Activities at Borrowdale and Derwent Water
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
Great Wood National Trust car park Borrowdale
CA12 5UP (Grid ref: NY271222) An ideal starting point for walking the circular route around Derwent Water.
The Bowder Stone
Most visitors to Keswick end up coming to see the Bowder Stone. Discover the intriguing story behind the boulder.
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.
King Pocky's Derwent Water Regatta
Have a go at a watersport you've never tried before at the Derwent Water regatta in Keswick.
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)
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)
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 15 mins
- 5.25 miles (8.4km)
Castle Crag from Seatoller - the scenic route
Castle Crag was dedicated as a memorial after the First World War. The route from Seatoller, after an initial climb, follows an undulating contour route giving you great views right down the valley.
- Moderate
- 3 hours
- 5.0 miles (8.0km)
Peace How from High Brandelhow Jetty
Peace How is a tiny hill near Derwent Water, gifted in 1917 so that those affected by the hardships of the First World War could come and experience peace and tranquility
- Easy
- 45 mins
- 1.9 miles (3.05km)
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)
Seatoller 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 30 mins
- 7.0 miles (11.25km)
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)