Top 5 Peak District Cruises: Tours & Sailing Adventures

The Peak District, with its great hills, pretty villages, is almost certainly a great place for walking. Yet, did you know there’s a totally different way to soak up the scenic views? Yes, taking a cruise or hopping on a sailing tour, like your proper seafaring explorer! And so, to get you started, here is a rundown of what arguably could be the top five Peak District cruises and sailing tours, where we will provide some very helpful insights and recommendations.

1. Ladybower Reservoir Cruises

First up, very high on our list, we have the cruises on Ladybower Reservoir. Ladybower Reservoir, very pretty, as a matter of fact, is quite well-known for its amazing scenery and, alright, that’s important history. Anyway, taking a boat trip allows one to view the famous “plugholes” (overflow tunnels) from a really interesting angle, so you can bring that up next time you are out. It’s just a bit something different than seeing them from the banks, in short.

Typically, the cruises are quite serene and they usually offer some kind of live commentary on the reservoir’s creation, which, you know, involved the flooding of two villages way back when. Also, keep an eye out for any wildlife too, it’s really just an added perk! Anyway, for people who love their photos, cruises basically provide a rather outstanding chance to snap pictures of the countryside from a different perspective. So, that’s pretty nice.

Is there access available for folks who might use wheelchairs or need a bit more support getting around, is that what you’re wondering? Basically, call the tour operator just before your trip, or visit their internet site, for sure. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ladybower Reservoir Cruises)

2. Tittesworth Reservoir Sailing

Are you rather up for something a bit more hands-on? And so, perhaps sailing on Tittesworth Reservoir just might be your cup of tea, like your perfect adventure, you know? The Tittesworth Water Sports are there and they usually give sailing courses for all levels, from the just beginning novice to that advanced sailor that lives in your head. As a matter of fact, with qualified teachers available, it really is almost the ideal spot to understand how to sail, so go out there and become Jack or Rose from Titanic! Just without, alright, the iceberg.

That’s important to remember – safety – you do actually need to think about it, like when you get out there on the open water, in a way. The courses often show how to rig a boat, how to control the sails and, you know, other stuff that will actually keep you safe. I mean, actually sailing there gives a real feeling of freedom. The countryside all the way around really gives a pretty nice, relaxing backdrop while you work out how to go upwind and learn all the different sailing stuff. This may be what it is all about if you’re, like, really looking to pick up a great skill while still enjoying the landscape. So, just do it.

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3. Rudyard Lake Steam Railway & Boat Trips

Do you really feel like mixing a vintage rail adventure with a really chilled boat ride? And so, Rudyard Lake might just be a brilliant pick, it certainly might be, so go check it out. First, you could ride on the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway that goes alongside the lake. Also, later, jump onto a boat for a laid-back cruise. So, a two-for-one.

Boating on Rudyard Lake is fairly gentle, with the focus really being more on relaxation instead of speed. You know, it’s absolutely great for all families, like those with small children or those people who maybe don’t do so well with being thrown all over the boat with loads of spray coming at them. Plus, the combination deal can just give you a very unique day out. After your train ride, gently gliding on the water with all those surrounding sights really gives such a chill, I tell you what. So, don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

Is it always simple to match up train and boat departure times for any combo tickets? Check this prior to reserving your tickets because I just heard something about they often, yet not usually, match those up nicely! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Rudyard Lake Steam Railway)

4. River Derwent Rowing Boats

What about having the freedom to roam? Anyway, why don’t you just go hire a rowing boat out on the River Derwent? Just near places such as Matlock or Rowsley, there actually are spots where you may just be able to rent a boat. Basically, with a rowing boat, you may find a really quiet part of the river and paddle off into the country at your own rate, so it is all on your clock, pretty much.

The River Derwent tends to be more calm and winding there, very similar to your life path perhaps? In short, it can be totally right for a slow, pleasant row. Make a little picnic for yourself before heading out because I tell you what, eating by the river banks is one of life’s finer moments. Plus, this makes it super adaptable and quite easy for families looking for a reasonably priced outing that just simply places you right in the center of pretty scenery. In some respects, getting in a tiny boat and going up stream, and back, is like seeing life at one mile per hour. So slow it down.

Very much like getting that flat-pack furniture in from Ikea, do make certain of knowing your basic water safety prior to you heading out on any rowing adventure! Have a look at the local renting guidelines on all gear which they actually provide too! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (River Derwent Rowing Boats)

5. Sailing at Combs Reservoir

Now then, Combs Reservoir is typically located near Chapel-en-le-Frith, which may well be just another great place for sailing fans, in short. Typically, the area isn’t always as well-known as, perhaps, a few of the others; it’s actually frequently less packed, like more open water to tear around on your vessel! Sailing is permitted so do give that a good ole go, it may change your life.

Anyway, since it has open stretches of water, this particular reservoir typically gives more skilled sailors the opportunity to improve their sailing, I’d say, so level-up! Arguably, the sailing club often has events and casual sails, just ideal if you’d actually like to hook up with others or, alternatively, have some assistance. But before actually jumping in your own vessel, examine local policies on permits, okay? Plus, like, for anyone really wishing to sail in peace while still being surrounded by nature, it may well be just ideal. Basically, breathe in the calm. Breathe out that 9-5!

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Read our full review: Peak District Cruises & Sailing Tours Full Review and Details