Surrounded by fells and only a short journey from Rosthwaite, Derwentwater opens up a completely different way to experience the Lake District. Watersports near Borrowdale range from kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding to rowing boats, sailing and relaxing lake cruises. With equipment hire, beginner sessions and guided watersports available around Keswick and Portinscale, there are water activities for families, couples, groups and more experienced outdoor adventurers.
The calm appearance of a Lake District lake can be deceptive. Wind and weather can change quickly, while deep open water remains cold even during warmer months. The Lake District National Park advises paddlers to wear a buoyancy aid, watch changing wind conditions, stay clear of larger vessels and avoid heading onto the water alone.
The Check, Clean, Dry approach helps prevent invasive plants and animals being transferred between Lake District lakes on paddleboards, kayaks, footwear and other wet equipment.
Derwentwater watersports provide plenty of choice whether you are trying paddlesports for the first time or already feel confident on the water. Kayaking offers an agile way to explore sheltered bays and islands, while canoes work particularly well for couples, families and groups. Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, combines a little more balance with wide-open views towards Borrowdale and the surrounding fells.
Beginners can choose equipment hire with an introductory briefing or book tuition before heading out independently. Several local providers offer paddleboards, single and double kayaks, canoes, wetsuits and buoyancy aids, with sessions ranging from short introductory experiences to longer periods of independent hire.
If you’re after a more relaxing adventure, there are easier ways to get onto Derwentwater. Local boat hire includes rowing boats and pedalos, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace without committing to a full watersports session. Sailing is another option for those looking to develop new skills on the lake.
Keswick Launch operates passenger cruises around Derwentwater, linking Keswick with a series of jetties around the lake. It is an easy way to enjoy the scenery from the water and can also be combined with walking or sightseeing around the lakeshore.
Derwent Water Marina in Portinscale offers paddleboard, kayak, canoe, rowing boat and pedalo hire alongside watersports tuition.
Nichol End Marine is another Derwentwater base for boat hire near Borrowdale, with kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and rowing boats among the available craft.
Keswick Adventures focuses more heavily on guided watersports and tuition, including kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Guided sessions include instruction, equipment and safety kit, making them particularly useful for beginners or visitors who would rather explore Derwentwater with an experienced instructor.
Keswick Launch provides the more leisurely option, with passenger launches travelling around Derwentwater and stopping at several lakeside jetties. Cruises are weather-dependent, so checking the current timetable before travelling is recommended.
We recommend booking ahead during summer, weekends and school holidays, particularly for equipment hire, tuition and family watersports.
Derwentwater is among the Lake District lakes where open-water swimming takes place, but it should be treated very differently from swimming in a pool. Water can remain extremely cold, underwater hazards may not be visible and swimmers share the lake with boats and other water users.
Never swim alone. Enter the water gradually, wear a bright swimming cap and use a brightly coloured tow float to improve visibility. The National Park also recommends support from a kayak or paddleboard where appropriate. Check current weather, water conditions and water-quality advice before entering Derwentwater.
The Royal Oak in Rosthwaite makes a quieter Borrowdale base for days spent exploring lake activities near Borrowdale and Derwentwater.
Our comfortable ensuite rooms provide somewhere to recharge, while the hotel's drying room is particularly useful after a wet day outdoors.
Whatever water based adventure you’re planning, Rosthwaite keeps you close to the action without staying in the centre of Keswick.