Derwent Water Best Views

17 Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake

At a height of 931m Skiddaw is England’s fourth highest mountain. Bassenthwaite Lake is the fourth largest of the lakes.

Get the view

Start About ½ mile south-east of Wythop, parking near Brumston Bridge
Grid Reference NY 18487 29334
What3words Reference apple.outfit.hamsters

Go through gate heading east on track to Kelsick.  After ¼ mile take the path on the left slanting north-west up the open hillside.  After about ¼ mile, turn right onto a path heading east to the summit of Sale Fell, ½ mile.  From the summit, continue east for ½ mile, crossing a depression to the top of Lothwaite for viewpoint.

Best View Grid Reference NY 20283 29661
Best View What3words Reference vibrate.whirlpool.ironic

18 Derwent Water and Skiddaw

Just a few miles south of Keswick lies the Borrowdale valley. The short walk up to King’s How from Rosthwaite affords breathtaking views of Derwent Water, Skiddaw and the valley itself, home to the Borrowdale Rainforest National Nature Reserve, The Bowder Stone, and Watendlath. 

Get the view

Start Rosthwaite in Borrowdale
Grid Reference NY 25845 14913
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At the north end of village take path to Watendlath; cross bridge and follow path to left.  After walking about ½ mile up-hill, turn left and follow a path with wall on the right.  After about 200 yards cross stile on right; path leads up-hill heading N for about ½ mile.  At top of hill continue N heading down-hill for about ½ mile.  Cross a wall, turning left for 100 yards, then turn right for about 200 yards to arrive at the top of King’s How with view of Derwent Water.

Best View Grid Reference NY 25814 16663
Best View What3words Reference patching.polishing.tadpoles

19 Derwent Water and Catbells

Of the many hills overlooking Derwent Water, it is Cat Bells which has the most striking outline, particularly when seen from Crow Park. Although less than half the height of Lakeland’s highest mountains, the ascent of Cat Bells from Hawse End should not be underestimated, as the path is steeper and narrower than it first appears.

Get the view

Start Keswick town centre
Grid Reference NY 26646 23420
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The boat landings is easily reached on foot from the centre of Keswick. Just follow Lake Road to reach the path to Hope Park and Theatre By The Lake and on to the boat landings.

Best View Grid Reference NY 26415 22754
Best View What3words Reference royally.police.rationing

20 Castlerigg Stone Circle

Less than 2 miles east of Keswick is Lakeland’s most famous ancient monument. This wide circle of 38 stones dates back to about 3000BC, making it one of the earliest stone circles in the country. 

Get the view

Start Roadside parking
Grid Reference NY 29168 23743
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Stone circle is in the field opposite, with excellent views in all directions.

Best View Grid Reference NY 29143 23648
Best View What3words Reference swung.inventors.topping

21 Ashness Bridge & Skiddaw

Perhaps the most famous view in the Lake District, where the old stone bridge forms a perfect foreground for a view of Skiddaw and a glimpse of Derwent Water. 

Get the view

Start Ashness Bridge car park
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The bridge is a stone’s throw from the car park, in fact you will have driven or walked over the bridge to reach it! Surprise View further along the road is well worth a walk for another excellent view of Derwent Water.

Best View Grid Reference NY 27032 19667
Best View What3words Reference younger.sunblock.sends

22 Derwent Water from Friars Crag

Perhaps the best place to take in the panoramic views around Keswick is from the lake. This popular viewpoint affords an excellent view of Derwent Water and Borrowdale, described by John Ruskin as one of the three finest views in Europe.

Get the view

Start Keswick boat landings
Grid Reference NY 26415 22754
What3words Reference royally.police.rationing

From the boat landings, continue south on the lane for about ¼ mile; continue on the path through the woods for about 300 yards to Friar’s Crag viewpoint.

Best View Grid Reference NY 26379 22267
Best View What3words Reference belonged.pint.printouts