Paddle on the beautiful Waterloo Lake in the Heart of Roundhay Park, Leeds
Leeds
Come paddle in one of Leeds’ grandest parks & the Home to White Rose Canoe Club.
About
Welcome to AquaPaddle Leeds
Access to the lake is via Carriageway Drive (Fully Pedestrianised), so caution should be taken when carrying all craft, as this can be a very busy area at times. White Rose Canoe Club is located beneath the Lakeside Cafe & the area is shared with Leeds Rowing Club.
For Most event paddlers, please walk slightly past the stepped/ramped entrance to the Club Area and head for the Grassed area just beyond.
If you require Level Pontoon access (Kayaks), then please enter the Club Area (Sliding Gate, please close behind you). Please do not block the Wooden Decking area, as the rowing club will be tidying up from their morning session as you arrive.
The Grassed area at times can be very slippery in places, so please be careful & follow any directions given.
AquaPaddle Leeds Team / Crew will all be wearing Orange Crew Tops.
Event Registration/Sign In - at the end of the wooden decking/grass area.
Craft Hire Available £10 (cash only)- if you require hire, please arrive early 0900hrs-0920hrs, as after this time the team will be busy & may not be able to support.
Event Safety Brief 0945hrs.
Start 1000hrs.
The Route
From behind 4 post area (on the water), it is 3 slightly shorter laps of the lake, staying mainly within 10 mtrs of the edge, inside the buoyed markers.
There will be a Crew Member around the bottom turn buoy area to direct you.
Then the 2nd-3rd laps start from in front of the 4 posts (Yellow Buoy) please ignore all other Buoys (White & Pink)
Finish line 3rd Lap is between the 4 posts & the Yellow Buoy.
Please call out your name or number as you get to this area so the Time Lord can register your finish time correctly.
on the Water assistance. Hopefully, all paddlers can self-rescue, but on the off chance of capsize falling in or needing any general assistance throughout the event, please, in the first instance, try to make your way to the lake edge (Shallow & Waist Deep) where we will promptly come to support you once safe to do so.
In the unlikely event of Immediate / Emergency Assistance being required - Please use your Paddle Whistle/shout & let all around you know support is required. (Other Paddlers, please be aware the Rib / Sib's will be coming in at speed and creating a wake/ waves)
The AquaPaddle Leeds Crew are all First Aid & Paddle Safety Qualified, the majority holding numerous Paddle UK - Instructor, Leadership, Coaching & Swimmer Safety & Rescue Awards, (inc some of the Team with their RLSS NPLQ - OWLQ) as well as their Power Boat 2 award or higher.
Basic Toilet & Shower Facilities are available in the Stone Boat House, Also Hot drinks (Donations & please bring a Mug).
AquaPaddle is a charity, and all donations are welcome to help support this great Paddling cause & help maintain the ethos of all AquaPaddle events.
About the Location
Nestled within Roundhay Park on Waterloo Lake in, northeast of the city centre of Leeds. Set in one of the UK’s largest urban parks, this scenic setting provides the perfect backdrop for paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking on the water. The event is based at the White Rose Canoe Club welcomes newcomers and offers a friendly environment for all ages and abilities.
A Little History of the Area
Leeds has its roots in the ancient region of Loidis, and over time grew from a Celtic forested area into the major industrial and commercial hub it is today. The city expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution and now stands out as a vibrant, modern centre in Yorkshire. Meanwhile, Roundhay Park was created in 1872 when the estate was purchased for public use by the city. The lake at Waterloo was originally a quarry site before being transformed by the Nicholson family into a striking 33-acre expanse of water, around 60 feet deep. Today, the park boasts over 700 acres of parkland, woodland, gardens and lakes, making it one of the most beloved outdoor destinations in Leeds.
Why Visit AquaPaddle Leeds?
Whether you’re after a leisurely paddle on the water, looking to improve your technique, or simply keen to reconnect with nature, this AquaPaddle Location offers an ideal setting. Located within peaceful parkland, it provides a calm and scenic environment to enjoy paddling on Waterloo Lake — perfect for families, groups, or solo adventurers seeking something a little different.
Donate to AquaPaddle Leeds
Why not donate to help your local community?
Your donations keep AquaPaddle afloat and safe. Contributions directly fund essential equipment, such as defibrillators, their renewable pads, first aid kits that go out of date and walkie-talkies. Additionally, the safety software that is used to manage every event. While our team is almost entirely voluntary, we prioritise professional IT services to ensure your data and our site remain secure.
Once these core operational costs are covered, all surplus funds go toward our mental and physical health activities.
For those who want to do more, please consider becoming a Friend of AquaPaddle through an annual subscription to help us help others.
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On site facilities
Parking
There is ample parking available near the lake for those driving to the venue. The main car park for Roundhay Park is accessible from the outer ring road and from the suburbs of Roundhay and Oakwood. Once parked, it’s a short walk through the parkland to reach the boathouse and AquaPaddle launch point. We recommend arriving a little early to find a convenient space, especially during busy weekend sessions.
Refreshments
Refreshments are available at the Canoe Club or the Lakeside Cafe and at small kiosks near the lake. After your AquaPaddle session, relax with a hot drink or snack while taking in the lake views. Roundhay Park also provides picnic benches and grassy areas if you prefer to bring your own refreshments and enjoy the outdoors
Facilities
The AquaPaddle venue is easily accessible by multiple transport options. From Leeds city centre, regular bus routes and cycle paths lead directly to Roundhay Park, making it straightforward to reach without a car. For those driving, the route via the A6120 outer ring road into the park is clearly sign-posted. Once inside the park, follow signage to Waterloo Lake and the boathouse area where the White Rose Canoe Club is located.
For adaptive paddlers please contact us at AquaPaddle or the White Rose Canoe Club to get exact details of where to park and how to access the water.
White Rose Canoe Club has basic facilities which include 1x toilet - 2x showers, & Basic Changing Areas. These facilities are shared with Leeds Rowing Club.
We are located below the Cafe on Waterloo Lake LS8 2JL. Lakeside carpark is Pay & Display, but free parking (if space) is also available on Princess Avenue as you drive towards the lake. Alternate parking is also available on Wetherby Rd, but this would then mean a slight walk to the lake. Once on site, please meet on the main grass section just after the clubhouse steps, where craft & boards can be sorted. This way we can ensure the pontoon / Decking area is kept clear, as this is required for the rowing club activities as well.
The First Aid Area/toilet/Changing area is located in the small stone building at the side of the lake behind the sliding gate.