A Derwentwater Circular Walk

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Route Summary:

A low level circuit of Derwentwater from Keswick

Distance	Ascent	Time
14.75 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 Transport
Parking and Post Code for Sat Nav (where applicable): CA12 5RA

Parking at start.

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Mountain Weather

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A Derwentwater Circular Walk Route Map and GPX Download

Download the GPX File

Recommended Maps:

ORDNANCE SURVEY Explorer OL4 The English Lakes – North Western area With Digital Version, Lake District BMC (British Mountain Map)

Guidebooks:

Summits and Places on this Route

No summits were found but here are a few nearby

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

A Derwentwater Circular Walk Details

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.