Keswick Canoeing Taster
Lake District Canoeing Taster on Derwent Water
Canoes are boats originally developed by the native Americans for transporting goods both up and down stream, but are now an ideal way to spend a relaxing few hours exploring the lake on Derwent Water, the jewel of the Lake District, 15 min drive from Keswick. They are for 1 or 2 people, with no top deck, and are often confused with kayaking, which is generally for 1 paddler, where your legs are enclosed within the boat.
The modern MobileAdventure fleet of canoes provides you with the perfect way to enjoy a few relaxed hours on Derwent Water, one of the most beautiful areas in the Lake District national park. Mobile Adventures' canoeing sessions gives you another way to enjoy the national park, and from the water the size and grandeur of the mountains is given a whole new perspective, allowing you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the surroundings – our canoeing experience can truly take your breath away!
Activity Summary
7 Years+
3 Hours
From £40pp
What is it?
Our taster Canoeing experience can be as dry or wet a Lake District activity as you want, and is a fantastic way of getting the younger (or more nervous!) members of the family out onto the water. The canoes are extremely stable boats, and can even be rafted together to make a really stable platform from which to explore the stunning lake.
After meeting and getting changed, your friendly and experienced canoe instructor will introduce you to the equipment and boats, and then we head straight out onto Derwentwater. Once out on the water, the lake is your oyster! We will adapt the canoeing activities to the group, playing games, jumping off bridges into the lake, exploring through the nature reserve or focus on coaching skills as you wish / require. For those wanting to stay really dry, it is possible, but not guaranteed! We will have a dry bag for you to put any valuables in, so don't panic about the car keys. On calm days we can head right out to explore the famous St Herbert's Island, featured in the recent Swallows and Amazons film, or maybe we'll stay more sheltered and explore the river feeding the lake.
For those who are interested in learning some personal canoeing skills, we can take you through a progression of activities, from the absolute basics, right through to rescues, and give you a really good grounding for future canoeing adventures in the Lake District or further afield.
Please note, if you are a more individual player, we strongly recommend our kayaks as being a more suitable boat for you! (although please note the kayak comfort limit; 13 stone and shorter than 6 foot)
Typical Itinerary
9.30am
Meet at the Derwentwater carpark, 10 min drive from Keswick, and introductions
9.45am
Kit up with cagoules, buoyancy aids and wetsuits if required. Initial canoe briefing and some simple coaching near the shore.
10.00am
Head out and explore across the stunning Derwentwater.
12.00pm
Leave the water behind with a chance to change your clothes if necessary!
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Looking for Something Similar?
Here in the Lake District, we obviously have a lot of water which is great for both kayak and canoeing activities. If you have already explored the lake, the river connecting the lakes together is another great Lake District canoe skills challenge! Near Keswick we run a full day river trip in either canoe (suitable for total beginners) or kayaks for those who have a little previous experience, either way it will be a full activity day to remember!
For those who want to explore the lake in a VERY different way, we offer raft building activities - no promise of getting very far...!
