RECOMMENDATIONS of WHAT TO BRING:
- Clothing and Footwear which can get wet (NO JEANS or DENIM allowed)
- HOT WEATHER: Suncream and a bottle of water.
- COLD WEATHER: Warm clothing, a change of clothes and extra snacks.
- It is advisable to bring a mobile phone with you for emergencies.
- If you own a Waterproof jacket or trousers then bring those too!
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE HIRE:
- Boat, Paddle and Buoyancy Aid.
- A Dry Bag if requested.
- A Brief Instruction Before Hire.
- You can also hire a wetsuit for an extra £3!
WHERE TO GO:
Full details of all locations and a map will be given to you before leaving the boat house and entering onto the water.
A stones throw from the popular tourist haven of Bowness-on-Windermere. Windermere Canoe Kayak is perfectly situated with direct access to the lake.
The full day and half day rates make the most of our location, allowing full exploration of the beautiful islands surrounding Belle Ilse
Essentially you have the freedom of the whole lake – time permitting!
RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Circumnavigation of belle Isle is recommended to most customers. This route takes in all the Islands and Fell views – Bowness will be seen in a new light as a quiet settlement nestling on the lake shore across the peaceful Windermere water.
Windermere Canoe Kayak sponsors and looks after Thompson’s Holme. This is one of the larger islands and we actively encourage our water users to land here, explore and have a Picnic!
During the summer swans can be seen nesting at the north end of the island, which is fenced off for their protection.
RULES: CONCERNING WILDLIFE AND ISLANDS
- All customers that visit Thompson’s Holme are encouraged to play a part in its conservation by adhering to the following rules:
- We would greatly appreciate it if customers could remove any rubbish that is present on the island whether it’s theirs or not.
- Please do not damage, destroy or remove features such as rocks, plants and trees.
- Do not start any fires
- Do not leave food or feed any wildlife
- Do not disturb any wildlife- particularly at the north end of the island.
- Keep your dog under control and clean up any mess.Remember:
Full exploration from the water is encouraged. However Belle Isle is private property and therefore landing there is not allowed. Also some of the smaller islands are nature reserves and interference with these locations is also not permitted.
Full details of all locations and a map will be given to you before leaving the boat house and entering onto the water.
LIMITATIONS:
- Obviously, being surrounding by mountains and being situated in the UK we have our fair share of bad weather.
- The modern sit-on-top kayaks are very safe and easy to use in most conditions even for novices. If you are not afraid of a bit of water or like the wind ‘blown feeling’ we are happy to get you on to the water.
- Every now and again the wind picks up to an unpleasant level and we have to cancel the hire for a day. – Please ring before journeying to our shop to avoid disappointment.
WHAT TO HIRE
SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKS:
Modern design technology makes this the safest and easiest craft to use. Great for complete novices and perfect for families alike who just want to get out on the water and have some fun!
No experience required!
Sit-on-tops are hard to capsize, easy to paddle in a straight line and practically unsinkable.
All safety equipment is supplied along with a safety briefing and technique workshop.
Boats available: Single person and Tandem Sit on Tops – With scope for a third person (Very small child) on some of our larger tandem sit-on-tops.
CANOES
The classic and most versatile mode of transport as used by Geronimo and his Native American buddy’s.
Some experience required: BCU Star 2 star preferred. However if you have lots of quality experience and no awards, a chat to one of our friendly staff will soon see you out on the water!
Or: Lessons available for any ability level.
Boats available: One, two and three person canoes.
KAYAKS (CLOSED COCKPIT)
Originally developed by the ‘Eskimo’ Inuit people – just as much fun in warmer climates. The kayak now has many different reincarnations all available to hire.
Some experience required: BCU Star 2 star preferred. However if you have lots of quality experience and no awards, a chat to one of our friendly staff will soon see you out on the water!
Or: Lessons available for any ability level.
Boats available: General purpose kayaks, touring kayaks, sea kayaks, creek boats and playboats.





