Activities at Borrowdale and Derwent Water
Walk, love, Fix the Fells
Love walking in the Lake District? Ever wondered who cares for the upland paths and precious habitats beneath your feet?
New Zealand Pigmyweed – the scourge of Derwent Water
Derwent Water's wildlife is threatened by a tiny green menace.
Islands of Derwent Water
Four permanent islands lie in the waters of Derwent Water. Find out more about them and about the mysterious extra one which pops up once a year at the end of summer!
Derwent Water in Borrowdale
Explore Derwent Water in Borrowdale on foot or grab a paddle and glide on the 'Queen of the Lakes' to island idylls. Look out for wildlife in and out of the water.
Octavia Hill walk at Brandelhow Park, Derwent Water
An easy lakeside amble along Derwent Water in the Lake District, following in the footsteps of National Trust co-founder Octavia Hill.
- Easy
- 1 hour 30 mins
- 3.6 miles (5.75km)
Walla Crag to Ashness Bridge walk
Enjoy magnificent views in every season on this walk over Derwent Water, the ‘Jewel of the Lake District’.
- Moderate
- 2 hours
- 4.5 miles (7.2km)
Summer star gazing walk at Friar’s Crag
On a clear night see some 4,000 stars sparkling in our universe on a short walk at Friar's Crag, a magical location for both stargazing and wildlife spotting.
- Easy
- 15 mins
- 0.75 miles (1.2km)
Seathwaite to Sty Head and Grains Gill walk
This invigorating walk takes you into the heart of the Lake District hills on an ancient pack horse route with stunning mountain views.
- Challenging
- 4 hours
- 5.5 miles (8.85km)
Rosthwaite Round, fells, tarn and beck walk
Along this favourite walk that takes you to a Borrowdale gem - the hamlet of Watendlath, you'll discover oak woodland, two tarns (mountain ponds) and stunning Lakeland views.
- Moderate
- 3 hours
- 5.0 miles (8.0km)
Downstream to Derwent walk
Follow Hause Gill from its source high on Honister Pass, as it joins the River Derwent and continues on to the village of Grange in Borrowdale.
- Moderate
- 1 hour 30 mins
- 4.7 miles (7.55km)
Borger Dalr geology walk, Borrowdale
Explore the origins of Borrowdale as you walk from Grange to Castle Crag, an area that has been described as ’the finest square mile in Lakeland’.
- Moderate
- 3 hours
- 4.0 miles (6.4km)
The colours and scents of autumn in Borrowdale
Explore Borrowdale in autumn, breathe in the scents and soak up the colours, whether you choose woodland walks, riverside rambles or easy access viewpoints.
Julia Bradbury's 'Best Walks with a View' in Borrowdale
Former Countryfile presenter and keen walker Julia Bradbury filmed in Borrowdale for her ITV series ‘Best Walks with a View’. Discover her favourite scenic landscapes from the Allerdale Ramble walk, and if you’ve been inspired to lace your boots you can read the route to follow in Julia’s footsteps.
Friar's Crag and the Derwent Water Foreshore
Enjoy easy level walks with views of Cat Bells and the Jaws of Borrowdale with the high central fells beyond.
Walking and cycling in Borrowdale
With easy low-level routes and a good bus and ferry service from Keswick, plus hotels and cafés dotted along the valley, Borrowdale is a great place for walking and cycling in the Lake District.
The Bowder Stone
Most visitors to Keswick end up coming to see the Bowder Stone. Discover the intriguing story behind the boulder.
The jaws of Borrowdale
The scenery is as dramatic as its name. This area of outstanding beauty gives twists and turns and breathtaking views.
Cat Bells: the lair of the Wildcat
It may be small but Cat Bells is perfectly formed for the casual walker. We advise you arrive by boat rather than car as the narrow local roads can get clogged.