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SAIL & TRAIL On the water Coniston Water is a great lake to explore by water. If you canoe or kayak - free launching is permitted from any public access point, here’s a guide to canoeing on the lake. Launching and boat hire on Coniston Water is available from the Lake District National Park's Boating Centre at Coniston Pier, where’s there’s a charge; here’s their web page link - Coniston Boating Centre. For safety wear a wet suit and use a life jacket when on the lake. If you are one of the growing band of swimmers who enjoy open water swimming then Coniston is a venue for several British Long Distance Swimming Association events. Check their website for information, here’s the BLDSA link . However, if you are planning to swim in the lake remember that it is very cold all year and even in hot weather it will be very cold just beneath the surface so don’t dive or jump in, swim parallel to the shoreline and get yourself used to the temperature gradually. There is a safety boat and lake wardens; there is a maximum speed limit of 10 mph which will be enforced so you should be able to enjoy quiet enjoyment on the lake without fast craft. However watch out for bigger day crafts and the SY Gondola and Coniston Launch which sale regular routes on the lake.
Suitable for anyone who has some experience of water-based activities already or who is getting tuition as a beginner. Check weather forecasts and be aware that wind conditions can change quickly. There is a car park (not National Trust) adjacent to the boating centre at Coniston Pier which has toilets and various other parking areas. The National Park has produced a map showing the public and private areas of the lakeshore and the Launch / Gondola routes etc Click here for the Coniston Water map.
Look out for … The unique views of the Coniston area from the water including Brantwood; the Coniston Fells, Peel Island (inspiration for Swallows and Amazons) and SY ‘Gondola’ in full ahead mode.