A hilltop view of Derwent Water
A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) in national park Lake District in Cumbria, England, about 17.50km (10.87 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 6:45h. It is suitable for families with children, but unsuitable for prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
609m (1998ft)
Descent
596m (1955ft)
Max. Elevation
420m (1377ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
1205m (3953ft)
Start & End
Grange
Distance
17.50km
(10.87mi)
(10.87mi)
Duration
~6:45h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
Any Lake District regular knows Deerwent Water. It dominates the town and the view from the surrounding tops. This route, though, starts from Grange at its southern end, and picks a route over the lower tops, as well as the lakeside itself, to give a variety of perspectives on this perennial favourite. There is a good bus service from Keswick to Grange throughout the year.
Walk Functions
Share
Nearby Walks
Castle Crag and Dalton's Cave
A leisurely, circular walk (countryside) starting in Cumbria, England, about 4.90km (3.04 mi) long, duration: ~1:45h.Around Grange Fell: From Rosthwaite to Watendlath
A leisurely, walk (countryside) starting in Cumbria, England, about 8.70km (5.41 mi) long, duration: ~3:15h.From YHA Derwent to YHA Patterdale
A strenuous, linear walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Cumbria, England, about 21.60km (13.42 mi) long, duration: ~9:00h.Walk Map
- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid NY252174
Take the bus from Keswick down to Grange. You can also do this route from Keswick, but this option means you can finish at the tea shop in Grange.
OS Grid NY251182
Follow the road north from Grange towards Derwent Water. Past the hotel, look for the footpath on your right.
About 0.78 km (~0.48 miles) from 
OS Grid NY262186
Join the road along Borrowdale there is a verge to walk on and head towards the hotel.
About 1.21 km (~0.75 miles) from 
OS Grid NY268203
At Barrow Bay, take the hairpin turn back on the right, past the youth hostel.
About 1.79 km (~1.11 miles) from 
OS Grid NY270196
At the car park, take the footpath heading north that contours above Falcon Crag.
About 0.71 km (~0.44 miles) from 
OS Grid NY275210
Continue via Walla Crag, with great views over Derwent Water.
About 1.46 km (~0.91 miles) from 
OS Grid NY283220
The path begins to wind into Keswick along Brockle Beck
About 1.29 km (~0.8 miles) from 
OS Grid NY267233
Join the road and head into the town centre.
About 2.01 km (~1.25 miles) from 
OS Grid NY261237
Finished? Not a bit of it. Head past the bus station and over the bridge, taking an immediate left to join the Cumbria Way.
About 0.69 km (~0.43 miles) from 
PortinscaleOS Grid NY252235
Pass through Portinscale, following the signs for the Cumbria Way.
About 1.01 km (~0.63 miles) from 
OS Grid NY247212
...and here comes the added bonus of doing the loop from Grange. If you arrive at Catbells before midday, you will be climbing it with 100s of others. Arrive a bit later and you may get it to yourself
About 1.15 km (~0.71 miles) from 
OS Grid NY243197
Continue to the summit of Cat Bells. On your own? Make the most of it...
About 1.54 km (~0.96 miles) from 
OS Grid NY247189
Descend via the steepish path that cuts under Black Crag.
About 0.90 km (~0.56 miles) from 
Grange againOS Grid NY250179
This brings you out on the road leading in and out of Grange. There are some wonderful campsites around here, so worth stopping overnight if possible, then getting the bus to Keswick the next day.
About 1.04 km (~0.65 miles) from 
1 comment... join the discussion!
Timwoods
Much as I love Keswick, it's worth planning your trip to spend the night in Grange. This end of Derwent feels much more remote than the northern end, and if you get a clear evening, there are lots of superb evening strolls to be had (such as down to the pub in Rosthwaite!)