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Trip Planner:   Europe  /  UK  /  England  /  Cumbria  /  Lake District  /  Keswick  /  Derwentwater

Derwentwater, Portinscale

4.9
Water Body · Nature / Park
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One glance at Derwentwater is all you'll need to realize why this "Queen of Lakes" inspires so many romantic poets and artists. Towering crags and the majestic woods of the Lake District National Park surround this 6.4 km (4 mi) long, 1.6 km (1 mi) wide lake. Abundant wildlife, diverse flora, and truly spectacular views of all four islands await you as you hike along the 16 km (10 mile) footpath. The lake's two marinas offer guided cruises to explore the islands, but if you prefer to venture out on your own, you can rent a motorboat, canoe, kayak, or rowboat. The two larger islands are St. Herbert's, which offers comfortable places to picnic, and Derwent Isle, which has a 16th-century house that you can explore. Mountaineering and watersports, such as sailing and windsurfing, are available for the adventurous traveler. Fishing is also favorite pastime; you can purchase a fishing permit and rod license from the Keswick Information Centre. Make Derwentwater a centerpiece of your Portinscale vacation itinerary, and find what else is worth visiting using our Portinscale online tour itinerary planner.
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Derwentwater reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
2,950 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • Fancy a walk? Fancy somewhere that's got great views and fantastic ground to walk on? Go here. Don't think, just go. 
    Fancy a walk? Fancy somewhere that's got great views and fantastic ground to walk on? Go here. Don't think, just go.  more »
  • Our reception was disorganised with hostess babysitting. At breakfast we felt a bit unwelcome. although food was fine when we got it despite no menu. Room ok 
    Our reception was disorganised with hostess babysitting. At breakfast we felt a bit unwelcome. although food was fine when we got it despite no menu. Room ok  more »
  • Even though launches were not on and pathways full of frost and ice, it was plain to see the attraction for a re-visit in the summer. 
    Even though launches were not on and pathways full of frost and ice, it was plain to see the attraction for a re-visit in the summer.  more »
Google
  • The day that we visited Lake Derwentwater was really sunny. The lake was really beautiful. There is a large grass area perfect for picnics. This is a place that you must take photos of.
  • Definitely worth a walk, it's even possible to catch a boat and walk different areas of the lake. The views are spectacular and change all year round. There is a good path from Keswick to Friars Crag that is suitable for wheel chair access.
  • A really beautiful place to walk. It's about 10 miles and takes about 4 to 6 hours to walk around, depending upon how many stops you make for refreshments. I high recommend St Mary's Mount for refreshments and tye Derwentwater Hotel.
  • One of the most accessible lakes in the whole of the Lake District. At Derwentwater you can follow a very easy family friendly walking route around the perimeter without any significant hindrance. For a shorter day, you might decide to get the boat across the water to Keswick. If you want more challenge, there are plenty of climbs in the vicinity which will give you a good workout as well as offering an exceptional view of the water. For the best view, including sight of the nearby Bassenthwaite Lake, consider climbing Catbells on the southwest side of Derwent.
  • Derwentwater is a truly magical an amazing place!! An can be certainly breath-taking over the summer month. Takes roughly 4 - 5hrs get all way round an is about 10miles long too walk.

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