The River Rothay, located in the Lake District, offers a peaceful paddling experience. Flowing from the northern end of Lake Windermere, the Rothay meanders through beautiful countryside, providing scenic views of fells and greenery. The upper stretches near Ambleside are calm, making it perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxing paddle. Paddlers can enjoy the tranquil surroundings as the river gently flows through woodlands and rural landscapes.
As the river moves downstream, particularly near Rydal, the current picks up, offering more excitement for intermediate paddlers. Small rapids and obstacles provide a bit of challenge, while the scenic beauty of the area, with its rocky gorges and meadows, adds to the experience. Rydal Water, a small lake near the river, also offers a peaceful spot for a break or a more relaxed paddle.
With public launch points near Ambleside, the River Rothay is easily accessible for a day trip or short outing. It provides a perfect mix of calm waters and more dynamic sections, making it ideal for paddlers of all levels looking to explore the stunning landscapes of the Lake District.
River Rothay
Launches | Public Routes | Known Hazards | Parking |
---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

WATERWAYS LICENCES
Many waterways in England and Wales require a licence to paddle. Check the licence section below to see if this is one. Save money on your licence and secure paddling insurance by joining British Canoeing. Use our easy step RapidJoin process. Open the slider to join.
Welcome to PaddlePoints Waterways. These pages focus on individual bodies of water across the UK. On this page you'll find a map, launches, routes, licensing information, paddle trail downloads, services, and more about one particular river or canal. For the full PaddlePoints with search bar follow this link.
PaddlePoints can be accessed without creating a free account, but registering will allow you to map your own public and private routes on this waterway. You will also be able to comment on others' points, upload images, and create Personal Information Markers to receive updates about new routes and points.
You can use the buttons above to access map information on other waterways. Simply toggle the waterway to display it. If you do, note that the content surrounding the map area will remain the same. Use the green file icon next to the toggle if you want to open another dedicated river or canal page with relevant licensing information.
Use the icon above to access the legend. All map points, rivers, and canals information will appear in this section here. Click or tap a point on the map to display the information. Actual routes will appear on the map.
River Licensing Information
Licence Required?
No licence required