NORTH WEST
08 Derwent Water, Cumbria
Distance: 8.9 miles/14.3km | Time: 5-6 hours | Grade: Moderate | Total ascent: 122m
Looking for a low-level walk in the Lake District with views to rival the high fells? This loop around Derwent Water may just be the answer.
The route is moderate in length, with waymarkers, so you don’t get lost. There are places to get refreshments, as well as ferry pick-up points and bus stops, so you can get back to Keswick if you have done enough walking. The views are wonderful, and there are sculptures and a Chinese Bridge to seek out. And if that’s not enough, you may even spot red squirrels in the trees that hug the shore .
1 START
Start at Keswick Launch, just beyond the theatre. This is where the ferry stops, and people can hire rowing boats from the jetty. Follow the waymarked route with Derwent Water on your right, taking in the Ruskin Memorial and the Centenary Sculpture on the shore. This beautifully carved stone marks 100 years of the National Trust.
2 1.6 MILES
The path runs parallel to the road for quite a distance. As you reach Lodore, the route veers away from the water’s edge and you pass the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa on your left.
You can take a diversion from here to find Lodore Falls if you like; to reach them, walk through the hotel gardens, cross the footbridge to enter woodland, then ascend to the waterfalls. Those who have built up a thirst can enjoy refreshments at the hotel.
3 3.3 MILES
To pick up the route beyond the Lodore Falls Hotel, continue along the quiet road past a white house on the right. The road crosses a stream. Keep walking on the footpath until you see a large farm gate beside a waymarked sign on your right. This points to a gravelled path for pedestrians, which takes you over the Chinese Bridge and back to the shore of Derwent Water.
4 3.8 MILES
Continue to follow the path along the edge of Derwent Water. Part of the route is on wooden walkways. At times, the path veers away from the lake into wooded areas, particularly so after you leave Brandelhow Park.
5 6.5 MILES
Continue to follow the waymarked route through woodland until you reach Lingholm Estate, where you can take a diversion to see the walled garden and enjoy refreshments, if you have time and energy.
6 6.8 MILES
The final part of the route leads from Lingholm to Nichol End Marina on the shore of Derwent Water, before returning to Keswick, along quiet roads. Unfortunately, the waterside is not accessible on the last part of the route until you get back to Keswick Launch.
USEFUL INFO
Starting point
Start at Keswick Launch. Keswick Rugby Club offers all-day parking for £4. There are buses to Keswick from Penrith, Carlisle, Windermere and other destinations.
Terrain
Mixed terrain, with narrow uneven paths in places and some areas that get boggy. The route is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Map
OS Explorer OL4
Eat/drink
The Kitchen Café at Lingholm Estate and the Lodore Falls Hotel both offer refreshments.
