Watersports & boat hire at Fell Foot

View of a calm lake with boats on it and an autumn tree to the right — Families kayaking on Windermere at Fell Foot | © National Trust Images/David Sellman

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

Get on the water with Stoked Watersports

Try paddle boarding, 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.

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.

Please be aware that during autumn & winter we often see higher water levels in the lake which can make for more challenging conditions when swimming and paddleboarding. Please look out for water safety advice at Fell Foot when you visit. A member of the team will also be happy to help and advise.

Changing rooms and showers

We have modern changing rooms with showers, lockers and underfloor heating located in the Active Base. Day passes cost £2 and can be bought from the café. Annual passes cost £83 email Active Base to arrange.

Access for larger boats

For those with larger boats on a trailer, day launches are available. These must be booked in advance, a single launch pass costs £15, seasonal and annual launch passes are also available for purchase. Boat launches must be booked at least 7 days in advance by email fellfootactive@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Kayaking on Lake Windermere on New Years day at Fell Foot, Lake District, Cumbria — Kayaking on Windermere at Fell Foot | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

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. Please look out for water safety advice at Fell Foot when you visit.

Fell Foot is at the southern end of the lake close to where it turns into the River Leven Swimming in lakes, rivers and tarns is a popular activity in the Lake District, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved before entering the water.
Lakes and tarns can be deep and the water cold, even on warm days.
Please be aware that during autumn & 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 swimming in the Lake District, to make sure you have the right skills and equipment to stay safe in the water.

Open-water swimming courses at Fell Foot

For those looking to dip their toe in the world of outdoor swimming, SleekerSwim offers open-water courses at Fell Foot. These are for both beginners and intermediate swimmers and provide a great opportunity to boost your confidence under the watchful eye of an experienced instructor. If you’re already a confident open-water swimmer, SleekerSwim runs events throughout the summer in which you can get involved.

A full list of events is available on the SleekerSwim website and wetsuits are also available to hire.

A small blue sailing boat with red sails moored at a stone jetty in Lake Windermere, where a parent and child are about to board — Sailing on Lake Windermere at Fell Foot | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

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.

For further information, visit the 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.

Further details can be found on the Lake District White Water Rafting website.

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.

Check, Clean, Dry

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.
Find out more Check Clean Dry