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A Derwentwater Circular Walk

By Dave Chick   

on February 2, 2018    4/5 (1)

Posted as a walk in – Best Lakeside Walks in the Lake District, England, Europe, Lake District National Park, Lake District's Central Fells, Low Level and Easier Walks in the Lake District

A Derwentwater Circular Walk

Route Essentials

Route Summary

A low level circuit of Derwentwater from Keswick

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

14.76 km

Ascent

657 m

Time

4 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Portinscale

Difficulty

Moderate Walk

Hazards

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
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. 

A Derwentwater Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

A Derwentwater Circular Walk

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.

A Derwentwater Circular Walk

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

A low level circuit of Derwentwater from Keswick

Route Start Location: Portinscale

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
14.76 km 657 m 4 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: Moderate Walk

Summits and Places on this Route

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.

Parking : CA12 5RA

Parking at start.

Public Transport:

Launch from Keswick is the recommended public transport from Keswick.

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps: 

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

Guidebooks:

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Dave Chick

Dave is our Lake District local expert, often found in the depths of Cumbria he’s the author of his own part on the web, All the Gear but no Idea.

More Posts by Dave Chick

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