Derwent Water Circular Walk

There can surely be no other more satisfying walk in the Lake District, that offers so much, with no height gained, is a decent length and occupies a whole day than a circuit of Derwent Water. This circuit is in an anticlockwise direction starting by the suspension bridge over the River Derwent near Portinscale. The option to include Nichol End marina is well worth the slight detour. The estate of Lingholm is traversed mainly in woodland. The views open-up again after the Hawes End Outdoor Centre. At Brandelhow Park are the carved wooden hands celebrating the centenary of the National Trust's first purchase in 2002 of these woods. Next follows Brandelhow Bay and the house on Branelhow Point. At the large house on the slopes of Cat Bells called Brackenburn used to live Sir Hugh Walpole. In 1930 Walpole began his series of historical romance novels called 'Rogue Herries' which were set in Cumberland. Following on is Manesty Park and the amazing board walk of recycled plastic to cross the wet section at the head of the lake. Note that even this can get covered in severe wet conditions. Crossing the newly renovated bridge is the half-way point. Climbers can usually be spotted on Shepherd's Crag on most days. Toilets are passed before reaching the Lodore Hotel - it says walkers are welcome !! If required the ferry can be used from here to return to Keswick. After a short road and woodland section the lake shore is regained at a National Trust car park. On our visit the lake was at a very low level and walking on the shingle was not a problem, but conditions can vary. Looking at the lines of debris on the shore shows the varying water levels. At Calfclose Bay lookout for the half submerged centenary stone. This is to celebrate 100yrs of the National Trust. There is a conveniently placed bench on the headland. The large island opposite here is St. Herbert's Island. After the pasture land the route swings inland at Stable Hills re-emerging at Strandshag Bay opposite which is Lord's Island. The viewpoint of Friar's Crag follows where there is a memorial to Ruskin. The boat landings has a newly constructed promenade with picnic tables and benches. From here it is either through the center of Keswick or you can cross Crow Park from infront of the 'Theatre By The Lake', to reach the far end of The Headlands. After crossing the road bridge over the River Greta a path alongside the Keswick showground returns to the starting point.