Octavia Hill walk at Brandelhow Park, Derwent Water
This is an easy lakeside amble along the quiet side of Derwent Water, leading you through the tranquil parkland at Brandelhow, birthplace of the National Trust in the Lake District.
See the birthplace of the National Trust in the Lake District
Brandelhow was bought with money raised through public subscription. Octavia Hill, one of the founders of the Trust, planted a tree at the official opening of Brandelhow to the public in October 1902.
Map
Start:
Hawes End Jetty, Derwent Water, grid ref: NY250213
1
Standing on Hawes End Jetty, turn left and head south along the wide track that runs parallel to the lake shore for half a mile. Hawes End Jetty: The Keswick Launch Company runs boats in both directions around the lake throughout summer. In winter, it runs a restricted timetable - it's a great way to arrive but do check their website first.
Hawes End Jetty
Arriving by boat takes the stress out of finding somewhere to park - and gives you a great view of the lake.
2
The wide track you're on will be joined from the right by another track. Continue through the park with trees on your left, through a narrow band of trees and on towards the lakeshore where you'll see Low Brandlehow jetty.
Brandelhow Park
Brandelhow was bought with money raised through public subscription. It's the birthplace of the National Trust in the Lake District, and Octavia Hill was a passionate campaigner for its protection.
3
At Low Brandlehow jetty, keep heading south (to your right) and follow the lakeshore path. The path will take you past the hands sculpture, and gets a little rougher and muddier as it follows the lakeshore to High Brandlehow jetty where there's a picnic table and a nice place to pause and rest your legs.
Hands sculpture
This sculpture was commissioned in 2002 to celebrate the first 100 years of the National Trust in the Lake District.
4
Continue along the lake shore until you reach the next jetty at High Brandelhow, then make a sharp 'U-turn' onto the upper track in the wood, passing under the line of large Douglas fir trees. Follow this upper path all the way back to the Hawes End Adventure Centre.
Fungi in the woods
Brandelhow is a really exciting place in the autumn to discover fungi, the woodland supports many species. The mixture of woodland and parkland creates the right environment for this biodiversity.
5
As you walk back through the woods, ignore side-paths to the left and right and stay on the main path. You'll get glimpses of the lake, and you'll pass by the traditional stone barn.
Commemoration stone
Out of sight to your left, close to the road below Cat Bells, commemorative trees were planted by Princess Louise, and National Trust founders Octavia Hill and Canon Rawnsley in 1902.
6
You'll pass beside Hawes End Adventure Centre, coming onto a road, then look for a track to your right which is signposted 'Hawes End Jetty'. This will take you back to the Jetty and complete the circular walk.
Brandelhow wildlife
As Brandelhow is on the 'quiet' side of Derwent Water, away from roads, it's rich in wildlife. You may have the chance to see kingfishers, woodpeckers, nuthatches, roe deer, red squirrels and, if you're very lucky, perhaps even an otter.
End:
Hawes End Jetty, Derwent Water, grid ref: NY250213
