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Lake · Keswick, Inglaterra
Derwentwater
The lake next to Keswick, surrounded by fells such as Catbells and Skiddaw, with wooded islands, a boat that circles the lake stopping at seven jetties, and waterside trails.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Derwentwater
Derwentwater is the lake to the south of Keswick, in the northern Lake District, about 5 km long and 1.5 km wide. It is surrounded by fells on all sides: Skiddaw to the north, Catbells to the west, and the cliffs of Walla Crag and Falcon Crag to the east. It has several wooded islands, including Derwent Island, with an 18th‑century house, and St Herbert's Island, where a hermit lived in the 7th century.
The Keswick Launch, a pleasure boat, circumnavigates the lake clockwise and anticlockwise, stopping at seven jetties, such as Lodore, near the waterfall of the same name, Hawes End at the foot of Catbells, and Ashness. This enables boat-and-walk combinations: get off at one jetty, walk along the shore and take the boat back from another. Rowboats are also available to hire at Keswick jetty.
To the south of the lake lies the Borrowdale valley, with small villages and the Bowder Stone, a block of about 2,000 tonnes balanced on the hillside, with steps to climb it. From the road to Watendlath, the stone bridge at Ashness and the Surprise View viewpoint offer views of the whole lake.
The path that circumnavigates the whole lake is about 16 km. Friar's Crag, a 10‑minute walk from Keswick jetty, is a small promontory with views of the islands and the fells, and one of the most photographed spots in the Lake District.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 50 minutes for the full boat circuit; half a day with boat and walk.
Best time
From spring to autumn the boat runs more frequently. In the late afternoon Friar's Crag gets low, golden light over the lake. In October the trees change colour.
How to get there
Keswick jetty is about a 10‑minute walk from the centre via Lake Road. Buses run along the eastern shore to Borrowdale. By car there are paid car parks near the theatre and at several points along the lakeshore.
Tip
Walk to Friar's Crag early. Combine boat and walk: get off at Hawes End jetty to climb Catbells or at Lodore for the waterfall, and return by boat.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Derwentwater
How do you go around Derwentwater?
By boat, on the Keswick Launch, in about 50 minutes with seven stops, or on foot via a trail of around 16 km.
What is Friar's Crag?
A small promontory a 10-minute walk from Keswick pier, with views over the islands and the fells.
Can you hire boats?
Yes — rowboats and motorboats at Keswick pier, in season.
What's in Borrowdale?
A valley to the south of the lake with small villages, Bowder Stone and trails.