Towns, villages and lakes
With many lakes and routes to explore, why not try somewhere new?
Around Derwentwater there are classic Lake District villages nestled into the countryside, as well as the larger town of Keswick. Beautiful lakes stem from the area, providing quieter landscapes to enjoy.
Keswick
This town is packed with outdoor equipment shops and boutiques. It’s a short walk to the Theatre by the Lake and banks of Derwentwater, just south of the town. There’s a choice of cafes, restaurants and a range of accommodation in and around the town.
Derwentwater lake map and guide
Read our simple water activities guide and map for Derwentwater, explaining the activities you can do.
Please ensure you’re aware of relevant speed limits and byelaws and to remember to check, clean and dry your equipment to help stop dangerous invasive species from spreading between different areas.
Borrowdale
The Jaws of Borrowdale is an area at the southern end of Derwentwater. It includes the villages of Grange, Rosthwaite, Stonethwaite and Seatoller.
Seatoller
Nestled in the Borrowdale valley, this small village is the last stop before the steep Honister Pass. Walkers head out from here towards the high fells of Great Gable.
Bassenthwaite
Northwest of Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake is the only official lake in the Lake District and a designated National Nature Reserve. Dodd Wood offers scenic trails and seasonal birdwatching, with stunning views stretching into Scotland from the summit. You can take paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and rowing boats onto Bassenthwaite Lake, just buy your Bassenthwaite permit online for boating or fishing.
Heading into the water? Familiarise yourself with the swim safe code, some simple guidelines to help keep you and others safe.
Thirlmere
This reservoir supplies water to Manchester. The castle-like building along the east shore is the straining well. The level of the reservoir depends on water demand, so there’s often a strip of barren shoreline. The small whitewashed Wythburn Church is centuries’ old. Tip: You can climb Helvellyn from this side and avoid the ridges. Start from Swirls car park.
Please be aware no swimming is allowed in Thirlmere.
Routes near Keswick and Derwentwater
Routes around Derwentwater take you across lakeshores and through woodland, with spectacular views. Get to the start and end of your route with public transport, with many options from boat to bus.
Find one of our accessible Miles Without Stiles routes, join a free guided walk or discover a route to walk, run or cycle.
Miles without Stiles routes, easy access routes
The Derwentwater area has accessible routes suitable for those with limited mobility, wheelchairs, trampers, pushchairs, visual impairments, young children and legs that need care. The routes have no stiles and are graded for some, many or all with descriptions on length, terrain, path type and facilities.
Derwentwater Circular Walk
This is a beautiful, 10 mile / 18km route with flat paths through woodland and along the lakeshore. There are plenty of places to stop for picnics, cafes and the Keswick launch to if you fancy a short cut!
Cycling routes - Coast to Coast
For a long distance ride, Keswick is on the Coast to Coast cycle route 71. This is a great long distance cycle challenge which will take you from the Western coast of Cumbria to the North East coast of Northumbria.
Travel to and getting around Derwentwater and Keswick
As one of the larger towns in the Lake District, Keswick has excellent public transport connections to and around the area.
With great attractions, it also means the area is a popular spot year round. Take in the incredible scenery by bus or boat, or check out our cycling, walking and Miles Without Stiles routes above to make travel an exciting part of your day.
Bus services
Travel sustainably, check Traveline for bus services to and from Keswick. Visit Stagecoach or Traveline to plan your journey.
