Lake District open boating

[Big_Ben_getswet]

Good day to one and all,

I wonder if any one could suggest the best place in the Lake District for a weeks open boating, preferably not too far between lakes or with the ability to paddle between? I am happy to walk between lakes.


My friend and I will both have an open boat each and are hoping to bivvy on the banks/ near by woodlands in mid January. Its not an area I know and felt with such a font of knowledge it would make sence to tap into it and go somewhere awesome.


Cheers -



Ben

[Overwater Boats]

Hi Ben,

There is plenty of water up here at present - the lakes are likely to be linking together soon!

You might want to think about trying:

- Derwentwater - Middle Derwent - Bassenthwaite Lake - Middle Derwent is grade 2 with some tree hazards - I think the Lower Derwent is open for access in Jan so you could consider carrying on down to the sea - again grade 2 - I haven't paddled it all but section to Cockermouth is pleasent - access info on the Cumbria Canoeists website. No nice portage route away from busy roads.

- Grasmere - Rydal - Windermere - linked by a small river - the Rothay which is mostly grade 2 with a couple of bits of 3 - again plus tree hazards. You could prob trolley fairly easily Grasmere to Rydal by footpath and Rydal to Windermere on minor road and path

- Buttermere - Buttermere Dubs - Crummock Water - haven't paddled the Dubs but it's prob fairly flat + trees, rough path alongside

- Windermere and Ullswater are both big and might give you a couple of days paddling on each.

Not sure about your bivvying idea in Jan! Sounds cold, wet and unpleasent - having said that I've been thinking about doing Grange (Borrowdale) to the sea via the Derwent this winter.

You might find "Lake District White Water" by Stuart Miller useful, and/or "An Atlas of the English Lakes" by John Wlson Parker

Best of luck!
Mark
Overwater Boats

[Big_Ben_getswet]

Cheers for your assistance, we shall certainly be trying a few of these.

I can't wait to be back on the water.

Thanks again

Ben

[MJB]

Hi Ben,

Ullswater is a lovely paddle. There is also the option of paddling from brothers water to ullswater (G2 when its running I believe) looks very narrow with loads of trees though...

Generally I think you'll need more than one lake to entertain yourself for a week!


Matt