When the North Sea's too rough....

[Northern Blue]

.... go straight to Plan B, otherwise known as the tranquility of the Lake District !

[Grian]

Lovely picture! Which lake is it?

I'll second that and even venture that sometimes plan b is plan a, thats how good the Lakes is.

[Northern Blue]

Lovely picture! Which lake is it?

Derwentwater, looking north towards Skiddaw.

I've only paddled there and Windermere and don't recognise the surroundings in your pic, which I'm guessing is neither of them ?

[Grian]

Ullswater. Very nice it was too. Hoping to go again before too long.

[pathbrae]

There's always a wee trip along the canal.....

[Grian]

Possibly useful trip info for Ullswater. Would recommend the Waterside House campsite near to Pooley Bridge. Also important to note the cafe where the boat trips depart at the far end of Ullswater only took cash when we were there. Thankfully had an emergency tenner stashed away! No bacon rolls though, having fantasised about them the whole way there.

A great sheltered area to paddle as the OP highlights, though on this day which began so serenely we were helped home by a force 5 funnelling along the lake.

[Northern Blue]

Thanks Grian, it's always good to have alternative destinations for when the sea is 'out of order' !

Can you launch directly from the site ?

Site looks good on their website, although at one point I thought it was tents only, when I saw they don't allow caravans. I'm pleased I read on, as motorhomes and camper vans are allowed.

[Grian]

Yes you can launch straight from the front flap of your tent if you choose the right pitch! It was quite busy but still peaceful after dark. Good wee shop on site. Ashamed to say we didn’t try the showers but the toilets were clean.

[Phizz4]

We have paddled on Ullswater a couple of times, but don't underestimate the wind/waves. Early last June the wind had blown all of the portaloos on the camp site over.
On one trip we paddled from Waterside House. They let us park the car there overnight for 5 pounds. We then paddled to Side Farm camp site for an overnight. Next morning we walked up Place Fell and then paddled back. I would only recommend Side Farm out of season, as it can get very crowded and noisy as it is not well managed (the farm itself is over 500 metres away). Another advantage of Waterside House is that there is a path along the lake shore to Pooley Bridge where there are several places to eat and drink.