United Kingdom

Paddle Boarding in the Lake District – Loweswater

by John McFadzean

Intro

Less than a mile long, Loweswater is one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and not so easy to get to. The drive over Newlands pass is spectacular, as long as you are not afraid of very steep and bendy roads! Loweswater is certainly the most secluded of the 12 SUP-able lakes and is, in my opinion, also one of the most beautiful.

Highlights

It’s easy to overlook the smaller lakes, especially if they are out of the way and off the beaten track and so to miss out on Loweswater would be a tremendous mistake. This place is the definition of peace and tranquillity and it seems easy to find shelter on Loweswater, even on an otherwise windy day. A permit is required for Loweswater which costs £5.00 per day and can be purchased from the ticket machine at the National Trust Buttermere Car Park What3words //////typed.nervy.sofas Please note that the machine only takes coins.

Route Directions

  1. Loweswater is so small that you really have to paddle the whole lake to make it worth your while.
  2. Stop at the small beach on the western bank and spend some time on the rope swing.
  3. On a sunny and calm day, you can lie back on your board, soak up the rays of the sun, and forget about the real world for a time.

Local Knowledge

  • Sat Nav

    54.5856596,-3.3554979,13z

  • Nearest Parking

    The only problem with Loweswater is the parking. There is a very small National Trust car park here which fills up quickly. You need to arrive early, or late, or be prepared to wait. what3words: bedding.clotting.mailboxes You have to walk through a cattle field to get from the car park to the water. Look out for the bulls!

  • Launch Point

    It is a 10-minute walk from the car park down to the water’s edge. Keep walking until you have almost reached the stone wall after Watergate Farm. Then you will see a tiny beach on your right. what3words: ///private.bigger.helpfully

  • Places to Stay

    Syke Farm Campsite at nearby Buttermere is ideal for Loweswater.

  • Places to Eat / Drink

    We enjoyed soup and a sandwich at the Kirkstile Inn, just a few minutes from Loweswater.

Things to Know

  • Be careful of open water swimmers on the lake.
  • If you intend to paddle on more than one lake, please give your board a good wash and dry between lakes to avoid the spread of non-native invasive species.