Name: Borrowdale and Derwent Water
Rating: 5.0

Borrowdale and Derwent Water

Cumbria Way, Keswick, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Borrowdale and Derwent Water is often called the 'Queen of the Lakes', and as you canoe along the shore with your camera at the ready it's easy to see why. As Borrowdale winds the 7 miles from Keswick to Seathwaite, there are eight National Trust car parks from which you can start your adventure into the fells.

At the south end of Derwent Water, the boardwalk across the wetlands makes the 9-mile circular waymarked walk around the lake a very pleasant leg stretch, with the chance to see otters and wetland birds if you're lucky. With trails through the Atlantic Oakwoods or up into the jaws of Borrowdale, the valley has something for everyone.

And don't miss Force Crag Mine - a hidden gem at the foot of a waterfall in Coledale near Braithwaite. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Bowder Stone: A house-sized boulder balanced inexplicably on its side. Climb the ladder to the top of this Georgian tourist attraction.
Great Wood: Protected and internationally significant ancient Atlantic oak woodland. Spot lichens, fungi and red squirrels from waymarked walks.
Brandlehow Park: The birthplace of the National Trust in the Lake District and home of the cupped hands sculpture Entrust, by the lakeshore.
Friars Crag: Lakeshore viewpoint looking across to the jaws of Borrowdale, a short walk from Keswick boat landings and the 100 years stone.
Ashness Bridge: Most photographed view in the Lake District – traditional packhorse bridge a short stroll from Surprise View, overlooking Derwent Water.
Crow park: Right on the shores of Derwent Water and a short walk from Keswick town centre, Crow park is the ideal spot for a relaxing picnic with lakeside views.
Force Crag Mine: The last mineral mine to be worked in the Lake District. Visit the processing mill on bookable open days.
Lakeside Takeaway: Drinks, snacks and ice creams available on Derwent Water lakeshore by the boat landings. Just a five-minute walk from Keswick.
Things to see at Derwent Water and Keswick: Derwent Water has been called 'Queen of the Lakes' because of the way it's cradled by the surrounding fells. Visit the viewpoints and historic sculptures on a lakeside stroll or set off from Keswick to explore the surrounding woodlands and fells.
Wildlife in Borrowdale and Derwent Water: The ancient ‘Atlantic oakwoods’ in Borrowdale and Derwent Water are both protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Find out which rare plants and animals you can expect to see during your visit, including the best places to spot native red squirrels.
Things to see and do in Borrowdale: Discover the top things to see and do during your visit to Borrowdale, including scenic walks, ancient woodlands, far-reaching views and famous Lake District landmarks such as the Bowder Stone. There’s also a ‘scenic drive for the brave’ up the steep, narrow road that leads from the lakeshore past Ashness Bridge and Surprise View to the hanging valley of Watendlath.
Derwent Water and Cockshot wood accessible loop: A stile-free circular route along the Derwent Water foreshore and back via Cockshot Wood with views over the lake to Cat Bells and Causey Pike. Optional extension to the famous view point at Friar’s Crag. Choice of two routes at Strandshag bay, one with a smooth compact surface and one closer to the lake with some boulders, tree roots and muddy patches.
Accessible walk to Broomhill Point viewpoint: A stile-free out-and back route along the Derwent Water foreshore to the viewpoint at Broomhill Point, with views over the water to Cat Bells and Causey Pike. Choice of two routes at Strandshag bay, one with a smooth compact surface and one closer to the lake with some boulders, tree roots and muddy patches.
Activities on Derwent Water: Take to the water with Derwent Water’s for a spot of canoeing, paddleboarding or paddling. Find out more about visiting St Herbert’s, Rampsholme and Derwent Island.

Facilities

Parking: At Great Wood (CA12 5UP); Kettlewell (CA12 5UN); Bowderstone (CA12 5XA); Honister (CA12 5XN); Seatoller (CA12 5XN); Ashness Bridge (CA12 5UN); Surprise View (CA12 5UU). Watendlath (CA12 5UW) or grid ref. NY275163; Rosthwaite (CA12 5XB).
Food & Drinks: Come and get a great cup of organic coffee and a cake at locally owned Moon and Sixpence. Ideally located near Crow park as you start your walk along Derwent water.
Dogs allowed: Dogs are welcome to our outdoor properties but please keep them under close control to protect stock and wildlife. Take a look at our Canine Code and enjoy a great day out with your pup!

What to see

History in the Borrowdale valley: The Bowder Stone, the Borrowdale Yews and Castlerigg stone circle have stood largely unchanging, watching the landscape of the Borrowdale valley change around them. Discover the history of these ancient residents of the Lake District.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/borrowdale-and-derwent-water/history-in-the-borrowdale-valley

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Countryside: Open all day.

Address: Cumbria Way, Keswick, UK

Post Code: Cumbria

Council: Westmorland and Furn

County: Cumbria

By road: B5289 south from Keswick. This is the Borrowdale Road and winds the full length of the valley, climbing the famous Honister Pass to the Buttermere Valley. Minor roads also lead along the west side of the lake, and up the Newlands Pass to Buttermere.
On foot: We've created a network of easy and moderate waymarked trails starting from the Keswick Lakeside shop and from Great Wood car park, ranging from ½ mile to 1¾ miles.
By train: Penrith station is 18 miles to the east, served by regular trains between Glasgow and London. A regular bus service links Penrith to Keswick.
Cycling: The Sea to Sea (C2C) long-distance cycleway passes through Keswick.
Parking: At Great Wood (CA12 5UP); Kettlewell (CA12 5UN); Bowderstone (CA12 5XA); Honister (CA12 5XN); Seatoller (CA12 5XN); Ashness Bridge (CA12 5UN); Surprise View (CA12 5UU). Watendlath (CA12 5UW) or grid ref. NY275163; Rosthwaite (CA12 5XB).