Activities at Borrowdale and Derwent Water
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.
Best walks near Keswick for autumn colours
Explore Borrowdale in autumn, breathe in the scents and soak up the colours, whether you choose woodland walks, riverside rambles or easy access viewpoints.
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.
Great Wood National Trust car park Borrowdale
CA12 5UP (Grid ref: NY272213) An ideal starting point for walking the circular route around Derwent Water. You can pay-by-phone at this car park.
The jaws of Borrowdale
The scenery is as dramatic as its name. This area of outstanding beauty gives twists and turns and breathtaking views.
King Pocky's Derwent Water Regatta
Have a go at a watersport you've never tried before at the Derwent Water regatta in Keswick.
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.
Watendlath National Trust car park Borrowdale
CA12 5UW (Grid ref: NY275163) A scenic drive terminates at the quiet hamlet of Watendlath, offering tranquility, tarn, tea and toilets (when cafe is open).
Ashness Bridge National Trust car park
CA12 5UN (Grid ref: NY269196) Definitely one for your sightseeing tick list, but driving across the bridge is not for the faint-hearted.
Thorneythwaite picnic and waterfall walk
Discover a hidden valley and the perfect picnic spot beside a cascading fall
- Moderate
- 1 hour 10 mins
- 2.25 miles (3.6km)
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)
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.
- Challenging
- 3 hours 15 mins
- 5.25 miles (8.4km)
Busy days at Seathwaite
We know that car parking can be a problem at Seathwaite on busy days - here's how you can help us ease the pressure.
Borger Dalr geology walk, Borrowdale
Explore the origins of Borrowdale as you walk from Bowder Stone car park to Castle Crag, an area that has been described as ‘the finest square mile in Lakeland’.
- Moderate
- 3 hours
- 4.0 miles (6.4km)
Songs on the Summits 1918-2018
A special 'leave no trace' arts project of a song cycle performed and recorded on the top of Great Gable and the other fells gifted by the Fell and Rock Climbing Club.
The Bowder Stone
Most visitors to Keswick end up coming to see the Bowder Stone. Discover the intriguing story behind the boulder.
Derwent Water Regatta - est. 1781
Cumbria's quirkiest regatta has a long pedigree of unusual happenings. The first one in 1781 included a mock battle and horse swimming races. They were started by 'King Pocky' Pocklington, who built the house on Derwent Island. Read more...
Trail running at the Derwent Water Regatta
Take a run along the lakeshore as part of Derwent Water Regatta thanks to our friends at High Terrain Events