Thirlmere Reservoir Circumnavigation Paddle Trail

2-4 hours

Duration

7.5 miles

Distance

Circular

Easy

Difficulty

CA12 4TW

Start Postcode

CA12 4TW

End Postcode

A. This route can be taken in either direction but for the purposes of this trail we describe it in a clockwise direction.

B. Launch from Armboth Car Park and tum left. You are following wooded shores, with peaks towering on every side. To your left, beyond the trees is the 608m peak of High Seat.

C. After 1 mile you approach the northern end of the lake, with Thirlmere Dam straight ahead of you and Raven Crag to your left. As you turn here to paddle along the opposite shore you will face new peaks.

D. Enjoy the scenery as you head towards the other end of the lake.

E. Take time to enjoy the coves of the shoreline before rounding Hause Point at about 6 miles.

F. Here Hawes How Island comes into view with Deergarth Haw Island beyond it.

G. You are now on the final stretch of your journey as you return to your start point at just over 7.5 miles.

Discover More

This route can be made shorter simply by not going all the way to both ends of the lake. Thirlmere is now classed as a reservoir but it occupies the site of two former natural lakes. As you paddle, you may be paddling over submerged villages at Armboth and Wythburn.

The reservoir was flooded in the 19th century by the Manchester Corporation. They constructed a dam at one end to provide the City of Manchester with clean water via the 96 mile Thirlmere Viaduct.

Learn more about Thirlmere on Wikipedia.

Local facilities

Kings Head Inn at Thirlspot on the A591

Useful information

Car park is better found by coordinates 54.545054, -3.075906

Licence Information

The waterways on this trail do not require you to have a licence to paddle on them. However, if you paddle regularly and want to explore more places to paddle, you could consider becoming a member of Paddle UK. You’ll get a whole range of benefits as an On The Water member, including an annual licence to paddle on 4,500km of Britain’s waterways, liability insurance, and great discounts on paddling related products. Join today at www.paddleuk.org.uk

JOIN PADDLE UK

Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.