Route Summary:
A low level circuit of Derwentwater from Keswick
| Distance | Ascent | Time |
| 14.7 km | 657 m | 4 hours |
Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.
Start and Finish: Portinscale
Facilities:
Pubs and cafes around Derwentwater, all facilities in Keswick. Lodore Hotel, around half way.
Hazards:
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.
Public Transport:
Launch from Keswick is the recommended public transport from Keswick.
Traveline for UK Public TransportParking and Post Code for Sat Nav (where applicable): CA12 5RA
Parking at start.
Weather Forecast:
Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Recommended Maps:
ORDNANCE SURVEY Explorer OL4 The English Lakes – North Western area With Digital Version, Lake District BMC (British Mountain Map)
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Guidebooks:
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Summits and Places on this Route
- Swinside - 1.8km
- Castlehead - 1.9km
- Braithwaite How - 2.5km
- Latrigg - 2.6km
- Walla Crag - 3.4km
Places Nearby
- Place Fell Wild Camp - 16.2km
- Lake District National Park - 16.6km
- Great Britain - 61.6km
- Kielder Water and Forest Park Dark Sky Preserve - 76.8km
- Galloway Forest Park Dark Sky Preserve - 97.1km
Routes Nearby
- Walk to Castlehead Viewpoint from Keswick - 1.2km
- Castlerigg Stone Circle Walking Route from Keswick - 1.3km
- Walk up Skiddaw via Sale How and the Jenkin Hill Path - 1.4km
- Walk The Coledale Round - 2.4km
- Walk up Catbells from Hawes End and Derwentwater - 2.8km
- Walk up Latrigg from Keswick - 3.0km
- Walla Crag from Castlerigg or Keswick - 3.1km
- High Spy, Maiden Moor and Cat Bells from Derwentwater - 4.1km
Accommodation Nearby:
- Your Lake District Tourism Business Here for free? - 1.4km
- The Lakeland Cottage Company - 18.5km
- Country Hideaways - 84.7km
- Tyn Llain B&B - 161.3km
- Willington Hall Hotel - 161.3km
Campsites Nearby:
- Your Lake District Tourism Business Here for free? - 1.4km
- West Highland Way Bothy and Bunkhouse - 170.5km
- Ardoch House Hotel (5-Star) and West Highland Way Campsite - 171.0km
- Gwern Gôf Uchaf Campsite - 173.1km
- Gwern Gôf Isaf Campsite - 173.1km
Pubs and Cafes Nearby:
- Your Lake District Tourism Business Here for free? - 1.4km
- Your Peak District Tourism Business Here? - 163.1km
- Cynllwyd Cafe – Llyn Crafnant - 171.2km
- The Royal Oak Hotel - 173.6km
- Pen y Gwryd Hotel - 178.2km
Other Businesses Nearby:
- Keswick Boot Co - 1.3km
- Your Lake District Tourism Business Here for free? - 1.4km
- Your Peak District Tourism Business Here? - 163.1km
- Cynllwyd Cafe – Llyn Crafnant - 171.2km
- The Royal Oak Hotel - 173.6km
Dave Chick, from All the Gear, No Idea, shares his low level walking route around the Lake District’s Derwentwater.
The walk around Derwentwater, also Derwent Water, is one of the best low level walks in the Lake District and one of the nation’s favourite walks. That’s no surprise, as the walk can be started from Keswick which is one of the most visited town in the area. There are also views to be enjoyed at every turn, from Derwentwater and it’s islands, the to the classic view of Catbells. You can set off from Keswick, or from any point around Derwentwater, perhaps by using the Keswick Launch which has numerous pickup and drop off points on the lake. More information is available on their website – Keswick Launch Hawes End.
This walking route starts at Stormwater Bridge between Keswick and Portinscale, which has parking available, before setting off on the Cumbria Way into Keswick and then takes a clockwise route around Derwentwater. A few sections on this half of the walk are on the road, but don’t let that put you off. At around the half-way point you’ll find the Lodore Hotel, which is far too convenient to ignore, and it would be rude to just walk past! Evidence of the author’s refreshment at this establishment is clearly shown on the Derwentwater route map below!
The final return leg of the walk avoids the roads, and takes you through the pleasant wooded Manesty and Brandelhow Parks along Derwentwater’s scenic lakeside. This final section of the walking route is also part of the Cumbria Way, also the Allerdale Ramble later on, and can be followed easily to the starting point.
Click here to view the full description. Images and GPX files used with permission of the route author.
