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Writer's pictureElla Jay

23 Best Lake District Water Activities (2023 prices)

Updated: Oct 5, 2023


Activities


13) Pedalo

17) Diving




What makes the Lake District a good place for water activities?

The Lake District National Park is one of the best locations for water activities in the UK.



The Lake District's open water has been preserved by The National Trust for over 120 years allowing everybody to enjoy Lake District water sports. With 16 lakes and a further 76 bodies of water there are lots of opportunities to get on, or in, the water within the Lake District National Park.


The bodies of water in the Lake District are not affected by tidal waves and often have areas of sheltered water due to mountains blocking the wind. This means practicing on a lake is a great way to learn water sports as you are affected by a less types of currents.



It is the perfect place if you are trying a particular water activity for the first time as boating and visitor centres located around the National Park offer hire for an extensive range of equipment and water activity providers are all ran by qualified instructors. Alternatively, if you have your own equipment, the Lake District is a great location to learn a range of outdoor activities at your own pace.


Water actives are a great way of seeing the countries most beautiful lakes from a different perspective. See the wide range of the best water sports and activities available to you below.

1. Water Skiing


What is water skiing?

You will be wearing water skis and holding a towrope that is attached to the boat. The boat's speed will be your momentum allowing you gain pace and use your water skiing to ski behind the boat. Water skiing is a step up from kneeboarding so be aware it can be hard to master. Water skiing requires a high level of balance, strength, and skill. Note that Windermere has a 10mph speed limit so this is the top speed you will reach.


Where can I book a water skiing session? 1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Windermere - Online bookings only

Your session will begin by getting trained on a training bar aiming to progress to being towed behind the boat on a ski line.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: £130

People: 3 people max



2. Wakesurfing


What is wakesurfing? Wakesurfing is a water sport that requires a high level of skill, strength and balancewhihc some may find challenging . The boat's movement causes waves behind which you surf on allowing you to ride the waves and perform tricks. Please note there is a 10mph speed limit on Lake Windermere meaning the size of waves will be limited.


Where can I book a wakesurfing session? 1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Windermere - Online bookings only

Duration: 1 hour

Price: £140

People: 2 people max


2) Windermere Wakesurfing, Windermere - online booking or call to book click here

People: They have a choice of two boats that have the capacity to hold 10 people

Price and duration:

£140-160 (1 hour)

£270-310 (2 hours)

£390-450 (3 hours)

£500-580 (4 hours)


3) 360 Watersports, Coniston - online bookings only click here to book! Note: Their boats have a maximum capacity of 10 people

Price and duration:

£140 (1 hour)

£280 (2 hours)

£400 (3 hours)

£500 (4 hours)


4) Wake and Surf, Ullswater - online booking required book here

Note: price per duration, all equipment included, their boats can hold 6 people

30 minutes £70

1 hour £130

1.5 hour £190

2 hours £250

3 hours £360

4 hours £480

6 hours £590


5) Wake Nation, Windermere - online bookings here

Price and duration: £120 per hour

People: price for 4 people including all equipment

3. Kneeboarding


What is kneeboarding? Kneeboarding is a mixture of skills from water skiing and wakesurfing. You will be holding onto a long towrope attached to the boat while kneeling down on a small board. Kneeboarding is more suitable for all abilities making it a fun for families.


Where can I book a kneeboarding session? 1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Windermere - Online bookings only

Duration: 1 hour

Price: £125

People: 4 people max


2) 360 Watersports, Coniston - online bookings only click here to book! Note: Their boats have a maximum capacity of 10 people

Price and duration:

£140 (1 hour)

£280 (2 hours)

£400 (3 hours)

£500 (4 hours)


3) Wake and Surf, Ullswater - online booking required book here

Note: all equipment is included, price per duration, boat's capacity is 6 people

Price and duration:

30 minutes £70

1 hour £130

1.5 hour £190

2 hours £250

3 hours £360

4 hours £480

6 hours £590



4. Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) What is paddle boarding?

Paddleboarding has become a popular water activity in recent years and is best on calm water such as lakes and river making the Lake District one of the best places for paddleboarding. Paddleboarding requires less skill and balance as the board is bigger and the activity is self paced. You can either kneel or stand up on the board and you have one long paddle to propel yourself through the water.


Where can I hire a SUP?


1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Windermere - Online bookings only

2 hours - £35

4 hours - £45

Note: Wet suits included in hire, no minimum age but 18+ must be on the water to supervise


2) Coniston Boating Centre, Coniston Water - Online bookings avoid dissapointment

Duration: 2 hours max

Price: £30

People: 16+ dogs allowed

3) Port Haverigg Marina Village, Haverigg - online bookings only book here

Price: £20

Duration: 1 hour

People: Price per person, includes wetsuit and lifejacket


4) Wake and Surf, Ullswater - online booking required book here

Note: Equipment, wet suit and lifejacket are all included. Under 12's have to be accompanied by an 18+ on the same board, 12-18 year olds have to have a reasonable adult with them on the water to supervise

Price and duration:

£20 - 1 Hour

£30 - 2 Hours

£80 - 7 Hours


5) Wake Nation, Windermere - online bookings here

Price and duration: £20 per hour

People: 1


6) Brockhole, Windermere - online bookings here

Price and duration: £20 for 1 hour, £30 for 2 hours

People: 1

Note: 16+


7) Explore the Lakes, delivery available - book online here

Price and duration:

10am-5pm £45

3 days £90

4 days £120

Delivery:

Free collection from Cleator Moor

Free 15 mile delivery from Cleator Moor

15-25 mile delivery from Cleartor Moor £5

25-50 mile delivery from Cleartor Moor £20

Note: all equipment and dry bag included


8) Alfreso Adventure, Ullswater - online bookings here

Price: £22

Duration: 1 Hour

People: 1

Note: all equipment and lifejacket provided



5. Mega SUP


What is a mega SUP?

A mega SUP is he same principle as a normal paddle board...its just mega. The board is longer and wider and can fit up to 8 people on at one time making it a fun group activity.


Where can I hire a mega SUP?

1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Windermere - Online bookings only

Duration: 2 hours

Price: £120

People: Minimum people required to book the bard is 4, maximum number is 8, no minimum age to hire but a 18+ had to be on the water to supervise

Note: Wetsuits included in hire price


2) Explore the Lakes, delivery available - book online here

Price and duration:

10am-5pm £90

2 days £130

3 days £165

Delivery:

Free collection from Cleator Moor

Free 15 mile delivery from Cleator Moor

15-25 mile delivery from Cleartor Moor £5

25-50 mile delivery from Cleartor Moor £20

People: 4 passengers and 2 paddlers

Note: all equipment and dry bag included


3) Alfreso Adventure, Ullswater - online bookings here

Price: £80

Duration: 1 Hour

People: 6-10

Note: all equipment and lifejacket provided


6. Private Boat Charter


What is a private boat charter?

This is an exclusive hire of a boat just for you and your group. It is a great option for a luxurious private experience on the water. You will be the only people on the yacht along with the captain.


Where can I book a private boat charter?

1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Windermere - Online bookings only

Duration: 1 hour

Price: £125 (6 people), £140 (8 people)

Note: 10mph speed limit on windermere


2) Windermere Wakesurfing, Windermere - online booking or call to book here

People: They have a choice of two boats that have the capacity to hold 10 people

Price and duration:

£140-160 (1 hour)

£270-310 (2 hours)

£390-450 (3 hours)

£500-580 (4 hours)


3) Wake and Surf, Ullswater - online booking required book here

Note: all equipment is included for any water activities you want to try, price per duration, boat's capacity is 8 people

Price and duration:

1 hour £130

3 hours £360

6 hours £590


4) Wake Nation, Windermere - online bookings here

Price and duration: £120 per hour

People: price for 6 people


7. Kayaking


What is kayaking?

Kayaking is one of the most popular activities as it can be enjoyed by people of all ability levels. A kayak is a small narrow boat under the control of 1-2 people. When you get into a kayak you sit down with your legs straight out in front of you. Each person onboard has a double bladed paddle which allows you to balance the kayak and guide it in the direction you want the kayak to go. kayaking is great to explore the Lake District as you can go in shallow water closer to the lakes shoreline and wander down rivers where boats could not fit.



Where can I hire a kayak? 1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Windermere - Online bookings only Sit on top kayak

2 hours - £30 (single), £35 (double)

4 hours - £40 (single), £45 (double)

Note: No minimum age but 18+ must be on the water to supervise


2) Coniston Boating Centre, Coniston - Online bookings avoid dissapointment

Duration: 2 hours maximum

Price: Single kayak £25, Double kayak £30

Note: 16+ only


3) Kayaking Tours, Brookhole on Winderemere - prebooking required book here

Price: £45 for half a day tour

People: group maximum 6 people


4) Wake and Surf, Ullswater - online booking required book here

Note: kayak and life jacket included, under 12's must share a double with an 18+, 13-18 can use a single kayak but need to be supervised by an 18+

Price and duration for a single kayak:

1 Hour £20

2 Hours £30

4 hours £50

8 hours £70

Price and duration for a double kayak:

4 hours £55

8 hours £75


5) Wake Nation, Windermere - online bookings here

Price and duration: £20 per hour

People: 1


6) Brockhole, Windermere - online bookings here

Price and duration for a single kayak:

£20 for 1 hour

£30 for 2 hours

Price and duration for a double kayak:

£25 for 1 hour

£35 for 2 hours

Price and duration for a triple kayak:

£30 for 1 hour

£40 for 2 hours

Note: under 16's need supervision from an 18+


8) Alfreso Adventure, Ullswater - online bookings here

Price: £22

Duration: 1 Hour

People: 1

Note: all equipment and lifejacket provided


8. Canoeing

What is canoeing?

Recreational canoeing is a popular water activity in the lake District for couples, families, and groups. Due to the lakes being flat bodies of water canoeing is a relaxing way of seeing the stunning scenery while out on a leisurely paddle. A canoe is an open top craft that has benches to accommodated 1-3 people. Each person onboard has a single bladed paddle requiring teamwork and communication to move the canoe in the wanted direction.


Where can I hire a canoe? 1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Windermere - Online bookings only

People: 3 people max

2 hours - £35

4 hours - £45

Note: No minimum age but 18+ must be on the water to supervise

2) Coniston Boating Centre, Coniston - Online bookings avoid disappointment

Duration: 2 hours maximum

Price: £30 for 2 people


3) Brockhole, Windermere - online bookings here

Price and duration:

£25 for 1 hour

£35 for 2 hours

People: 2 adults and 1 child

Note: under 16's need supervision from an 18+


4) Alfreso Adventure, Ullswater - online bookings here

Price: £35

Duration: 1 Hour

People: 2 adults and 1 child

Note: all equipment and lifejacket provided


9. Rowing Boat


What is a rowing boat?

A rowing boat is a more traditional looking craft. The ones you will find in the Lake District are a traditional design made out of wood. It is the more physical option compared to a canoe or kayak as 1-2 people have to manually row the wooden oars in order for the boat to move. It is seen as a romantic activity as the rowing is facing backwards to the water facing the other people sat forwards on the other bench.


Where can I hire a rowing boat? 1) Coniston Boating Centre, Coniston - Online bookings avoid dissapointment

Duration: 1 hour max

1-2 people £30

3-4 people £35

5-6 people £40


2) Wake and Surf, Ullswater - online booking required book here

Note: rowing boats have a maximum capacity of 5 people, price depends on how many people are going to be onboard

Price and duration:

1 Hour : £20-38

4 Hours : £45-65

8 Hours: £65-85


3) Brockhole, Windermere - online bookings here

Price and duration for a small (max 4 people) rowing boat:

£25 for 1 hour

£40 for 2 hours

Price and duration for a large (max 6 people) rowing boat:

£35 for 1 hour

£50 for 2 hours

Note: under 16's need supervision from an 18+



10. Self Drive Motor Boat


What is a self drive motor boat?

A motor boat propels through the water with the power from its motor attached to the back of the boat. The Lake District has a few small mortar boats avalivale to hire where you can drive the boat yourself giving you the freedom to go where you want on the lake. The boats are easy to control with minimal controls making it a relaxing ride for you and your group.


Where can I hire a self drive motor boat? 1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Windermere - Online bookings only

4 hours - £100 (1-2 people), £110 (3-4 people), £120 (5-6 people)

8 hours - £155 (1-2 people), £165 (3-4 people), £175 (5-6 people)

Note: 18+


2) Coniston Boating Centre, Coniston - Online bookings avoid dissapointment

Duration: 1 hour maximum

1-2 people - £35

3-4 people - £45

5-6 people - £50


3) Brockhole, Windermere - online bookings here

Price and duration: £40 for 1 hour, £60 for 2 hours

People: 2-5

Note: 16+ to drive


4) Bowness Bay Marina, Windermere - online booking here

They offer a standard, premium and a premium plus range. These are the details of their premium plus range that has a choice of 2 boats

Price: £95

Duration: 2 hours

People: 8 people


11. Sailing


What is sailing?

A sailboat uses the force of wind catching in its sail to move the boat in a particular direction. Sailing requires a lot of specific skills which is why hiring a sail boat comes with qualification requirements to ensure you will be safe on the water.


Where can I sail?

1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Windermere - Online bookings only


Note:+£5 for wetsuit hire and £2 for wet shoes

Keelboat - RYA nAtional Sailing Scheme Level 2 needed for hire

4 hours - £120 (up to 2 people), £145 (3-5 people)

8 hours - £160 (up to 2 people), £190 (3-5 people)

Laser Bahia Dinghy - RYA nAtional Sailing Scheme Level 2 needed for hire

4 hours - £65 (up to 2 people), £65(3-5 people)

8 hours - £75 (up to 2 people), £75 (3-5 people)

Laser Pico Siling Dinghy - RYA nAtional Sailing Scheme Level 2 needed for hire

2 hours - £40 (1-2 people)

4 hours £50 (1-2 people)

Laser One Sailing Dinghy -RYA National Sailing Scheme Seamanship Skills award needed for hire

2 hours £45 (1 person max)

4 hours £55 (1 person max)



2) Glenridding Sailing Centre, Glenridding - online bookings here


Toper Topaz - 18+ only

3 hours £70

Full day £125


Laser 1 - 18+ only

3 hours £70

Full day £125


Seafly Dinghy - 18+ only

3 hours £85

Full day £145


Laser Statos - 18+ only

3 hours £85

Full day £145


Traditional Boat - maximum capacity 5 people

3 hours - £110

Full day - £190


12. Fishing Boat


What is a fishing boat?

A fishing boat is specifically designed for people who are fishing. An ancourch is provided but no fishing equipment, so make sure you pack your own equipments of a fun day out on the water!



Where can I hire a fishing boat?

1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Windermere - Online bookings only

4 hours - £110

8 hours - £165


13. Pedalo


What is a pedalo?

Pedalos are for a calm adventure on the lake with a group of people. They are designed to be stable and easy to control. The power is generated by passengers peddling much like a bike. The peddles are connected to a wheel under the boat which turns with the peddles. A pedalo can seat 1-4 people making it a great, fun activity for families as you can all have a go a peddling.


Where can I hire a pedalo?

1) Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, Lake Windermere - Online bookings only

People: 4 people max

2 hours - £35

4 hours £45


2) Derwent Water Marina, Derwent - online bookings here

Price: £36

Duration: 2 hours

People: 4 max


14. Swimming

In the Lake District you can either take part in an organised swim such as the Coniston Chillswim or the Great North Swim. Alternatively, a lot of people choose to adventure out on their own to go wild swimming.


The Lake District is full of natural beauty spots providing some incredible wild swimming spots. Wild swimming does come with dangers so if you are a complete beginner just make sure you are aware and educated about wild swimming before you take the plunge to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable swim.






15. Canyoneering and Gorge Walking

What is canyoneering?

Canyoneering is one for the adrenaline seekers. It involves walking, climbing, and swimming through rivers, canyons, and gorges. You will be under the instruction of a qualified tour guide and the company you go with will provide you with the specialist equipment e.g. helmet, harness, and ropes. Canyoneering is a way of exploring the more rural natural landscape that is hard to access. It is great fun for those who are strong swimmers and seek adrenaline.


What is gorge walking?


Gorge walking involves walking through gorges and rivers exploring the environment from a unique perspective.

Where can I book a canyoneering/gorge walking?

1) Alfreso Adventure, Keswick - online bookings here

Price: £43

Duration: 3 Hours

People: 1

Note: all equipment and lifejacket provided


2) Honister, Keswick - online bookings here

Price: £80

Duration: 4 hours

People: price per person, groups max of 6 people

Note: all equipment and lifejacket provided, minimum age 10


3) Mountain Journeys, Ambleside - online bookings here


Gorge Scrambling

Price: £80 (2 people) - £280 (8 people)

Duration: half day


4) Mountain Journeys Cayoneering, Coniston - online bookings here

Price: £50pp based on 2 people, £40pp based on 4 people

Duration: 3 hours


5) Joint Adventures, Coniston - online bookings here

Price: average £50

Duration: half day

People: price per person, contact for price per group/duration



16. Raft Building

What does raft building entail?

Raft building is one of the best outdoor team-building activities on offer. With a range of supplies, your team is expected to work together to create a unique raft that you will think perform best on the water.


Once you are ready or your instructor calls your time is up you will test your rafts performance on the water. Often your team will be given task to complete such as obstacles courses to test your raft and teamwork to its full potential.


Raft building is one of the favourite activities among groups and families with young kids as it teaches the importance of communication, creativity, and teamwork in a fun environment. It is a great day out for the whole family.



Where can I book to build a raft?

1) Alfreso Adventure, Ullswater - online bookings here

Price: £49

Duration: 2 Hour

People: price per person

Note: all equipment and lifejacket provided 2) Keswick Adventures, Keswick - online bookings here

Price: £50

Duration: 2-3 hours

People: price per person

Note: minimum age 7 years


3) Joint Adventures, Coniston - online bookings here

Price: £50

Duration: half day

People: price per person, minimum group number is 4



17. Diving

With 'try dives' only costing £20 why not give diving a go and learn a new skill with Carlisle and District Divers. Your 'try dive' will take place in a pool to teach you the basics of diving and safety precautions. This diving group welcomes new members and the Lake District has a lot of historical wrecks hidden in the regions waters to build your diving skills up to.


18. River Tubing

What is river tubing?


You will go down a river in an inflatable rubber ring. There is no need to paddle as the water will take you downstream to where your session will finish. It is relaxing at times but water rapids increase the activities excitement.


Where can I book to build a raft?


1) Keswick Extreme, Keswick - online bookings here

Price: £70

Duration: 2-3 hours

People: price per person

Note: the activity is not suitable for those over 18 stone


19. White Water Rafting

What is white water rafting?

White water rafting is one of the best adventure activities that can be found worldwide in mountains areas.


Where can I book white water rafting?


1) Lake District White Water Rafting, Penrith - online bookings here

Price: 8-17 year olds £59, 18+ £69, private raft £360

Duration: 4-5 hours

Note: can choose a south or north Lake District adventure, maximum group is 12 people, 8+ only



20. Wakeboarding


What is wakeboarding?


Wakeboarding is like snowboarding however you are on water not snow. You are being towed either by a boat or an automatic tow line while your feet are in the boots attached to the board. It is a physically demanding activity that requires a lot of skill. The range of tricks you can perform has increased wakeboarding popularity.




Where can I book a wakeboarding session?


1) 360 Watersports, Coniston - online bookings only click here to book Note: Their boats have a maximum capacity of 10 people

Price and duration:

£140 (1 hour)

£280 (2 hours)

£400 (3 hours)

£500 (4 hours)


2) Port Haverigg Wakepark, Haverigg - online bookings only book here

Price: £25

Duration: 1 hour

People: Price per person, all equipment included




21. Water Park


1) The Lakes Aqua Park, Haverigg - online bookings only book here

Price: £20

Duration: 1 hour

People: Price per person, includes wetsuit and lifejacket





22. Windsurfing


What is windsurfing?

Windsurfing is a combination of skills from surfing and sailing. You stand on a board like you are surfing but instead of suing the waves power to move, you use the wind's power. The angle of your sail catches the wind to propel you forwards.





Where can I book a windsurfing session?


1) Derwent Water Marina, Derwent - online bookings here

Price: £65

Duration: 2 hours

People: 1 (note - minimum group size of 3)




23. Boat Trips

1) Ullswater Steamers Ullswater Steamers operate a 20 mile round route boat trip of Ullswater. This leisurely cruise stops at multiple piers allowing you to hop on and off for easy access to the best walking routes around Ullswater. You will find a pier at Pooley Bridge, Howtown, Aira Force Waterfall, and in Glenridding. Find the timetable and prices here.

2) Windermere Lake Cruises

Windermere is the Lake District's largest lake and has a range of cruises available to you. You can book your ticket to include stopping off at a number of attractions or just for the cruise itself. See all the options here.


3) Coniston launch

The company Coniston launch offer multiple differnt routes operating year round so visitors can explore attractions around Coniston Water. There are numbers jetties around Coniston Water so you can get off an explore. See the different routes and timetables online here. Bookings online have a 15% discount!


4) Steam Yacht Godola

Coniston offers a unique boat ride called the Steam Yacht Godola. It is a rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht allowing you to experience the a Victorian era luxury. It is ran by the National trust so members receive a 10% on tickets! Book online here.


5) Keswick Launch

See the beauty of Derwentwater from onboard a cruise. You can either pay in the booking office in Keswick or you can pay onboard if you are going the cruise from a jetty. Plan your cruise here.






Thing to consider


Which location to choose

Where you choose to participate in a water activity is down to personal preference. Lots of people, including myself, have a personal favourite place to go in the Lake District. However, this is the beauty of the Lake District...there are so many bodies of water to choose from!


Windermere Lake is the largest lake in the Lake District and because of this most people choose to launch boats here.


Another body of water is Wastwater which is located at the bottom of Scafell Pike and is the deepest lake in the Lake District. Wastwater is known as people a spectacular place to paddleboard due to the dramatic backdrop of Scafell however there is no place to hire equipment so you have t bring your own. Also note with Wastwater it is the deepest and therefore coldest lake in the region so make sure you are prepared with a wetsuit or for a cold plunge.


Another thing to consider when choosing location is where you are travelling from. The lakes may look close together on a map but the windy Lake District roads make access to some of the best places in the Lake district such as Buttermere much longer journeys than your would expect.


If it is your first time to the Lake District National Park and you are coming from the north I would recommend sticking to the lakes in the north of the national park and if you are coming from the south then sticking with the lakes in the south of the national park.

Water activity restrictions

​Not all bodies of water in the Lake District allow water activities. Rules and regulations can differ from lake to lake. It is important to check the rules and regulations reguarding acess to the lakes.


Minimum age requirements

Some activities do have a minimum age for participation. Double check beforehand if you have any younger ones with you or if your are worried about your weight that everybody wanting to participate is eligible to participate to avoid disappointment on the day.


Additionally, equipment providers and tour companies have a minimum age of a guardian that has to be taking part. Companies need to know there is a responsible adult out on the water with you to make sure you you have a contact incase of emergency.

Qualification requirements/skill level

Some activities such as sailing need qualifications to make your eligible to hire a sailing boat. Other activities are open to everybody but it is sensible to do a personal assessment on your own skills and swimming strength before committing to an activities.


After all, it is better to be safe than sorry. Water is a natural force that nobody else can control so it is important you act responsibly.

Weather conditions

The Lake District is a mountains region in the north of England susceptible too rainy conditions. Even during the summer months of May-September the water temperatures are still cold and some activities will require a wetsuit. It is a good idea to think about hats, gloves, snoods during winter months is you are going out on the water. Also consider your footwear. Water shoes are idea but if you don't own any water shoes then any comfy pair o trainers that you don't mind getting wet would be suitable.

Clothing

Your clothing links to the weather conditions and your activity. With the average low temperatures in the Lake District most water activities would require a wetsuit to protect you from cold water shock.


It is important to be wearing a lifejacket when taking part it any water activity to prevent drowing. For some forms of cold water immersion you may not be wearing a wetsuit and won't be wearing a lifejacket so it is important you are aware of the water temperature and the risks you are undertaking.






I hope you found this guide to water activities in the lake District useful, keep Creating Resfeber!


Why not check out my other Lake District blogs?

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