On a clear Northumberland morning, there’s nowhere quite like Kielder for water sports.
Setting out from one of our boathouses several days a week, our instructor-led canoe, kayak, sailboat and cruise sessions give you access to explore Kielder Water, the UK’s largest manmade reservoir.
Whatever your vessel, after leaving the boathouse, the reservoir opens up around you. The trees line the banks. If you’re lucky, a heron lifts off ahead of you or, in the summer months, an osprey cuts across the sky. It’s a nature lover’s dream.
Our water sports programme is built to put you on the water — whatever your ability. Every activity is fully accessible, led by experienced instructors with specialist disability training, and supported by one of the widest ranges of outdoor adventure accessibility equipment in the whole of the UK. The reservoir is waiting. Let’s get you out there.
£40 per person | 90 minutes
Our canoe and kayak sessions set off from Mathews Linn Boathouse, usually taking you on a journey under a bridge and out to a small island — a route that gives you just enough of a sense of adventure without ever feeling rushed. You can choose between sit-on kayaks, traditional canoes, or a rafted canoe for up to six people. Your instructor is in a boat alongside you throughout, so you can enjoy the adventure with the comfort of knowing a professional is there to support.
It’s a relaxing, sensory experience — perfect for those who want to take things at their own pace and enjoy the calm of the water.
£40 per person | 90 minutes
For a more relaxed way to take in Kielder Water, our motor cruise takes up to ten people along the reservoir in a purpose-built boat, with wheelchair access and side entry.
It’s a gentle, sociable experience — a chance to sit back, take in the view, and watch the wildlife go by from the water. Bring yourself a flask to enjoy a hot drink during the trip. And if you fancy taking the wheel yourself, just say the word. Our instructor is more than happy to show you the ropes.
£80 for 1–2 people, £100 for 3-4 people | 90 minutes
The Windrider is unlike anything else on the water. A trimaran sailing boat — with a main hull supported by two smaller floats — it offers unmatched stability and excellent postural support. This makes it genuinely self-driveable by anyone, regardless of access needs.
After an instructional briefing and getting kitted up on the jetty, you’re out on the reservoir. The instructor watches on the from the safety boat but the sailing is all you.
That feeling of freedom and control on the water — steering your own course, feeling the spray against your skin, the sail pulling in the breeze — is something guests of all abilities come back to again and again.
Calvert Kielder is home to the widest range of outdoor adventure accessibility equipment in the North of England. Every boat in our fleet has been purposefully sourced or designed so that anyone can take part, whatever their level of ability.
Our instructors are nationally certified and carry additional specialist disability training, with years of experience supporting people of all abilities on the water. Whatever your needs, our team will work with you, making sure you’re safe, comfortable, and free to focus on the experience itself.
Because that’s what this is about for all of us — getting on the water, feeling the freedom of it, and doing something you might not have thought possible.
Note – Our jetties are not suitable for electric wheelchairs so please ensure you come equipped with a manual wheelchair.
Calendar updates automatically as new activities are added.
Call us: 01434 250232
Email us: enquiries@calvert-kielder.com