Lake District Kayaking & Camping

[mattcass]

Hi Guys,

Loving the forum, excellent resource.

I was hoping I could gather some recommendations for kayaking in the Lake District. I've never been before and despite my best research efforts, I need someone with personal experience to help me out on where to go.

Can anyone recommend any good rivers that are fairly relaxed up to grade1/2 rapid?

Also, does anyone know of any campsites that sit on rivers? It's a particular love of mine, something I enjoy a lot in Snowdonia but after searching I can't seem to find any sites on the net that are situated on riverbanks?

Thanks

Matt

[Mal Grey]

Hey

I haven't paddled any of the rivers, so others will be better able to advise on those, but the Eamont and Eden spring to mind as possibles for further research.

As for camping, I can't think of any sites on a river, but there are several on lakes, the next best thing;

Coniston Hall - on coniston Water, funnily enough. Great location, can be a bit noisy.
Low Wray - NT site on the west shores of Windermere.
Waterside Farm - on Ullswater http://www.watersidefarm-campsite.co.uk/
Keswick Camping & Caravan Club site - on Derwentwater

Pubs within walking distance (just) of all!

[Kate D]

For grade 1-2 rivers you might consider

Brathay, from the bridge near Brathay Church to Windermere, mostly grade 1 with a rocky rapid leading into Brathay Pool which is grade 2 in normal water levels.
Derwent, from Derwentwater to Bassenthwaite grade 1
Eamont, Ullswater to Eamont Bridge or Brougham Castle, grade 2
Eden, Lazonby to Armathwaite, grade 2
Kent, from A6 near Morrisons to just above Scrogs weir, grade 1-2, weir in Kendal portage right in low water conditions
Lune, Rawthey confluence to Rigmaden Bridge and Rigmaden to Kirkby Lonsdale, grade 2

I can't think of any campsites on the banks of any of these. There are others but these are the ones I can think of off hand. Check out the guidebook section of this site.

[The Portage King]

There's a NT site at Wasdale Head - so on Wastwater.

The best campsite in the country but two things to check:

1. There's been no power to the valley since before Christmas - Generators have been provided for the Pub etc but make sure it hasn't effected the site

2. There's a limit of 6 boats ( I think) on the lake at any time - not sure how or who you check with or how rigorously it's enforced

[ruralweb]

I would forget rivers up here as they are empty - levels are lower than at any time last summer. I look at the Eamont most days and today you could easily walk across many parts so paddling is out. Ullswater is very low but the exposed beaches make for good camping which you can do anywhere on the East shoreline - I paddled the length of it today and it was spectacula. Lots of sea kayaks and canoes out, infact more today than I saw the whole of last year and I was paddling every week - even last night at 10pm there was quite a few out looking at the stars.

There are two campsites on the wate, one either end of the lake but wild camping would be my choice either on the shoreline or one of the islands. The other lakes are tricky for camping and parking is very expensive at £9 per day in some places - national trust membership is usefull for derwent water and winderemere.

[mattcass]

Thanks for the input guys

Brathay river sounds like a really good shout, although if the levels are that low then I guess it's not worth it :(

@ruralweb, what do you mean by the wate? sorry, I'm currently clueless. Camping by the lake is what I'm after though.

Cheers

Matt

[rivereden]

Hi There

Mains Farm kirkoswald along the banks of the Eden, Fantastic bunk house also great camping.

Sam...

[ruralweb]

iPhone playing up - I ment to say two campsites on the water. If levels do go up then from Ullswater you can paddle down the eamont (excellent grade 2 ) and onto the Eden wild camping at Eden lacy caves then onto the solway firth. There is also brothers water beyond Ullswater with camping by the lake and from there you can paddle onto Ullswater via a small river which was just about paddleable last week.

[Slime]

Suggest you check out the Cumbria Canoeists Website and download the detailed canoeing leaflets for Derwentwater, Thirlmere and Coniston. Campsites and all the info you need. Written by a certain Slimey character.....

[mattcass]

brochures are great! postponing the trip for a bit as the freeze sets in. but will definitely come in handy in a month or so! thanks!

[snuggle_bunny]

the river Derwent at Borrowdale and into Derwentwater is a must- put in at Seathwaite or the youth hostel near Rosthwaite and exit in Derwentwater at Kettlewell car park( the last car park going up valley, pay n display) No significant hazards- poss grade 3 in high water and poss of grinding at Grange. One of the most scenic rivers in the lake district . Camping at Hollows farm camp
site at Grange. I live at Kendal so if oyu fancy a paddle on Windermere or a beer one eve let me know