Coniston Water. Swallows and Amazons Lake
Canoeing and Kayaking in the Lake District National Park England
Coniston Water and its surrounding area provided the inspiration for Arthur Ransome to write Swallows and Amazons. The lake was also the site of Donald Campbell's fatal attempt on the water speed record in 1967. Bluebird, Campbell's craft, was recovered from the depths of Coniston Water in 2001. Since then the Bluebird has been the subject of a meticulous restoration project, and the Lake District National Park Authority have recently agreed to temporarily lift the 10mph speed limit on Coniston water, to allow the Bluebird to be returned to the lake for a trail run, potentially in 2011.
Canoeing and Kayaking on Coniston Water
One of the highlights of canoeing or kayaking on Coniston Water is a visit to Peel Island, perhaps better known as Wildcat Island, the summer campout of the Swallows and Amazons in the book "Swallows and Amazons" written by Arthur Ransome. For those who have read the book the island is exactly as Ransome portrays with a brilliantly concealed natural harbour and a raised upper platform to the island, which is even complete with the look out tree. It is easy to conjure the image of Roger, Titty, Susan and the others camping and swimming off the island.
To find the natural harbour of Peel Island paddle to the south side of the island and look for the gap behind the rock fin.
Camping and fires are not permitted on the island.
No permit is required to canoe or kayak on Coniston Water.
Access to Canoeing and Kayaking on Coniston Water
To access Coniston water from the village of Coniston the easiest point is from the end of Lake Road, adjacent to the Bluebird cafe, where limited but free car parking is available.
For independent canoeist and kayakers the best launch points are to be found on the east shore of Coniston Water. Following the road along the east shore there are a number of free parking areas where a short carry across the minor road leads to easy launch points. From many of these launch spots it is only a very short paddle across to Peel Island.
Canoe and Kayak Hire on Coniston
There are two commercial outlets for canoe and kayak hire in the vicinity of Coniston water
- Coniston Boating Centre which is on the outskirts of Coniston Village
- Summit Treks in the centre of Coniston Village.
Facilities for the Visitor Canoeing or Kayaking on Coniston Water
Accommodation and restaurants can be found in the village of Coniston.
The Youth Hostels Association has two properties in the Coniston area one near the village centre and a second a little out of the village at the Coniston Coppermines.
Camping is available at Coniston Hall Campsite situated to the south of Coniston Village.
Other Canoeing and Kayaking Areas in the Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park offers some of the finest flatwater canoeing and kayaking in England. Other lakes where users may canoe and kayak include
- Bassenthwaite
- Windermere
- Buttermere
- Crummock Water
- Thirlmere
- Ullswater
- Derwentwater
- Wastwater
- Ennerdale Water
Swallows and Amazons at Wild Cat Island Harbour
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Coniston Water, Awaiting Bluebird Returning 2011
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