Derwentwater.   The Perfect Place

Derwentwater lies immediately south of Keswick and occupies the northern part of the Borrowdale valley. It is bestowed with many Perfect Places from which to enjoy the lake and its surroundings.

The Eastern Shore - Friar's Crag
Having made the inevitable visit to Crow Park just off Lake Road, continuing the road to the south past the Boat Houses leads to Friar's Crag. A headland jutting out into Derwentwater offering excellent views of the lake to the south and the fells to the west. Choose a still day, ideally very early in the morning before the daily ferries have started sailing, and you will be rewarded with a memorable visit.

How to get there

Parking in Keswick, Crow Park and Friar's Crag lie to the south of the town centre across The Heads and Hope Park.

The Western Shore - Brandelhow Park & Manesty Park
Following the lakeside path from Hawse End offers superb views over the lake to the fells on the eastern side of Derwentwater. It also provides a number of classic views of Skiddaw to the north. The lakeside walk can be taken through Brandelhow Park to Manesty Park at the southern end of Derwentwater before returning to Hawse End along the Allerdale Ramble path under the summits of Catbells and Skelgill Bank.

How to get there

A number of parking spaces are available at the northern end of Catbells on the road to Skelgill. Some roadside parking is also available along the road to Grange, to the east of Skelgill Bank

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Map
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OS Map Explorer Series OL4

Friar's Crag
Map ref. NY263222
54.59012°N 3.14123°W

Hawes End
Map ref. NY249212
54.58052°N 3.16243°W