Most of the shoreline around Derwent is owned by the National Trust. The beautiful valley of Borrowdale can be found at the southern end of the lake. The landscape around the water has many different moods, from dramatic waves created by southerly winds spraying against Friars Crag or the calm early mornings when there is barely a ripple to be seen.
There is plenty of relaxed walking and boating offered around Derwentwater, and ample car parking for visitors makes this easily accessible. The best way to view the whole like is by motor launches which operate from Keswick boat landings, and cruise around the lake stopping at seven stops along the lakeshore. If you complete the whole trip around Derwent water it takes approximately 50 minutes, or you may choose to disembark at one of the stops along the lake to enjoy the shoreline, and perhaps walk on to and rejoin the cruise at a later stage.
Derwentwater remains a peaceful lake even though there is a lot of activity going on around the lake such as rowing boats and motor boats for hire on the lake. The lakes speed limit ensures a tranquil environment is maintained. There is plenty for families to do including: boating, fishing, walking and picnicking. A National Trust shop is located by the Lakeside Car Park, with a selection of tourist information available.
The town of Keswick has grown into the thriving centre of Lake District tourism, with a very active community. Keswick is well known as a...
centre of excellence for walkers and climbers, with Skiddaw and Cats Bells just two of the famous fells in the adjacent area. There is accommodation to suit all needs and budgets, activities for everyone and all weather conditions, annual events and a diverse range of businesses and shops. Facilities at Keswick include a cottage hospital, cinema, Lakeside Theatre, banks, Keswick Climbing Wall, specialist outdoor shops, art galleries, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants.
A variety of walks for both walkers and climbers are offered from the Northern Fells, from the leisurely heights of High Pike or the dramatic views from Skiddaw and Blencathra. You can also join guided walks, information on these can be found at Keswick Tourist Information.
The wetland areas bordering Derwentwater are important areas for breeding birds such as sandpipers and snipes, and Red Squirrels also live in the surrounding woodlands. The area is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
There are four large islands on Derwentwater and Derwent Island is the only one which has any buildings on it. The largest island is Saint Herbert's Isle which is located right in the centre of the lake. Ramsholme Island and Lords Island are the other two islands; Lords Island was named after the earl of Derwentwater as he used to live on the island, where there used to be a fine house and a drawbridge connecting it to the mainland. The house fell into disrepair once the Earl had moved away and eventually was pulled down. The stone from the house was used to build a meeting hall in Keswick market square, the hall is still there today and is known as Moot Hall now the Tourist Information centre. Ramsholme Island is known as 'Garlic Island' as wild garlic grows here, garlic can even be smelt by people going past on boat trips.
The River Derwent starts near Scafell Pike which is the highest mountain in England at over 3200 feet high. It then flows past Borrowdale village the wettest village in England - here they get over 140 inches of rain a year! compared to Keswick which experiences about 50 inches on average. From Derwentwater the River Derwent flows near to Portinscale village, Bassenthwaite Lake, onto Cockermouth, Workington and then it flows into the sea. The total distance is just less than 30 miles.
Halfway along Derwentwater is a magnificent building called Barrow House which was built in the 1790's by Joseph Pocklington. At this time people had just started visiting the Lake District and he wanted to encourage this further, but he also wanted to preserve the image that people had of the Lakes. So Joseph had a small hermitage built further up the road from the house and he tried to employ a professional hermit. The hermit would have been employed under the conditions he didn't cut his hair, nails or speak to anybody; he couldn't find any one to fill the position! Barrow House is used as a youth hostel today.
