Derwent Water loop from Keswick — Lake District National Park
Derwent Water loop from Keswick — Lake District National Park
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Derwent Water loop from Keswick — Lake District National Park
04:45
17.3km
260m
Hiking
Embark on a moderate hike around Derwent Water from Keswick, a journey that covers 10.7 miles (17.3 km) with an elevation gain of 856 feet (261 metres). This loop typically takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete. You will find varied terrain, including well-maintained gravel paths, boardwalks through marshy areas, and sections winding through ancient woodlands. As you walk, you will enjoy expansive views of Derwent Water, its islands, and the surrounding fells, with the dramatic backdrop of Cat Bells often in sight.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the route is easily accessible from Keswick. The path is largely waymarked, making navigation simple. If you wish to shorten your walk, you can combine sections of the trail with a trip on the Keswick Launch boat service, which has multiple landing stages around the lake. Buses also serve various points, offering additional flexibility for your day out. The trail's newly constructed bridges and raised paths mean it is often viable even in wetter conditions.
This trail is notable for offering some of the Lake District's most iconic views, such as those from Friar's Crag, which famously inspired writer John Ruskin. The route provides a wide range of experiences, from gentle lakeside strolls to options for more challenging fell climbs if you choose to extend your adventure. Along the way, you will encounter interesting features like the Chinese Bridge and several jetties, passing through areas rich in flora and wildlife cared for by the National Trust.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
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Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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936 m
View of Derwent Water from Friars Crag
Highlight • Viewpoint
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.
Tip by
4.84 km
Ashness Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
10.7 km
Withesike Bay
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
13.3 km
The Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
16.9 km
Crow Park
Highlight • Natural
Crow Park hosts the Keswick Mountain Festival, the UK's premier mountain festival. It is a unique event offering a fantastic mix of outdoor activities and live music in the Lake District.
Tip by
17.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.90 km
4.53 km
3.73 km
2.14 km
979 m
Surfaces
5.31 km
4.67 km
3.69 km
1.75 km
1.52 km
324 m
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Elevation
Highest point (240 m)
Lowest point (70 m)
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Wednesday 6 May
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Trail Reviews
Nice walk...pretty steady, scenic and fairly easy. We climbed a bit which go to some lovely viewing points. Well worth it.
Flat recovery loop around Derwent Water after the many meters of altitude over the past few days. A footpath leads almost completely around the lake (at the end you walk a bit along the road). The shore in the southwest, around the estuary of the River Derwent into the lake, is particularly beautiful. 🌊🌾🤩 A stop, e.g. for a black tea with milk, is possible on the way in the café of the Mary Mount Hotel. 🫖😋 If you don't want to walk the whole loop, you can also take any section of the route with the taxi boat, which stops at seven jetties around the lake and starts both clockwise and counterclockwise every half hour. 🚤🌊 Before the tour, we strolled through the Keswick market (wool sweaters, woolen blankets, antiquarian books, culinary delights..., Thu.+Sat.) and bought the local standard brands (= mainly Rab and Berghaus + great hiking shoe selection...) checked. 👕🎒🥾🤩 After the round there was a little shopping in the supermarket (there was no sign of the Brexit-related fruit and vegetable crisis here!) and of course a stop at the Inn, where Rod Stewart, Pink Floyd, Bowie, Stones, Supertramp, Queen&Co. a mix of wonderful British old-school music "to guess" played. 🍻😂👍
A 15km walk around Derwent Water today. I started in Keswick and walked anti-clockwise, in the shadow of Catbells, past 'Teddy In The Window' over the boardwalk and along the beach past the 'Hundred Year Stone', through Hope Park to see the Max The Miracle Dog statue. A classic Lakeland loop 👌🏻
Nice loop round Derwent Water, stopping off just before half way for a drink in the hotel. Would go the other way round next time and stop for lunch at one of the places near Lodore.
Really good paths few sketchy sections on the east side of the lake, or you could choose to use the road. It’s probably more like 10/11 miles all the way around, guess who forgot to start their watch! 🤣
Long but enjoyable and varied walk round Derwentwater.
Starting in Keswick we completed This hike in a clockwise direction. Heading through Keswick down to the lake the walk starts by heading up to Friars Crag with its stunning viewpoint across the lake. Continuing along the boardwalk eventually arrive right on the lake shore. The path continues to hug the shore right up until you pass the Lodore Falls hotel From here you turn right through a gate crossing the river and the boggy ground on another boardwalk From here the path turns right and heads through Manesty woods. At Abbots Bay the path rejoins the lakeside and the views are stunning. Once you reach the jetty at Hawes End pass the Outdoor Centre and go through the gate. This is the path where the route up Catbells starts. Turn immediate right through a gate with a yellow way marker. Follow this path until you reach the Lingholm Kitchen garden & cafe - nice stop off for a drink & cake!. From here retrace your steps to the path towards Nichol End Marina. Short walk on the road through Portinscale & then along the Cumbria Way back to Keswick.