Where it began
Mereway Skippered Boats was started by a small group of local skippers who grew up around Windermere’s harbours. They shared a simple thought: that lake outings should be clear, quiet, and genuinely shaped by the water rather than a packed itinerary. The service began with one small cabin boat and a single dock noticeboard. What followed were months of gradual refinement—routes adjusted for calmer light, boarding made easier for all guests, and timings chosen to suit both the lake’s rhythm and local weather shifts.
Each season added something modest: clearer safety briefings, simpler booking pages, more transparent contact lines, and small routine surveys for every guest. No heavy promotion, no loud banners, just word-of-mouth from families, walkers and photographers who preferred time afloat that still left room for quiet thought. The aim remains unchanged: ease of use, honesty about the route, and small-scale outings that never feel hurried.
Our approach
Every route we run stays within local navigation guidance and wind limits published by the Lake District National Park Authority. We keep engines maintained by certified engineers based in Bowness, and all skippers hold valid RYA Inland Waters certificates. Each outing begins with a shore briefing that covers seating, hand signals, and emergency procedure in clear English. We do not overfill boats and avoid overlapping time slots so that departures stay on time.
Rather than advertise as a “tour”, Mereway runs on a rhythm more like a small ferry with commentary optional. We prefer to describe points of interest naturally and respond to the pace of guests. Sometimes the route shortens due to weather; sometimes a calm drift lasts longer. There is no soundtrack, no artificial lighting, no recorded voice — just the light, the engine note, and conversation.
Our skippers and staff
The crew varies slightly through the year, but each skipper has at least five seasons of local experience and first-aid training refreshed annually. Our team includes those from Windermere, Kendal, and Ambleside who grew up using the same jetties we operate from today. When not on duty, skippers assist with mooring upkeep, maintenance of jackets and fenders, and route timing checks.
On shore, a small support group handles messages and bookings. They read every form submission directly — no chatbots or automated replies. Confirmation emails are usually sent within a day, and any changes to booking times are confirmed by phone when necessary. We prefer direct human contact and clear information over instant replies.
Environmental awareness
Engines run on low-sulphur fuel, and waste from maintenance is collected by an authorised disposal service in Ambleside. Guests are asked to take all plastic bottles and food packaging back ashore. We do not use single-use cups or branded wraps; hot drinks are served only at approved dock cafes nearby. The same policy applies to promotional materials — we print no leaflets and share updates digitally to limit waste.
We also support local education sessions for visiting schools by explaining lake safety and shoreline care. In quiet months, spare time goes to clearing litter and helping wildlife volunteers with reedbed restoration. The lake is our workplace and also the setting we want to hand forward in good order.
Contact
For any question about our routes, schedules or privacy matters, you can reach us using the following:
Address: 12 Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3HE, England
Phone: 441 539 672 418
Email: [email protected]