Enjoy a fun water sports taster session at Talkin Tarn Country Park. with our experienced, professional instructor in either Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Sit on Top Kayak.

Most activity sessions will be private for your group only, up to a maximum of 6 participants. As a private activity session, the cost remains the same for 1-6 participants. Occasionally we arrange open sessions for individuals. If you would prefer to book individual places please follow this link for availability.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding: minimum age 12yrs (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult as part of the group).

Sit On Top Kayak minimum age 10yrs (Minimum age 7yrs if an adult accompanies in a tandem kayak - we have 2 tandem kayaks).

Open Canoeing minimum age 10yrs (Minimum age 7yrs if an adult accompanies in a canoe

When people think of coming to the northern end of Cumbria or Carlisle itself, it's natural for first thoughts to be of outdoor activities in the Lake District National Park. All the renowned activity centres are there and many local readers of this page will remember how you used to love playing outdoor games at Cumbria's once famous residential centres like Hawse End, Denton House and Fellside. All bar one, are now gone.

You may be less familiar with northern Cumbria's secret gem, Talkin Tarn. It's an idyllic setting for outdoor pursuits and water games for kids and adults alike. And when your water sports session is over, there are lots of other opportunities.

There are quiet tracks and bridleways for mountain biking, or you can explore nearby Gelt Woods. Just beyond Talkin Village you can stroll to the top of Talkin Fell. There you can soak in the views of the Lake District Hills, the Debatable Lands and on a clear day, even the Cheviot Hills shimmering in the distance.