On water
Glencoyne Bay
Glencoyne Bay is on the West shore of Ullswater near to the village of Glenridding.
The gentle, pebbly beach is ideal for a picnic or even a barbeque. With stunning views
across the lake to Place Fell and down to Barton Fell, this is an idyllic place to spend
a sunny afternoon. If you get too hot you can always go for a paddle but don’t go too
far out because the lake bed drops off sharply after about ten metres or so. It can be
busy during the summer as it is very popular, so you will have to be quick to get
your spot. If you visit in April, you will be able to see Wordsworth’s daffodils just along
the road. This is where William and Dorothy came across a host of golden daffodils,
inspiring him to write his famous poem.
Tranquil Fly Fishing
Enjoy peace, tranquillity and superb scenery whilst casting a fly from a boat or
the lakeside to lure premium wild brown trout. You can try your luck fishing
on both Buttermere and Crummock Water. Why not land on one of Crummock
Waters many small islands and enjoy a peaceful secluded picnic lunch?
Gondola and Parkamoor Trail
This Lake District walk starts and ends with a trip on Coniston’s famous steam-powered Gondola, providing a perfect opportunity to view the area’s spectacular scenery from the water. First launched in 1859 and now completely rebuilt by the National Trust, the Gondola sails from
Coniston Pier (0.5 mile from Coniston village). Having disembarked, the route continues on foot, taking you through mixed woodland, open fell and past two fascinating old buildings. Rich in both flora and fauna this is a photographer’s paradise. At the end of your walk, re-board the Gondola to return to Coniston Pier and your starting point.
Picnics and Pooh Sticks at Slater’s Bridge
Slater’s Bridge is one of those Lakeland oddities that once you have visited,
you want to go back time and time again. There is something special about it which
you can’t quite grasp but has you enthralled all the same. I often visit it while out
for a walk with the family and it doesn’t matter what the weather is like we always
stop for a paddle in the cool clear water or skip a few stones across the pool.
The bridge itself is unique, being both clapper and pack horse style in design and
is well worn by the centuries of use. It was once used by miners heading for the
quarries and is now a key link for many of the popular walking routes in the area.
It is a fantastic place to take a picnic. With stunning views of the surrounding
hills and the soothing sound of the water, it is difficult to think of a nicer place on
a sunny afternoon.
Picnic and Paddle at Low Peel Near
This area on the eastern shores of Coniston Water is one of the best places to spend a quite day with all the family. You’ll find fantastic views across the lake, with a majestic mountain backdrop. Here, natural woodland meets a shoreline of rocky outcrops and quiet, sheltered bays benefit from plenty of sun for much of the day.
It is ideal for long picnics or a barbeque with places to paddle and lots to explore,
which should keep the kids entertained all day! Peel Island is in full view from the
north end of the site, it is famous for being “Wildcat Island” in the screen adaptation
of Arthur Ransome’s “Swallows and Amazons” book. There is good access for
launching small, non-powered boats, making it an ideal place to begin your own
Swallows and Amazons adventure!
Picnic and Paddle at High Wray Bay
Beautiful woodland, brilliant views, excellent paddling; High Wray Bay is a perfect
setting for a day away from the hustle and bustle, where you can just lie on the
shores of Lake Windermere and watch the world go by. Don’t forget the picnic and
towels as you won’t want to leave. The grassy shoreline of the bay lends itself to
an excellent family day out, with easy access, flat grassy surfaces for a multitude
of fun activities, then what better way to cool down then a paddle at the edge
of the lake, what’s more it gets the sun most of the day. If you are feeling energetic,
why not explore the natural woodland that meets the shore in rocky outcrops.
Take a wander up to Wray Castle and experience the exquisite views of the fells
and lake or follow the tree trail round the garden.
Lakeshore paddling & swimming
At the side of Englands deepest lake, Wastwater, there are many places to dip your toes and cool down whilst taking in the view of the surrounding mountains of Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike. By Martin Clayton
Read more »Rowing boats on Windermere
I love to take a rowing boat and head down the river, passing families having fun and children paddling at the waters edge! By Matthew Stanton
Read more »Open canoes on Ullswater
My favourite lake and there is no better way to enjoy it than from a canoe! Dramatic high peaks, wooded valley sides and the spectacle of the Ullswater Steamers ploughing up and down the lake. From launching on the shore, the open waters of Ullswater are all yours. By Jeremy Barlow
Read more »Easedale Tarn – a picnic with a splash!
This is a great place for a family family picnic with added bonus of being the perfect opportunity to paddle and catch minnows. By Lisa Mosey
Read more »





