Derwentwater

Derwentwater can be found immediately south of Keswick in the Borough of Allerdale, Cumbria. It is both drained and fed by the River Derwent. Derwentwater measures at three miles long, one mile wide and some 72 feet deep. 

There are several islands on the lake but only one of which is inhabited; Derwent Island, a seven acre piece of land opposite the Keswick Launch boat landings, boasts an 18th century house which is open to the public only five days of the year. Other main islands include St Herbert’s island, Lord’s Island and Rampsholme Island. Smaller islands are Otter Island, Park Ned and Otterbield Island. The larger islands are owned by the National Trust as is some of the lake’s shoreline. 

As well as being just a 10 minute walk from Keswick, Derwentwater has Cat Bells to its western head. To the east you can find Friar’s Crag and to the south is the Borrowdale valley. 

There are seven lakeside marinas in total, the most popular being at Keswick followed by those at Lodore Falls and Portinscale. 

Between 1885 and 1907, Beatrix Potter spent her summer holidays at two stately homes on the edge of Derwentwater. The two houses — one at Fawe Park and the other at Lingholme — inspired some of the rural settings read about in her stories.