Top 19 Lakes around Caldbeck
Best lakes around Caldbeck are found in the northern fells of the Lake District, with the village serving as a base for exploration. While no large lakes are directly within Caldbeck, several notable bodies of water are a short drive away. These lakes offer diverse features, from tranquil natural beauty to expansive glacial waters. The area provides opportunities for nature observation, scenic cruises, and access to various walking routes.
Best lakes around Caldbeck
- The most popular lakes is Scales Tarn, a viewpoint and lake located at the base of Sharp Edge. It serves as a stopping point for walkers deciding on their route. Many visitors choose to have lunch here, appreciating its serene setting amidst dramatic fells.
- Another must-see spot is View of Derwent Water from Friars Crag, a viewpoint offering views into the Jaws of Borrowdale. This viewpoint is a short walk from Keswick. It provides a perspective over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells.
- Visitors also love Calfclose Bay, an other natural feature and beach on Derwent Water. This bay is a part of the route around Derwent Water and features a cut stone. It is a location appreciated in summer.
- Caldbeck is known for its variety of tarns, large glacial lakes, and smaller bodies of water. The region offers diverse aquatic landscapes, from the tranquil Bassenthwaite Lake to the expansive Ullswater.
- The lakes around Caldbeck are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 200 upvotes and 125 photos shared.
Last updated: June 20, 2026
Keswick Launch on Derwent Water
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Scales Tarn
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View of Derwent Water from Friars Crag
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A nearby monument recognises writer John Ruskin's first visit to the region in 1824. He was five years old at the time and later stated that the view from here was one of the very best in Europe.
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Derwent Water
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View of Sharp Edge and Scales Tarn
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Like the crest of a wave petrified in rock, Sharp Edge is a familiar sight to the many who love to hike Blencathra. From this vantage, you can watch as the daring take on the infamous grade I scramble. Difficulty wise, it is a managable step up from Striding Edge on Helvellyn, but not as exposed or technical as Crib Goch in Snowdonia. However, the ridge is best avoided in wet conidtions, when the polished rock becomes very slippery.
Unlike Sharp Edge, this section of Blencathra's summit ridge is a straightforward, if strenuous, walk with no technical difficulties. The continuation down Doddick Fell's ridge is a lovely hike, while Hall's Fell Ridge is another fun grade I scramble.
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Popular around Caldbeck
Lake District National Park – A Walk in the Parks
Cumbria Way — An epic hike through the beating heart of Lakeland
A Walk in the Parks – hikes across all of England’s national parks
Fells and lakes for little explorers — Family walks in the Lake District
Less remote by bike: Rides in the Lake District
Hiking around Caldbeck
Gravel biking around Caldbeck
Road Cycling Routes around Caldbeck
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Tips from the Community
what a wondefull place this is, great base for walking or exploring or getting the steamer
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The upper part of Scales Fell between Doddick Fell Top and Hallsfell Top is a great place to stop and look across Scales Tarn to Sharp Edge where you can watch the progress of walkers as they move along the ridge.
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A great lunch spot before tackling Sharp Edge.
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Good for any fitness level and family walks
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Scales Tarn sits in the dip to the east of Blencathera under Sharp Edge. You can run to hear and then follow the scramble of Sharp Edge or the steep but less technical trail up to Blencathera summit. Great place for a swim if it's hot.
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Wherever you go in the lakes you will always have the pleasure of great views, weather depending! Just being out on the hills is enough.
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Derwent Water south of Keswick is about 3.1 miles (5 km) long and 0.9 miles (1.5 km) wide making it a brilliant running challenge to go all the way around the lake. It's very pretty and therefore quite popular especially at Keswick and the other easily accessible shores. As a nice and shorter option, you can use the Derwent Water ferry to start your run, cutting a corner and then running the rest of the loop. The ferry runs regularly in the summer with a reduced timetable in November and no ferries from December to March. The Keswick Mountain Festival is held near here in May with a selection of races as well as other events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes to visit near Caldbeck?
While Caldbeck itself doesn't have large lakes, several notable bodies of water are a short drive away. Popular choices include Bassenthwaite Lake, known for its tranquility and wildlife; Ullswater, offering scenic cruises; and Derwentwater, celebrated for its stunning vistas and proximity to Keswick. Smaller, yet highly appreciated, is Scales Tarn, a serene spot at the base of Sharp Edge.
Are there family-friendly activities available around the lakes near Caldbeck?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Derwentwater, for example, is close to Keswick, which provides numerous cafes, shops, and cultural attractions. The View of Derwent Water from Friars Crag is an accessible viewpoint suitable for all fitness levels. Additionally, Calfclose Bay on Derwent Water is a pleasant spot, especially in summer.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near these lakes?
Bassenthwaite Lake is particularly significant for wildlife, notably hosting migrating ospreys, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The areas around Derwentwater also offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially in wooded areas.
Are there historical or cultural sites near the lakes around Caldbeck?
Yes, Bassenthwaite Lake is steeped in legend, believed by some to be the final resting place of King Arthur's sword, Excalibur. Near Derwentwater, the town of Keswick offers cultural attractions like the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery and the Theatre by the Lake. A monument near Friars Crag recognizes writer John Ruskin's connection to the area.
What walking or hiking opportunities are available near Caldbeck's lakes?
The region is a superb walking center. Scales Tarn is a significant stopping point for walkers tackling routes around Sharp Edge. The View of Derwent Water from Friars Crag is a short, easy walk from Keswick. For more challenging hikes, you can explore routes like those found in the Mountain Hikes around Caldbeck guide, which includes trails around Blencathra.
Can I find less crowded lakes for a peaceful visit?
Bassenthwaite Lake is known for its tranquil natural beauty and is often considered a more peaceful option compared to some of the busier Lake District spots. Its focus on wildlife and serene environment makes it ideal for a quiet escape.
What are the options for food and drink near the lakes?
The town of Keswick, near Derwentwater, boasts a huge number of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. At the north end of Bassenthwaite Lake, the Bassenthwaite Lake Station Cafe offers a unique experience with replica Orient Express carriages converted into a tearoom.
What makes Bassenthwaite Lake unique among the Lake District's bodies of water?
Bassenthwaite is distinct as the only 'true lake' in the Lake District; other major bodies of water are often referred to as 'waters' or 'meres'. It's also a vital habitat for wildlife, especially migrating ospreys, and is associated with the legend of King Arthur's sword, Excalibur.
Where can I get the best views of Derwentwater?
The View of Derwent Water from Friars Crag, a short walk from Keswick, offers a glorious viewpoint over Derwentwater, looking into the Jaws of Borrowdale. This view was once described by writer John Ruskin as one of the best in Europe.
Are there any unique experiences on Ullswater?
A significant attraction on Ullswater is the Ullswater Steamer, which offers scenic cruises across the lake. Its northern terminus is located in the popular village of Pooley Bridge, providing a classic Lake District experience.
What types of cycling routes are available near the lakes?
For cyclists, there are various routes, including gravel biking trails. You can find options like 'The Skiddaw Roll from Keswick' or 'Caldew Trail – Bridleway Around Blencathra loop' in the Gravel biking around Caldbeck guide.
Are there running trails in the area around Caldbeck's lakes?
Yes, the area offers several running trails. Examples include the 'Round Knott – Miton Hill loop' or the 'Carrock Fell – Miton Hill loop'. More details can be found in the Running Trails around Caldbeck guide.
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