An anticlockwise paddle around the northern section of Windermere on a very hot day by UK standards (around 29C). I like the northern part for its variety and especially for the views of the mountains.

Launching from Red Nab, not the easiest place to get to but free parking if you can find a space.

Approaching the moorings behind Belle Isle

On a calm day one might think there would be no excitement but there are boat wakes to chase. I found a little assistance from this small boat as it headed towards Bowness.

As one nears the northern end of Bell Isle, the distant mountains start to show

There are many rocky areas on Windermere which could easily be a disaster for boats and in recent years they've marked the shallows with red buoys. I'm already inside the shallow area near Lady Holme but there's one visible in the left of the picture.

The large house on the left is especially attractive and in local terms is a fairly recent build

To the west, the Old Man of Coniston and Wetherlam

To the north west, Bow Fell, Crinkle Crags and the Langdales

To the north, Waterhead at the top of the lake, with Rydal and Scandale Fells behind. The cruise launch MV Teal was just setting off on its journey down the lake. The large cruisers are relatively fast, long and thin and are too difficult to catch a ride on their wake but short rides can be gained on the trailing waves as they spread out. The best bet for catching a wave is on the huge wakes created by the speedboats which cannot plane due to the speed limit. But of course they are usually towing a wakeboard or something like that.

Waterhead was mad busy and the only shade on the plain of the Galava Roman Fort was occupied by a herd of cows. I found a perfect small beach for lunch, with shade, at the mouth of the river Brathay.

With a nice view over to Waterhead

The Pace Action afloat shows off its rocker line. With the rudder up the kayak is very manoeverable. With the rudder down it's great for effortless straight line paddling or surfing or downwind.

On the way south down the west shore there's a nice little island which you might mistake for part of the shoreline called Bee Holme.

The narrow channel can be paddled

And just beyond is the Low Wray campsite which enables superb camping areas with shade and lake access