Just a short stroll from the vibrant market town of Keswick, Derwent Water embodies the classic Lake District landscape. With its numerous islands, secluded bays, and dramatic backdrop of mountains like Catbells and Skiddaw, it's a paradise for walkers, boaters, and photographers. Its accessibility and variety of attractions make it one of the most popular lakes for visitors.
Boating and the Islands
Explore from the Water
One of the best ways to experience the lake's beauty is from the water itself. A boat trip offers stunning perspectives of the surrounding fells and allows easy access to different parts of the shore.
- Keswick Launch: Hop on the regular launch service that circuits the lake, stopping at eight jetties. It's perfect for combining a boat trip with a walk.
- Boat Hire: Hire your own rowing boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the Keswick foreshore for a personal adventure.
- The Islands: The lake is famous for its islands, including St Herbert's Island (a former hermitage) and the unique Derwent Island with its 18th-century house (open on select days).
Where to Stay
Holiday Cottages: With Keswick on its doorstep, Derwent Water has a huge selection of self-catering cottages, from town-centre apartments to traditional lakeside houses.
Hotels: The area is home to many elegant lakeside hotels offering stunning views and a touch of luxury, as well as plenty of options within Keswick itself.
Guesthouses: For a warm Cumbrian welcome, Keswick and the surrounding villages have hundreds of friendly guesthouses and B&Bs to suit all budgets.
Getting There
By Car: From the M6 (Junction 40), follow the A66 directly to Keswick. The B5289 road loops around the eastern and southern shores of the lake. There are numerous pay-and-display car parks in Keswick and at key points around the lake, such as Great Wood and Ashness Bridge.
By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Penrith. From there, the X4/X5 bus service runs frequently to Keswick. The 77/77A 'Honister Rambler' bus service also circles the lake in the summer season.
Walks around Derwent Water
Cat Bells
Arguably one of the most popular walks in the Lake District, Cat Bells is a perfect 'first mountain' for families. The route involves a small amount of easy scrambling and rewards you with absolutely breathtaking panoramic views over Derwent Water, Keswick, and the surrounding fells.
Climb Cat BellsWalla Crag
This excellent walk starts from Keswick and climbs through Great Wood to the superb viewpoint of Walla Crag. The route offers stunning views of the lake and its islands for the entire ascent and descent, making it a local favourite.
Explore Walla CragCastle Crag
Set in the beautiful Borrowdale valley at the southern end of Derwent Water, Castle Crag is a short, sharp climb that delivers magnificent views. It's a fantastic little adventure, and the summit is the only one in Wainwright's guides that is below 1,000 feet.
Visit Castle Crag