your equipment to help stop dangerous invasive species from spreading between different areas.
Guide to allowed activities in our four navigable Lake District lakes
Windermere
Contact: Lake District National Park: 01539 724555 or hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Ullswater
Contact: Lake District National Park: 01539 724555 or hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Derwentwater
- Swimming
- Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards
- Rowing/Sailing boats
- Powered craft:10mph speed limit
- There is no access to islands in Derwentwater
- Derwentwater lake map (jetties, parking, facilities)
- Derwentwater byelaws
Contact: National Trust, N West :015394 35599
Coniston Water
Contact: Coniston Information Centre: 01539441533 or conistonbc@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Activities allowed in other Lake District lakes:
Bassenthwaite
Contact: Lake District National Park: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk or 01539 724555.
Buttermere
- Swimming: yes
- Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards with a permit
- Rowing boats: with a permit
- Sailing boats: No
- Powered craft: No
- Small lakes byelaws
Contact National Trust N West: 015394 35599. Season Permits: 01768774649. Day permits: car parks Buttermere CA139UZ, Lanthwaite Wood CA13ORT
Crummock Water
- Swimming
- Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards with a permit
- Rowing boats with a permit
- Sailing boats: No
- Powered craft: No
- Small lakes byelaws
Season Permits ring 017687 74649. Day permits available from car parks at Buttermere CA13 9UZ or Lanthwaite Wood CA13 ORT. Contact: National Trust, North West 015394 35599
Ennerdale Water
- Canoes, kayaks, rowing boats, yes but commercial groups, activity providers, groups need a permit
- Sailing boats: No
- Powered craft: No
- Paddleboards: No
- Swimming: No
- Permits are available from United Utilities
Contact United Utilities, 01768 772334
accessnorthcatchment@uuplc.co.uk
Esthwaite Water
Esthwaite Water is run as a private fishery, offering bank, row and motor boat fishing.
Contact: 015394 36541
Grasmere
- Swimming
- Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards
- Rowing boats
- Sailing boats
- Powered craft
- There is no access to the islands on Grasmere
- Small lakes byelaws
Contact Lowther Estates: 01931 712577
Haweswater Reservoir
- Swimming
- Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards
- Sailing boats
- Powered craft
Contact: United Utilities: 01768 772334
accessnorthcatchment@uuplc.co.uk
Loweswater
- Swimming
- Canoes, kayaks under 4m with permit
- paddleboards under 4m with permit
- Rowing boats under 4m
- Sailing boats and powered craft: No
- Day permits from car parks at Buttermere CA13 9UZ and Lanthwaite Wood CA13 ORT.
- Small lakes byelaws
Contact: National Trust, North West
015394 35599
Rydal
- Swimming
- Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards no public access
- Rowing boats no public access
- Sailing boats and powered craft: No
- Individual recreational swimming only.
- Agree commercial activity with Carter Jonas.
- Small lakes byelaws
Contact: Rydal Estates, c/o Carter Jonas land agents
01539 722592
Thirlmere Reservoir
- Swimming
- Canoes, kayaks
- Sailing boats
- Powered craft: No
- Paddleboards: No
Contact:United Utilities: 01768 772334
accessnorthcatchment@uuplc.co.uk
Wastwater
