Whether you call it paddle boarding, paddleboarding or SUP, we all know it’s a fantastic activity! Get out the paddle and head onto the water today in one of the absolute best places to paddle board in the Lake District!

Derwentwater

This stunning lake is perfect for paddle boarders looking for a scenic experience. Surrounded by fells and woodland, ‘Derwent’ is thought to mean river with oak trees. For those of you that are Star Wars fans, this lake was used as the principal location for the planet Takodana in the sci-fi movie sequel Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Measures: 3 miles long by 1 mile wide

Book a guided paddle board tour around Derwentwater with us now.

Crummock Water

The meaning of ‘Crummock’ seems to be ‘crooked’, but it’s unknown whether this is referring to the River Cocker and its winding nature or the lake itself, which has a slight bend to it. A beautifully tranquil lake perfect for a paddle boarder.

Measures: 2.5 miles long by 0.6 miles wide

Grasmere

Grasmere village was home to William Wordsworth, who called it ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’, so who are we to argue? It is believed that he liked to write on the little island in the middle of the lake (though please be aware you’re not allowed to visit these). This is a truly lovely spot for a paddle boarding adventure.

Measures: 1 mile long by 0.5 miles wide

Windermere

Arguably the most well known of the Lake District lakes is Windermere. The largest natural lake in England, it is long and narrow like many other ribbon lakes and was formed between 17,000 and 14,700 years ago!

Some people believe that the lake has a monster similar to the one at Loch Ness. So watch out when you’re paddle boarding on Windermere!

Another – less frightening – creature connected with the lake is Peter Rabbit. Beatrix Potter’s most famous character has strong connections to the area, and the recent live action films were partly shot in the area.

With lots of interesting stories and facts, this is a wonderful place to paddle board and take in all the history.

Measures: 11 miles long by 0.93 miles wide

Ullswater

The second largest lake in the Lake District, this ribbon lake was scooped out in the last ice age. Ullswater became a fashionable holiday destination in the late 1800’s for the British aristocracy, so you’re in good company!

Wordsworth was inspired to write his famous poem about daffodils after seeing the flower growing on the shores here. He once wrote of ‘Ullswater, as being, perhaps, upon the whole, the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur, which any of the Lakes affords’.

Measures: 7 miles long by 0.7 miles wide

Coniston Water

Arthur Ransome set his children’s novel, Swallow and Amazons, around a fictional lake that was based on a combination of Coniston and Windermere. As well as paddle boarding, the lake is ideal for kayaking and canoeing, with a good number of sites for launching and recovery.

Measures: 5 miles long by 0.5 miles wide

Wastwater

Photo by Martin Stroud

This glacial lake is the deepest lake in England and has previously been voted as ‘Best View’ by viewers of ITV. And we’re not surprised! Boasting exceptional panoramic views, it truly is a worthy winner and a perfect spot to take in all of the scenery whilst paddle boarding.

Measures: 3 miles long by 500 metres wide

Buttermere

There are several thoughts on the meaning of Buttermere, but we rather like ‘the lake by the dairy pastures’. It gives this lake a rather whimsical notion, when in actual fact it was a place of war in the days of William the Conqueror!

With all of that long in the past, the lake is an oasis of tranquillity and it just had to be on our list for the best places in the Lake District to paddle board!

Measures: 1.25 miles long by 0.25 miles wide

Paddle Boarding in the Lake District

We really hope you have enjoyed virtually exploring the best places to paddle board! If you’re paddle boarding on your own, please remember to take necessary safety precautions, such as wearing a buoyancy aid, follow check – clean – dry practices, and check if any permits are required.

If you would love to come on an adventure with us, check out all of our activities. We’d be delighted to welcome you!