The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Derwent Water

There are over 30 family-friendly hiking trails around Derwent Water, offering a variety of experiences for all ages. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate routes, with a few more challenging options for adventurous families.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10,000 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning lake views, the variety of paths through woodlands and along the shore, and the accessibility of many trails for families.

Yes, there are several easy circular walks perfect for families. For a gentle lakeside stroll, consider the Hope Park – Nichol End Marine loop from Keswick. This route is relatively flat and offers lovely views, making it suitable for younger children and some pushchairs. The area around Low Brandlehow Jetty also offers accessible paths.

Many family hikes offer access to beautiful landmarks and viewpoints. You can enjoy breathtaking panoramas from Friar's Crag, which provides an iconic view of the lake and surrounding fells. The Hundred Year Stone is another interesting point of interest along the shore. For a unique artistic touch, look out for the Entrust Sculpture in Brandelhow Park.

Absolutely! Derwent Water is home to several beautiful waterfalls that can be incorporated into family hikes. While not directly on a listed route, the impressive Lodore Falls are easily accessible and particularly spectacular after rain. Watendlath Beck Waterfall also offers scenic views and can be part of a longer walk.

The Hope Park – Nichol End Marine loop is an excellent choice starting from Keswick. It's a moderate, mostly flat route that takes you along the lake shore, offering easy access to the town's amenities before or after your walk.

Most trails around Derwent Water are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature conservation areas. Many paths through woodlands and along the lakeside are ideal for walking with your canine companion.

Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Summer is also popular, but trails can be busier. Winter walks can be magical, but require appropriate gear for potentially colder, wetter conditions, and some higher routes may be challenging.

There are various car parks around Derwent Water, particularly near Keswick and popular trailheads like Ashness Bridge or Grange. Many are pay-and-display. Arriving early, especially during peak season, is advisable to secure a spot. Some routes, like the Ashness Bridge – Grange Stone Bridge loop, have parking available directly at the starting point.

Yes, public transport is a good option for accessing many trailheads. Keswick is well-served by buses, and many walks start directly from the town or are easily reachable from bus stops around the lake. The Derwentwater Launch (ferry) also provides access to various points around the lake, allowing for linear walks or shorter sections of the full Derwentwater Walk.

For families seeking a greater challenge, the Trail to Walla Crag – View of Bleaberry Fell loop offers a moderate hike with significant elevation gain and rewarding views. While the High Spy summit – Catbells Summit loop is a difficult route, Cat Bells itself is an iconic fell that can be tackled in shorter sections, providing a sense of achievement for older children with stunning panoramic views.

Many trails around Derwent Water beautifully combine lakeside paths with ancient woodlands. The Derwentwater Walk, a 10-mile waymarked path, is a prime example, guiding you through serene lake shores, picturesque bays, and remnants of Europe's temperate rainforest. Shorter sections of this walk are perfect for families wanting this varied experience.