Wast Water, Cumbria

The Lake District is undeniably one of Britain’s most mesmerising national parks, but with flocks of visitors to the area, finding a wilderness escape seems a rare opportunity to come by. But swap the rolling hills of Windermere for some of Britain’s giant peaks and adventurers will find a lake to themselves, with a tumbling hillside surrounding. Once in the depths of Wast Water, you’re open to explore at your own free will and pace. The lake is open end-to-end to paddleboarders, but be sure to disembark at the north beach to take a short walk to St Olaf – one of England’s smallest churches – before paddling back to the start.

Hire and lessons: Equipment is available for hire at Lake District Paddleboarding, as well as guided tours and lessons on Wast Water lake.