Enjoy stunning views of Bay Lough in Knockmealdown Mountains while kayaking this summer

You can now try out kayaking on Bay Lough lake in the Knockmealdown Mountains on weekend days over the summer months.

Introducing the popular water sport to the scenic corrie lake near Clogheen is the latest tourism and outdoor pursuits venture from Knockmealdown Active.

Bay Lough, located on the Tipperary/Waterford border is famed as the alleged resting place of Mary Hannigan, aka the witch Petticoat Loose.

It is also one of the most visited spots in South Tipperary and hosts the lake section of the Knock ME Down Adventure Race in August each year.

People who have participated in the event often cite it as the most enjoyable part of the race. This regularly leads to requests for kayaks to paddle on the lake at leisure.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to get a kayak to the lake without a lot of organisation, so Knockmealdown Active is handling the logistics for this new venture.

All kayaks are the sit-on variety, which are very easy to manage. Worst case scenario, you just fall off and get back on again.

You can’t get trapped in the boat, because you don’t get into it. This is different to a sit-in kayak, which requires a good deal more experience.

Volunteers from the Knockmealdown Active group and fully qualified instructors will be on hand to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the lake.

It is very easy to boat on Bay Lough. There are no currents, so when you stop paddling, the boat stops. It is possible to take rests whenever you wish, to sit and appreciate the peace and tranquillity of the lake and its surrounds. This initiative is aimed at beginners and those learning to kayak.

Single and double kayaks are available. Doubles can take an adult and a child or two adults.

Children under 16 must have an accompanying adult, i.e. an adult is with them on the water in another single kayak or they are together on a double craft.

There is no specific gear or clothing necessary, as all the safety gear and paddles required are provided. Participants should bring a change of clothing, particularly footwear.

The rental periods are on Saturdays and Sundays (as well as Bank Holiday Mondays) from 11am in the morning until 4pm in the afternoon in hour-long sessions.

Payment is online in advance or via credit/debit card at the lake. Online bookings take precedence and no cash is taken or stored at the lake.

Participants are asked to take into account that it is a 15 to 20 minute walk to the lake from the car park. The next three weeks are likely to be busy as rhododendron plants are beginning to bloom around the lake at the moment.

Prices per hour are €18 for a single kayak and €25 for a double.

To book log onto: www.BayLoughKayaking.ie.