Watersports & boat hire at Fell Foot

Family kayaking on Windermere at Fell Foot, Lake District, Cumbria — Family kayaking on Windermere at Fell Foot | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Fancy a duck’s-eye view of the Lake District from Windermere itself? Fell Foot is ideal for paddling, canoeing and boating. The modern changing rooms and impressive views up to the Fairfield Horseshoe make it the perfect place to try out a new activity on England's largest lake. To help get you started, here is a list of everything you can do on the water.

Watersports at Fell Foot

Stoked Watersports

Try paddle boarding, kayak canoeing or hire a row boat with our outdoor provider Stoked Watersports where there's something to suit all levels from beginner to seasoned pro.

The hourly hire sessions throughout the day are ideal for beginners and families. For more experienced paddlers the SUP 'pick up and go' service gives you the freedom to explore Lake Windermere at your own pace. Please note that hire is seasonal April-October.

Visit the Stoked Watersports website for more details and to book.

Kayak and Paddleboard Safety Talks

Daily 19 July to 31 August, 10.30am (lasting about 20 minutes)
Location: Southern slipway, near children’s play area

Join Stoked Watersports for free, drop-in talks on how to enjoy the water safely. Learn rescue tips, what to wear, and how to reduce your environmental impact. Perfect for families—no booking needed!

If you have your own equipment

Canoe, kayak, inflatable dinghy and paddleboard owners can launch at the south end of the park, as long as you can carry the equipment down on foot from the car park. A member of the team will be happy to advise on the best place to access the water.

We recommend you look at The Paddlers Code, a really useful guide to using waterways safely and responsibly.

Here are our top tips for water safety at Fell Foot.

Water levels on the lake

Please be aware that during autumn and winter we often see higher water levels in the lake which can make for more challenging conditions when paddleboarding, canoeing or swimming. The water in the Lake District remains cold, even on a hot summer’s day and this can lead to cold water shock. Make sure you have the right skills and equipment to stay safe in the water. The lake is used by different users and watercraft. Please read water safety advice boards at Fell Foot when you visit.

Adventure days at Fell Foot

Mere Mountains runs a range of outdoor learning and adventure programmes in and around the Lake District and holds an AALA Licence and LOtC badge. It has been providing canoeing on Lake Windermere for over 25 years and supports the National Trust by offering introductory canoeing sessions at Fell Foot.

To find out more visit Mere Mountains website.

White-water rafting at Fell Foot

Experience the thrill of white-water rafting at Fell Foot, with Lake District White Water Rafting. The trip starts with a gentle paddle on Lake Windermere, building up momentum until you reach the River Leven, where you get to ride the rapids. Not sure if white-water rafting is for you? You can try a taster session before you commit yourself to the full adventure.

To find out more visit Lake District White Water Rafting website.

Paddle boarding during the Fell Foot Outdoor Festival on Lake Windermere at Fell Foot, Cumbria — Kayaking on Windermere at Fell Foot | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Check, Clean, Dry: stop the spread of invasives

If you are going on the water on paddleboard, boat, other watercraft follow this advice to help prevent the spread of invasives in our waterways. Check your equipment, boat, and clothing after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site. Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying attention to areas that are damp or hard to access. Use hot water if possible. Dry everything for as long as you can before using elsewhere as some invasive plants and animals can survive for over two weeks in damp conditions.

Wild swimming at Fell Foot

People swim at Fell Foot. If you choose to get into the water please be sensible, follow safety advise and know your limits. It is important to be aware of the risks involved before entering the water. The water in the Lake District remains cold, even on a hot summer’s day and this can lead to cold water shock.

Please be aware that during autumn and winter we often see higher water levels in the lake which can make for more challenging conditions when swimming and paddleboarding. Before you set off, read the Lake District National Park's guide to swimming to make sure you have the right skills and equipment to stay safe in the water.

The RLNI has put together a top tips for open swimming guide to help people stay safe.

Fishing at Fell Foot

Fishing is not permitted from April – October. Outside of this period fishing is permitted if the person has all the relevant licenses. Care must be taken to avoid other lake users.