Top 20 Lakes around Keswick
Best lakes around Keswick are situated within the Lake District National Park, an area characterized by fells, woodlands, and a collection of lakes, meres, and waters. Keswick serves as a central point for accessing these bodies of water, which vary in size, depth, and surrounding terrain. This region provides opportunities for outdoor activities and observation of natural features. The area is known for its diverse natural landscapes and its role as a hub for exploring the surrounding lakes.
Best lakes around Keswick
- The most popular lakes is View from Walla Crag overlooking Derwent Water, a viewpoint offering splendid views across Derwentwater towards Catbells. This Wainwright summit provides a rewarding perspective with a manageable climb.
- Another must-see spot is View of Thirlmere from Raven Crag, a viewpoint with a unique alpine feel. It offers rewarding views over Thirlmere reservoir for a relatively low effort.
- Visitors also love Catstye Cam, a soaring pyramidal peak. It is one of the highest summits in the Lake District, offering magnificent views of its parent mountain and Ullswater.
- Keswick is known for scenic, tranquil, and activity-rich lakes. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, from those ideal for watersports to quieter reserves for wildlife observation.
- The lakes around Keswick are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 photos and nearly 200 upvotes.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Catstye Cam
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As well as from Swirral Edge, you can approach Catstycam via its eastern shoulder from the main path to Red Tarn. The most adventurous way up is probably the north west ridge, which is steep, wild but without technical difficulty.
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View from Walla Crag overlooking Derwent Water
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Along with Latrigg, this is the easiest Wainwright summit to ascend directly from Keswick. It's not far from the picturesque and historic Castlerigg Stone Circle either, a classic vantage for Blencathra. Walla Crag can be linked with Bleaberry Fell and High Seat — a nice but often boggy fell walk.
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Sheffield Pike
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View of Thirlmere from Raven Crag
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Scales Tarn
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Fantastic views from the top on a purpose built viewing platform
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It's a bit of a slog up there but absolutely worth it, the views are fantastic.
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Make sure you have good waterproof boots very boggy in parts👍😎
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Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I do on Derwentwater?
Derwentwater, often called 'Keswick Lake', offers a wide array of activities. You can enjoy the eight-mile Derwentwater Walk, take a 50-minute lake cruise with hop-on/hop-off options, or engage in watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, rowing, and sailing. Wild swimming is also popular. For scenic views, visit nearby Ashness Bridge and Surprise View. You can find more information about this beautiful lake at Derwent Water.
Which lakes are best for wildlife spotting near Keswick?
Bassenthwaite Lake is a designated National Nature Reserve and is ideal for wildlife spotting, especially migrating ospreys and Atlantic salmon. Dodd Wood, near Bassenthwaite, provides excellent seasonal birdwatching opportunities. Crummock Water also boasts abundant wildlife.
Are there any quiet, less crowded lakes around Keswick?
Yes, Bassenthwaite Lake offers a quieter, more tranquil experience as there are no major settlements on its shoreline. Thirlmere is also valued for its peaceful atmosphere and magnificent mountain setting, providing a less crowded alternative to other major lakes. Crummock Water, adjacent to Buttermere, is often quieter and offers a tranquil escape.
Can I go wild swimming in the lakes around Keswick?
Wild swimming is popular in Derwentwater and Buttermere, with popular spots in Buttermere including the Buttermere infinity pool. However, swimming is generally not permitted in Thirlmere due to its status as a drinking water reservoir.
What are the best lakes for walking or hiking around Keswick?
Many lakes offer excellent walking opportunities. The eight-mile Derwentwater Walk is a popular choice. For a peaceful experience, a public footpath runs along the western shore of Bassenthwaite Lake. Thirlmere features a full circular route of approximately 10 miles, suitable for a full day's walk or cycle. Buttermere has a popular family-friendly circular walk of about 4.5 miles, and Crummock Water offers an 8-mile circular walk. For more challenging hikes with stunning views, consider the ascent to Walla Crag overlooking Derwent Water.
Are there family-friendly walks around the lakes near Keswick?
Yes, the circular walk around Buttermere is popular and family-friendly, covering about 4.5 miles. The Derwentwater Walk is also suitable for families. For easy hikes around Keswick, including routes near Derwentwater, you can explore options in the Easy hikes around Keswick guide.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Keswick?
The Lake District is beautiful year-round, but late spring (April and May) is particularly special, especially around Crummock Water where the valley of Rannerdale Knotts is transformed by a spectacular carpet of bluebells. Summer offers warmer weather for watersports, while autumn brings stunning foliage. Winter can be serene but requires appropriate gear for hiking.
What kind of watersports can I do on the lakes?
Derwentwater is excellent for watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, rowing, and sailing. Bassenthwaite Lake also permits paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and rowing with an online permit. Private non-motorized boats are allowed on Buttermere, and sailing, kayaking, and fishing (with permits) are possible on Crummock Water.
Where can I find routes for mountain biking near the lakes?
There are several mountain biking routes around Keswick that incorporate the lakes. You can find options like 'The Borrowdale Bash' or the 'Derwentwater to Thirlmere loop' in the MTB Trails around Keswick guide.
Are there running trails around the lakes near Keswick?
Yes, you can find various running trails, including routes around Derwentwater. Examples include the 'Derwent Water and Surprise View loop' or the 'Derwent Water & Walla Crag loop'. More options are available in the Running Trails around Keswick guide.
What makes Thirlmere unique among the lakes?
Thirlmere is unique because it was originally two natural lakes that were transformed into a reservoir in the 19th century to supply water to Manchester. Despite this, it retains a wild and natural beauty, offering a peaceful atmosphere and magnificent mountain setting. It also provides stunning views from viewpoints like View of Thirlmere from Raven Crag.
What is special about Crummock Water?
Crummock Water is a grand, clear, rocky-bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides, including Grasmoor. It is fed by Scale Force, the tallest waterfall in the Lake District. It offers a tranquil escape, often being quieter than its neighbor Buttermere, and is known for its magnificent scenery and abundant wildlife. In late spring, the Rannerdale Knotts valley near its eastern shore is covered in bluebells.
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