Sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding
From sailing craft to windsurfing and paddle boarding, you can hire or take tuition for the water sport of your choice on Derwentwater. You can also enrol in a Royal Yachting Association course in windsurfing or sailing.
Families, groups, individuals and couples — take your pick of canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, rowing boats, motor boats, dinghies and windsurfers to hire, and explore the lake.
Canoe and kayak
Derwentwater is ideal for canoeing and kayaking — there are four islands plus lakeshore coves to explore. There are also many rivers to explore and enjoy, sometimes even supplying white water adventure. Hire your canoe or kayak, or take a guided trip with an expert.
You can launch small craft at the National Trust’s Kettlewell car park, where you can also land and picnic.
Wild swimming
Swimming outdoors is fun, wild and exciting. Swimming is allowed in Derwentwater, but be aware of boat traffic — the lake can be busy. Wear a bright swim cap and tow a bright float.
Wild swimming is fun but safety is paramount. Be Water Wise and follow the Swim Safe Code, which the Lake District National Park publish in full.
Ghyll scrambling
Jump off waterfalls, slide down water chutes, dive into plunge pools and wade through water, as you descend a mountain stream. It is done with a guide and a wetsuit, and it is the wettest way there is to come down a fell.
Who to go with
Derwent Water Marina at Portinscale does hire and tuition, and the Keswick Launch runs the boat landings. Keswick Adventures, Mountain Memories, Keswick Climbing Wall and the Lake District Calvert Trust all run guided water activities. They are all in things to do.
Water sports often feature in local sporting events and festivals — see what’s on.
More to do outdoors
Walking, cycling, running, climbing and multi-activity days — all the outdoor activities around Keswick in one place.