Activities at Borrowdale and Derwent Water
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.
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: NY271222) An ideal starting point for walking the circular route around Derwent Water. You can pay-by-phone at this car park.
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.
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.
King Pocky's Derwent Water Regatta
Have a go at a watersport you've never tried before at the Derwent Water regatta in Keswick.
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.
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.
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.
The Bowder Stone
Most visitors to Keswick end up coming to see the Bowder Stone. Discover the intriguing story behind the boulder.
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.
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...
Open Water Swimming
Immerse yourself in Derwent Water Regatta with three swimming races run by our friends at Epic Events
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
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)
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.
Summer star gazing walk at Friar’s Crag
On a clear night leave the bright lights of Keswick behind for a short walk at Friar's Crag, a magical location for both stargazing and wildlife spotting.
- Easy
- 15 mins
- 0.75 miles (1.2km)