Route: West shore of Derwent Water
Area: North Western Lake District
Date of walk: 6th May 2015
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 5.0 miles
Weather: mostly rain and light showers with a few dry spells
It rained quite heavily for most of the morning, but by lunchtime there were some signs of improvement so a walk was on the cards. The fells were shrouded in cloud though, so we decided to stay at low level – a walk by the shore of Derwent Water would fit the bill perfectly
We parked at Nichol End Marine, purchased a couple of tickets for the Keswick launch and hopped on board the 2.35pm launch to Lodore at the other end of Derwent Water. After a very enjoyable 30 minute ride along the lake we disembarked, but before starting our walk along the shoreline we made a short detour to see the Lodore Falls behind the Lodore hotel. They were in great form after all the recent rain – an awesome sight and sound
We then walked round the head of Derwent Water over the boardwalk and followed the path which stays close to the west shore. It rained on and off and the camera had to be stowed away at times, but this wasn’t an issue as the scenery is so beautiful
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
As we waited for an improvement in the weather we were entertained by our resident red squirrels
A long bushy tail makes a handy umbrella
We arrive at Nichol End Marine - looking towards Keswick
View from the jetty
Looking towards Skiddaw
Here comes our launch - Princess Margaret Rose
We pass along the west shore of the lake, and will be walking back that way later
Castle Crag from the launch
Approaching our destination - Lodore
Watendlath Beck is running high, so we decide to take a short detour to Lodore Falls a little further upstream
Lodore Falls
After that short, but very worthwhile diversion, we join the path round the head of Derwent Water
The Chinese Bridge
and again
The boardwalk across the head of the lake - a brilliant use for recycled plastic bottles
Looking back towards Walla Crag
Keeping the lens dry was a struggle for a while - this is Castle Crag again through the rain
Passing round Great Bay
Looking from one end of Derwent Water to the other
Manesty Park
Otter Island from Abbot’s Bay
…and again
In Manesty Park
Skiddaw is still in the clouds
The hands sculpture in Brandelhow Park, commissioned by the National Trust - and well done to all concerned
In Brandelhow Park - we keep to the lakeshore path on the right
A unique combination - for me anyway - of greylag geese, sheep with lamb, and an oystercatcher
Path of tree roots
Catbells
Passing by Derwent Bay
Looking back over The Park to Catbells
Fresh beech leaves as we walk through Overside Wood
Lovely Lingholm
The path through Fawe Park, near the end of the walk
Back to the start at Nichol End - a great walk despite the indifferent weather
