A linear Lake District walk that follows the shore of Derwentwater south from Keswick to Lodore landing stage. The return to Keswick uses the seasonal launces on Derwentwater.
Calculated time: 1h40[?] 
Distance : 3.44mi
Vertical gain : 49ft
Vertical drop : 79ft
Highest point : 328ft
Lowest point : 249ft 
Difficulty : Easy
Back to starting point : No
Walking
Area : Lake District 
Location : Keswick
Starting point : N 54.596362° / W 3.139052° 
Arrival : N 54.562885° / W 3.13893° (D)Exit the car park and walk down to the jetties from where the launches depart. You can check the timetable here when passing. Continue past the jetties and follow the path on the shore of Derwentwater. You soon enter woodland and it is worth taking the path as close to the shore as possible so you can enjoy the first of many views from Friar's Crag.
(1)The path continues along the shore to Strandshag Bay where you go inland, cross a footbridge and turn right. Reaching a T-junction pf paths (grid ref. NY268220), turn right and continue to pass in front of Stable Hills. Just past this large house, turn right and follow the concessionary footpath which returns to the shore of Derwentwater with Lord's Island lying just offshore.
(2)The path continues around the shore of Calfclose Bay, passes through a short section of woodland to regain the shore with the Borrowdale Road immediately to your left. After reaching the landing stage at Ashness Gate in Barrow Bay the path veers away from the road for a short section before returning to the road opposite Strutta Wood (grid ref. NY267197).
(3)Bear right down the road with the lake to your left. Sadly, there is no option but to walk along the road. Do be aware of the traffic which in high season can be very busy. However, in 250 metres you can escape the road and take the concessionary footpath on the left which is opposite the small lakeside car park on your right. Continue along this path to regain the road at Lodore by the Watendlath Beck. Cross the road and take the footpath down to Lodore jetty.(A)
Waypoints :
D : mi 0 - alt. 279ft - Start: Derwent Water car park
1 : mi 0.66 - alt. 262ft - Strandshag Bay
2 : mi 1.34 - alt. 253ft - Calfclose Bay
3 : mi 2.71 - alt. 312ft - Strutta Wood
A : mi 3.44 - alt. 249ft - Finish: Lodore jetty
This linear Lake District walk starts from the large car park adjacent to the landing stages in Keswick (grid ref. NY265228) and follows the shores of Derwentwater for just over three miles south to Lodore. From here you can return to Keswick using the launch service. Note that at certain times of the year the launch service is relatively infrequent so you should allow yourself plenty of time for reaching Lodore.
It is worth mentioning that even on sunny days it can be cold on the launches so do take an extra layer so you can relax and enjoy the cruise back to Keswick.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
15.53mi
+2966ft
-2989ft
9h45
Average
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8.23mi
+2060ft
-2008ft
5h35
Easy
Starting point in Keswick - Cumbria The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. Funny how they were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting and finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way there are 3 Wainwrights,a ferry and 1 pub.
9.9mi
+2927ft
-2930ft
7h05
Average
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8.02mi
+2103ft
-2106ft
5h30
Average
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6.92mi
+2844ft
-2848ft
5h40
Average
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7.58mi
+1056ft
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4h25
Average
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4.48mi
+2018ft
-1893ft
3h50
Average
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9.06mi
+4016ft
-3392ft
7h40
Average
Starting point in Borrowdale - Cumbria The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. Funny how they were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way, there are 4 Wainwrights and 5 tarns.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
