Derwent Water - A circular walk around the lake.

Monday 28th September 2026

Walking Diary (All Walks) Lakeland Easy Walks North Western

A 10 mile walk around Derwent Water starting from just outside of Keswick.

This is a beautiful lake in the Lake District, and a lovely way to experience it is a walk around its entire shoreline on a warm and sunny day.

My walk looped all the way around the lake, following a mix of lakeside paths, woodland trails, reasonably quiet lanes, footbridges and raised boardwalks across the marshlands (at the southern end of the water). Along the way, there was viewpoints such as Friar’s Crag and many other interesting and picturesque viewpoints.

A classic walk that everyone should enjoy.

The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Distance: 10 miles
Duration: 4:00 hours
Ascent: 778 ft
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Accompanied By: On my Own
Weather: Warm & Sunny

3D outline of route

Parking

In my opinion, the best place to start this circular walk is from the 'dead end' road on the Keswick side of the Portinscale Suspension Bridge. Parking is free, but can fill up quite quickly at busy times. But obviously, this walk can be started and finished at many points along the route.

Skiddaw massif on my left as I leave the roadside.

The well laid out path heads directly towards the lakeland town of Keswick.

You don't really have to go through the town centre, but I chose to do so and enjoyed the busy busy of all the tourists and locals enjoying the delights of Keswick.

I remember playing crazy golf here nearly 60 years ago with my parents - nothing much has really changed, a tad more expensive possibly.

Passing the theatre building on the way down to the lake.

Certainly busy on the lakeside with many folk waiting to board the next ferry launch.

Derwent Isle, through a gap in the trees.

Ruskin Memorial

Stunning views from Friars Crag

Beautiful Cat Bells on the western side of Derwent Water.

The 100 year stone which marks 100 years of the National Trust's care of Derwent Water (and other places of course).

The path is generally excellent - and easily walked

Then the path narrows as you get further south along the lake.

You can stick to the water side as you near Barrow Bay and Ashness - but I found it easier to walk along the roadside for a while which is always just to your left.

After the brief bit of roadside walking - a lovely boardwalk awaits which takes you round to the Ashness landing.

Views of Maiden Moor and High Spy in the distance

A brief view of the entrance to the Mary Mount Hotel - Stayed there with Christine on many an occasion - nice place.

The very classy (and expensive) Lodore Falls.

Rounding the top of the lake and crossing the River Derwent by means of the Chinese Bridge.

Nice and dry today over the wetlands.

Swinging around the top of the lake passing Great Bay and then Abbots Bay.

Looking over towards the Central Fells of Bleaberry Fell & High Seat.

Victoria Bay.

A little bit of woodland to protect against the sun

Hawes End.

It was at this point I was tempted to nip up and down Cat Bells - but with my sensible head on, and with the plan to protect my poorly foot, I wisely decided against it.

Portinscale - As my round the lake trip neared its end.

Portinscale Suspension Bridge.