Three Lake Challenge – Challenge accepted
Kayak the length of Windermere, Coniston Water & Ullswater in the Lake District – totalling 23 miles.
Almost a year ago, Julia and Rebecca from SRS Barnehurst, came up with a crazy suggestion: Kayak the longest 3 lakes in the Lake District. They set about finding some other enthusiastic, adventurous, boaty soles. After completing the Safety and Rescue course last year at Lord Amory, Julia thought I had all the credentials of someone who was up for a challenge – she was right!
After almost a year in the planning after dislocated shoulders and a multitude of other injuries hampered training, but not our enthusiasm, we found ourselves at Penrith train station at the start of September – in slight drizzle – so excellent conditions for the Lake District.
The group was made up of myself, Julia, Rebecca, Alan and Pete from Fairlop Canoe Club who share a lake with SRS Barnehurst and Julia’s son Michael. We piled into a taxi and made our way through the unspoilt, picturesque scenery to our accommodation – a purpose built lodge owned by Distant Horizons who were accompanying us on our expedition.
After settling in with a cuppa we set about sorting our kit, sizing ourselves up for our sea kayaks, measuring up multiple sets of waterproofs and packing all important buoyancy aids ready for the adventure to start in the morning.
After some inappropriately loud snoring, Tuesday morning soon dawned and before we knew it we were kitted up and ready to hit the water.
The sea kayaks were amazing, and especially as they were doubles they were speedy and had an interesting rudder system, which took a bit of getting used to. Before we knew it, we had whizzed down the ‘warm up’ lake of Coniston in a very impressive time – and had clearly worked up an appetite as we launched ourselves into the delicious packed lunch which was provided.
After re-fuelling we were on the road to the southern end of Windermere – the biggie. Windermere was busier than Coniston, but still scenic and beautiful as we watched cormorants dip in and out of the water all amongst the dramatic scenery. The lake seemed to go on forever, and a few flapjack and haribo stops were required on route, but all too soon we found ourselves with no more corners to turn.
Exhausted we pulled ourselves into the bus, ready for a good pub dinner in Pooley Bridge and a well deserved sleep.
Next morning, we were on the road again, only nipping a short distance to Glen Riding, close to our accommodation to paddle Ullswater. The weather had been kind to us (relatively) and today was no exception, despite a moment where the dark rain clouds appeared to be coming in from all directions.
Another fantastic morning kayaking, and with a sudden gust of wind behind us we steamed into Pooley Bridge in the glorious sunshine to complete the challenge.
Next time someone offers you an opportunity – take it! As you never know where it may take you.
Naomi Stanley
