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A couple sit on a bench looking out towards Derwent Water and the snow capped hills on a clear winters day
Keswick's best viewpoint, Friar's Crag, on a clear day – just wait 'til nightfall | © @National Trust Images / John Millar
Lake District

Stargazing walk at Friars Crag

Pick a clear night, leave the bright lights of Keswick behind and take a short stroll to a place free from light pollution, to see the stars spread out across the sky and reflected in the lake below. Perfect for families and astronomy novices, this easy walk will introduce you to one of the most scenic stargazing spots in the Lake District, Friars Crag. Don't forget binoculars and a torch.

Total steps: 3

Total steps: 3

Start point

Lakeside car park, grid ref: NY265229

Step 1

From Lakeside car park walk down towards the Theatre by the Lake, which will be on your left as you pass it.

Step 2

Continue on the road with the launch jetties and lake on your right until the tarmac road runs out.

The Ruskin Memorial on Friars Crag, Derwentwater
The Ruskin Memorial on Friars Crag | © National Trust/Joe Cornish

Step 3

Continue straight on, on an unsurfaced track to the bench end of Friars Crag. This is your stargazing spot. Lay a blanket on the bench and take in the views of the wide open sky reflected in the lake. Return the way you came.

End point

Lakeside car park, grid ref: NY265229

Trail map

Map of summer stargazing walk at Friars Crag
Map of summer stargazing walk at Friars Crag | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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