Lake District Lakes and Boating

Welcome to The Lake District dot eu, the site dedicated to the stunning Lake District of northern England.

The Lake District might be full of innumerable lakes and tarns, both big and small, but there are certain regulations that limit the activites which are available on specific lakes or areas of lakes. These regulations are in place so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the Lake District in their own way but without spoiling the pleasure of others. Also, most importantly, the regulations help to protect and conserve, the habitat of the many wild creatures living in Lakeland. Most of the regulations apply to powered sports using speed boats, skis and jet-skis and are essential to ensure personal safety. There are published user-guides, to regulations and safety, available from the Lake District National Park authority. That said, there are lots of opportunites to enjoy canoeing, sailing, motor (electric) boats, fishing and windsurfing. For those who want to sit back and just enjoy being on the water there is the opportunity to cruise around the lake on one of the passenger boats that make regular trips.

Water sports centres can be found on Coniston, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Windermere. Cruises on passenger launches are also to be found on these same lakes. There are many different ways of using the cruisers. Some offer a ticket that lasts all day and you can hop off the boat, at different points on the lake, to visit a village or a beauty spot, and then hop on the next one to take you on the next leg of the cruise. The cruise companies frequently offer themed cruises or include on-board events and entertainment.

Although there are numerous lakes and stretches of water in the Lake District, it isn't possible to just 'take your boat and put it on the water'. There are different regulations in force on all the lakes and anyone wishing to use their own boat on one of the lakes should do their homework first and find out what, if anything, they need to know first. Over the years numerous byelaws, varying from lake to lake, have been introduced to protect the environment and ensure the enjoyment of all visitors. There are specific byelaws relating to Coniston Water, Derwentwater, Lake Windermere and Ullswater, and another concernng the smaller lakes generally. These byelaws are easily accessible and will tell you all you need to know. Downloadable files can be found on the Lake District National Park website,http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/ in about us/publications and plans/byelaws currently located at http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/index/aboutus/looking_after_publications_plans/byelaws.htm

For most of us wanting to take part in the water sports and activites it will be as part of an organised course or through one of the hire centres. For anyone using the lakes in these circumstances, a priority should be safety considerations. Any responsible centre will have all the advice and information that you need.

After you've done all your homework you can then start to do what this is all in aid of, and start to enjoy the water! And there is so much to do. Sailing, rowing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, diving or swimming are all there for you take part in. Many of the centres that provide the equipment also offer tuition sessions for beginners. The bigger Lakes, for example Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater and Derwentwater, tend to be the ones offering more opportunities and where you'll find the centres. Bear in mind, also, that Lakeland isn't just about lakes and mountains; there are also rivers and, where they pour down the fell sides, they provide new challenges. Interested? Explore the possibilities of 'Ghyll Scrambling'. Not, however, for the fainthearted! Even with the 10mph speed limit it is still possible to find waterski-ing opportunities on Lake Windermere, within the legal limits.

I think the message from the Lakes might be, 'If you want to try it, then there's probably a centre that will provide it'. Go for it!