Lakes Getaway 2025

We’re heading to the  Lake District for  paddling getaway between Tuesday 3rd June and Thursday 5th June 2025. (Arrive & Check in Tue 3/6/2025   - Check Out Thu 5/6/2025) Most schools will have gone back after half time, plenty of accommodation is currently available at reasonable Lake District prices.
Accommodation to be based in Ambleside. You’ll arrive in the Lake District on Tuesday afternoon and we’ll meet for a paddle around 2pm for a couple of hours. We’ll look to check into accommodation about 6pm, grab some food and meet for a social drink later in the evening.

We’ll look to have four  paddles over 3 days each lasting about 2 hours in duration with time to explore in between.  We’ll base ourselves around Ambleside.  We'll select the best paddles based on the conditions, this may include paddling on Ullswater, Windermere, Coniston, Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite or Wast Water. Our paddles will include a mix of lakes and rivers.  Paddling will be dependant on weather conditions. The weather in the Lake District is unpredictable, nothing is guaranteed but we’ll use our experience of paddling in the lakes over the last 20 years to find suitable locations, however we can't guarantee this.  If in our opinion it is unsafe to paddle, then we will not paddle.  If this happens unfortunately we will not be able to offer a refund.  

New for 2025 we'll offer an extended paddle for those that wish to have longer on the water. This will be either an end to end paddle or circum-navigation an typically last about 4 hours. The extended part is completely voluntary, the standard paddle will return to the launch point after 2 hours whilst the others continue.

 Each day will involve some travel, whilst Ambleside is a fantastic central base with great accommodation options, it has no water. Most launch points can be reached within a 30 minute drive from Ambleside, however the most remote lake Wast Water is about an hours drive away and you’ll be expected to get to the launch point yourself and cover any parking costs.

To cater for everyone’s preference, you’ll be responsible for booking and paying for your accommodation and sorting food. This is not covered in the cost of the trip. Ambleside has everything from Hostel Accommodation, Motorhome Aires, B&B, Hotel and Spa Hotels. Not everything is on accommodation search sites (such as Booking.Com), be careful of anything listed over 500 yards away probably won’t be walkable. If in doubt ask. Each night we’ll arrange a meet up in Ambleside , Wednesday night we’ll try and paddle to catch an epic sunset, so you won’t be stuck in your room on your own.

So what will you get from us, we’ll use our experience of paddling in the Lake District for 20 years to find paddles and suitable launch points for the groups ability, the wind and weather conditions.  We’ll arrange a group meetup each evening in Ambleside, and if you choose your welcome to join us for food. If your coming alone, you won’t be on your own. We’ll have a dedicated Whatsapp Group to meet others, share arrangements and photo’s.

Everyone attending will be expected to have been on one of our guided paddles either during the 2024  this season or before before 1st June 2025, this is so we get to know you and your level of paddling. We’ll plans the routes, provide the safety cover on the water, off the water we’ll suggest places to go and visit.

The cost will be £100 per person.

If you havn’t got your own board or equipment, you can use one of ours for the duration of the trip for £50. We’ll look after the boards throughout the stay, but unfortunately we may need to deflate these after each paddle, so you’ll be expected to inflate and put them away each time.

We’d like to reduce the carbon footprint and costs to make the trip affordable as possible for all. Those booking on and paying your deposit will be added to a  specific facebook group. You’ll be able to introduce yourselves, meet others and perhaps arranged shared travel and accommodation.  The earlier you book, the better the deals on the accommodation will be.

If you want to join us a deposit due now (£30 / £40 with board hire) per person to book and secure your place, remainder due by 30th March 2025  giving you the time to find accommodation.   Deposit refundable if you cancel before 29th March once full payment is due on 30th March any amount paid becomes non refundable unless we can fill you place.

 If full payment is not received by Sunday 5th April your place will be cancelled, you will loose your deposit and the place offered to another paddler to get them the opportunity to source reasonably priced accommodation.


 If you book accommodation now to obtain the best price, choose an option with free cancelation.

Example Itinerary (Weather Dependant)

Tuesday 3/6 - 
Meet – 2pm Tuesday Northern Lakes – Afternoon Paddle – Check In –  Evening Meetup in Pub / Restaurant

Wed 4/6 - Morning & Extended Paddle opportunity (10am Launch)   /  Afternoon Freetime to Explore / Sunset Paddle if conditions allow (Sunset at 9.40pm), otherwise an earlier paddle and evening meetup in Pub

Thu 5/6 - Check Out / AM Paddle (10.30am Launch)  / Afternoon depart for home @2pm

Accommodation Suggestions

We all have our preferred tastes in accommodation, Ambleside caters for most. Prices are most effective sharing a room and most properties offer twin rooms. Most hotels offer breakfast, on street parking is typically free after 6pm  Here's some examples...

B&B
Crompston House - https://www.compstonhouse.co.uk/   £143 / 1 Person (via Booking.com)
Hotel
Ambleside Inn - https://www.inncollectiongroup.com/ambleside-inn/ £198 (2 Night) / 1 Person     £258 (2 Night) / 2 Person including breakfast & free cancelationSpa Hotel
Ambleside Salutation Spa Hotel - https://www.hotelslakedistrict.com/stay/  £479 / 1 Person

Caravan Site (No Tents)
Skelwith Fold - https://skelwith.com/ways-to-stay/  Options include cottages, glamping , safari tents including hotubs, touring caravan and motorhomes from £34 per night (No Tents)

Accomodation Prices correct 08/09/24


If you want to join us a deposit due now (£30 / £40 with board hire) per person to book and secure your place, remainder due by 30th March 2025  giving you the time to find accommodation.   Deposit refundable if you cancel before 29th March once full payment is due on 30th March any amount paid becomes non refundable unless we can fill you place.

 If full payment is not received by Sunday 5th April your place will be cancelled, you will loose your deposit and the place offered to another paddler to get them the opportunity to source reasonably priced accommodation.