Discover the enchanting beauty of England’s Lake District.
Have you ever imagined paddling on tranquil waters surrounded by breathtaking landscapes?
The best places to paddle board in Derwentwater await your adventurous spirit.
Embark on a captivating journey as we explore the stunning shoreline together. Are you ready to dip your toes?
Map
Planning Your Paddle in Derwentwater
Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.
- Season: average daily highs clear 15 °C from June through September. July is the warmest month, averaging 18 °C, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
- Rules and licences: Access in England and Wales depends on who controls the water. The Canal & River Trust requires a valid waterways licence for a paddleboard on its canals and rivers, either short term or through Paddle UK membership, and that licence expressly does not cover the Trust’s reservoirs. Lakes and reservoirs in other hands set their own conditions, so check the individual spot before you load the car. There is no statutory kit list, but official guidance after a fatal accident is blunt: wear a buoyancy aid, and a quick release waist leash in moving water.
- Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists 2 places within 16 miles that hire out boards, kayaks or canoes: Total Adventure Kayak Hire and Marra Bikes and Boards. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.
Where to Paddle Board in Derwentwater
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Friars Crag
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Keswick Landing Stages (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, occasional gentle breezes
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Autumn
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, swans, and other waterfowl
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Friars Crag Promontory, Keswick, and the surrounding fells
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in changing weather conditions, adhere to national park rules
Friars Crag is a popular starting point to paddle board on Derwentwater, offering stunning views of the lake and nearby fells. The calm waters make it suitable for beginners, and it is easily accessible from Keswick Landing Stages.
#2 Derwent Isle
- 🏖️ Location Type: Island
- 📍 Access Point: Board from Keswick or any nearby shoreline spot (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Tranquil lake waters, mild breezes
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Autumn
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Various birds and waterfowl
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Derwent Isle House, Catbells and surrounding fells
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Do not land on the island, be respectful of private property
Paddling around Derwent Isle offers a unique perspective of Derwentwater and its picturesque surroundings.
The tranquil waters allow leisurely exploration, but it’s important to remember that the island itself has private properties, so refraining from trespassing is crucial.
#3 Lodore Falls
- 🏖️ Location Type: Waterfall
- 📍 Access Point: Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, possibility of stronger currents near the falls
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring and Summer
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Native birds, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Lodore Falls, Lake, and surrounding wooded valley
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Exercise caution near the falls, respect local wildlife
Paddling towards Lodore Falls provides an adventurous excursion for paddleboarders in Derwentwater.
The calm environment of the lake contrasts with the splendor of the falls, creating a captivating and tranquil experience. Paddlers should exercise caution when approaching the falls and respect the local wildlife.
#4 St Herbert’s Island
- 🏖️ Location Type: Island
- 📍 Access Point: From any accessible Derwentwater shoreline (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, light breezes
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Autumn
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Various birds, including herons and geese
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: St Herbert’s Island, surrounding fells, and lake vistas
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be respectful of wildlife, avoid landing on the island
St Herbert’s Island is a picturesque destination for paddleboarding in Derwentwater. The serene waters and idyllic island setting make for a delightful outing.
Paddlers must be respectful of local wildlife and avoid landing on the island, as it is a National Trust-owned property.
#5 Calfclose Bay
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍 Access Point: Borrowdale, south shore of Derwentwater (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Sheltered bay waters, light winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Autumn
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Birds, fish, and other lake wildlife
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding woodland, views of Catbells and nearby fells
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local environment, follow any signage or rules
Calfclose Bay, situated on the south shore of Derwentwater in Borrowdale, offers a peaceful paddleboarding experience.
The sheltered bay keeps water conditions calm, making it an ideal spot for all skill levels. Enjoy the surrounding woodland and incredible lake vistas as you paddle peacefully in this delightful haven.
#6 Otter Island
- 🏖️ Location Type: Island
- 📍 Access Point: From any accessible Derwentwater shoreline (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, occasional gentle winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Early Autumn
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, swans, and other waterfowl
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Otter Island, Fells and surrounding areas
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules and wildlife, watch for nesting birds
Located in Derwentwater, Otter Island provides a charming paddleboarding experience.
The calm waters allow exploration around the island, as you take in the beautiful lake and fell views. It is essential to respect local wildlife, especially nesting birds, while navigating Otter Island’s serene surroundings.
Derwentwater is the shallow, island scattered one, and Keswick sits on its northern shore. Our Lake District guide puts it in order against the other lakes, and the North West guide covers the coast and the water outside Cumbria.
What to Take With You
Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.
- Typemanual inflatable belt pack
- ApprovalUSCG Type V with Type III performance
Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding
- Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
- Swivelstwo in-line
- RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
- Floatsyes
- Capacity20, 30 or 45 L
- Materialdual layer PVC over polyester mesh
Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding
- Typetall neoprene boot
- Thickness3 mm
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Derwentwater?
Derwentwater in the Lake District, UK, offers several prime paddle boarding spots like Keswick, Portinscale and Lodore Falls.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Derwentwater?
No, there’s no need to register paddle boards in Derwentwater.
When is the best time to paddle board in Derwentwater?
The ideal time to paddle board in Derwentwater is from late spring to early autumn, thanks to the milder weather.
Paddle Boarding Near Derwentwater
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Derwentwater.
- Keswick (about 1 mile northeast)
- Bassenthwaite (6 miles southwest)
- Cumbria (7 miles southeast)
- Coniston (11 miles southeast)
