--- title: "Derwentwater | Visit Keswick, Lake District" url: https://visitkeswick.com/explore/lakes/derwentwater description: "Derwentwater, one of Keswick’s defining treasures — its islands, launches, shoreline walks and how to reach the water." --- ## Fifteen minutes from the Market Square When you walk down to the lakeside it is not difficult to see why Derwentwater is one of Keswick’s main assets. It is about fifteen minutes’ leisurely stroll from the Market Square, by way of Lake Road and the beautiful gardens of [Hope Park](https://visitkeswick.com/do/parks) . The lake is three miles long, and is fed by the River Derwent catchment area in the high fells at the head of [Borrowdale](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/valleys/borrowdale) . ## The Foreshore Derwentwater Foreshore has a rich and prestigious history. In the 16th century the site was used as a landing spot for the local mining industry and in the 18th and 19th century it became the inspiration for Romantic Poets such as William Wordsworth. In Victorian times the Foreshore became a focal point for the newly developing tourist industry which brought tourists to Keswick by railway. Sailing on the lake Sail on it Hire a rowing boat, canoe, kayak, dragon boat - with two marinas and many water sport activity providers, the choice of water craft is varied and fun. Sail to one of the islands, explore and have a picnic. Join a group and safely sail the day away. Walkers on Catbells above Derwentwater Walk around it A round trip of 9 miles; stop for coffee and cake at one of the hotels and cages you’ll pass on the way. Rest on one of the shingle beaches and simply watch the world go by. A child playing at the lake edge with a net Paddle in it Or feed the ducks or buy the kids a fishing net. The lake shore is just perfect for families. Pack a picnic and have a memorable family day out. Take the launch to your favourite bay. A path through the fells above the lake Ramble round it With the Rambler Stagecoach buses. From Keswick, travelling along the Borrowdale Road by the side of Derwentwater, visit our wonderful Borrowdale Valley and stop off at the attractions along the way. A place to stay beside the water Stay by it Keswick is situated by the lake - just a short walk from town. Quality accommodation from camping to cosy cottages, guest houses to luxury hotels. Try a valley location for a change - peace and quiet a world away from city life! Wild swimmers in orange caps and a kayaker on Derwentwater with the fells behind Do something new Try a new activity - mountain biking; ghyll scrambling; high ropes course; Via Ferrata; rock climbing - our hills are alive with adventure! Derwentwater in March, its wooded islands low on the still water ## Islands of Derwentwater There are four islands in total on Derwentwater, all owned by the National Trust, as is much of the shoreline. Compared to islands on other lakes the ones on Derwentwater are all regular in shape. There is also one floating island which appears sporadically towards the end of summer. [Explore the islands](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/lakes/islands-of-derwentwater) Wooden rowing boats drawn up at the Keswick boat landings ## Keswick launches One of the popular ways to enjoy the beauty of the lake, besides walking the lakeshore paths, is to take one of the Keswick launches. This operate on a regular timetable around the lake. Not only is it possible to take a cruise and enjoy the complete circuit of Derwentwater, lasting about 50 minutes, you can also use the lake tickets to hop on and off the launch at any of the 7 landing stages around the lake. You can enjoy a walk and a picnic and then catch another launch at the same or different jetty. A wooden bench looking out over Derwentwater with pine branches overhead ## Friars Crag A little further on from the boat landings is [Friars Crag](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/not-to-miss/friars-crag) , with its stunning views of Derwentwater and the Borrowdale valley — one of the most popular places for photographs anywhere on the lake. Ruskin described the view as one of the three or four most beautiful in Europe, and there is a memorial to him on the crag: a slab of rock with a bronze portrait medallion. It is called Friar’s Crag because it is said to be the departure point for monks sailing to St Herbert’s Island on pilgrimage, to where the saint was said to live. The fictional Old Brown, from Beatrix Potter’s Squirrel Nutkin, was also supposed to have sailed to that island — known as Owl Island in the book — and the Lingholm Woods on the opposite shore were the background for many of her [woodland and nature sketches](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/history-culture/a-literary-wonderland) . The carved spiral stone sculpture on the shingle at Calf Close Bay ## The Derwentwater Walk A scenic ten-mile waymarked walk right around the lake, on flat and easy paths through ancient woodland and along the shore, with picnic stops, cafes and restaurants along the way. Look out for the sculpture of hands at Brandelhow, commemorating a hundred years of National Trust care. And in Calf Close Bay, the Centenary Stone: carved out of a boulder of Borrowdale volcanic rock, its design ten segments across ten rings, one for each decade. The range of lake levels means it varies from total submergence to standing marooned high on the shore. A memorial plaque is set beside the path. Kayakers in bright boats paddling among moored sailing dinghies ## On the water Watersports are a very popular pastime on the lake. Derwentwater Marina offers tuition, and hires out canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowing boats, dinghies and windsurfers. Keswick Launch Co hire rowing boats and self-drive motor boats from the Keswick boat landings, and there are several launching spots around the lake. Powered craft on the lake must not exceed 10mph. A broad path running along the lake shore between old trees Wooden rowing boats pulled up on a shingle shore with sunlight on the water Low mist lying across a lake with fells faint behind it ## Inspiration for your trip A Mountain Goat tour minibus in the Lake District do ### [Mountain Goat Tours](https://visitkeswick.com/do/mountain-goat-tours-and-holidays) Mini-coach tours of the Lakes with local driver-guides. To help find your bearings [Details](https://visitkeswick.com/do/mountain-goat-tours-and-holidays) Honister Slate Mine ### [Honister Slate Mine](https://visitkeswick.com/do/honister) England’s last working slate mine, with guided tours and adventure activities. For a rainy day [Details](https://visitkeswick.com/do/honister) Brunch at Lake Road Brunch eat ### [Lake Road Brunch](https://visitkeswick.com/eat/lake-road-brunch) Dog-friendly brunch: pancakes, French toast and cocktails. Close to lakeside walk [Details](https://visitkeswick.com/eat/lake-road-brunch) The Coledale Round ### [The Coledale Round](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/coledale-round) A dramatic, high-elevation mountain day. For a strenuous walk [Details](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/coledale-round) Loading map… - Derwentwater - [Keswick](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/town) - [Friars Crag](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/not-to-miss/friars-crag) - [Catbells](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/fells) - [Great Wood](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/woodland) - [Portinscale](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/neighbouring-villages/portinscale) ## Start your trip here Plan your perfect escape with our Keswick guide. From places to stay and things to do, where to eat, explore and unwind. Derwentwater exceeded our expectations. We spent the morning walking the shoreline before hiring a boat to explore the lake, and every view felt like a postcard. It’s peaceful, breathtaking and just a short stroll from Keswick. Sarah & James Manchester ## Stories from our blog [See all blog posts](https://visitkeswick.com/blog) The Moot Hall and Keswick main street lit with Christmas lights Blog ### Keswick Victorian Fayre Keswick's Christmas fayre returns to the Market Square on Sunday 6 December 2026, with free entertainment, charity stalls and a children's funfair. 30 October 2026 derwentwater keswick ### Planning Your Stay In Keswick Keswick is a vibrant and lively town nestled in a stunning part of the Lake District and theres something for everyone here. Read on for some inspiration and ideas for where to stay and what to do whe Original publication date not recorded ### Festive Walks to do over the Christmas Period If you are staying in Keswick or the North Lakes over the Christmas period, you are probably planning on going for a walk? ## For AI agents - API catalogue: https://visitkeswick.com/.well-known/api-catalog - Guide for AI agents: https://visitkeswick.com/llms.txt - A2A agent card: https://visitkeswick.com/.well-known/agent-card.json - MCP server card: https://visitkeswick.com/.well-known/mcp/server-card.json - Live availability and booking: the site's tools above (MCP connector at https://visitkeswick.com/mcp).