Derwentwater Tourist Information

Derwentwater Attractions

The Northern Fells offers variety where walking and climbing are concerned. You choose your pace from the high drama of Blencathra and Skiddaw to the more leisurely heights of High Pike, or the charming Cat Bells, just up from Derwentwater and favourite of Beatrix Potter. There's lots of opportunity to tap into guided walks. Check with Keswick Tourist information, Moot Hall for details.

Derwentwater is a popular Lakeland lake 4.8km long and 1.6km wide at the widest point. It is one of two lakes (the other being Bassenthwaite Lake) which is home to one of the rarest fish in Britain, the vendace.

All of the bordering wetlands are most important areas for breeding birds like sandpipers and snipes. Spot the Red squirrels in surrounding woodlands also. The whole area is designated a site of Special Scientific Interest, only awarded to very special wildlife sites.

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Caldbeck - the Quieter Lakes retreat

For a quieter retreat why not stay over in charming Caldbeck. You've got High Pike nearby of course, but also numerous other lighter rambles accessible from the village.

Caldbeck has a particularly interesting industrial history, which developed around the Cold Beck. This was once a village crammed with mills, and many of them still stand including a particular favourite, Priests Mill, now a restaurant. Particularly famous for the view from the top towards other summits. Not known for it's dramatic climb, but a particular favourite of both Wainwright and Bonnington.

If you're interested in mining history then High Pike is where to head, as pretty much all the mines in the Caldbeck Fells are here!

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The Northern Fells

Retreating glaciers certainly left their mark on this mountain, creating the drama of gouged flanks, crags and scree. Blencathra, back in the mid-18th century, was known as Saddleback, apt considering the shape of the southern front. Some of us might prefer friendly Saddleback, but both Wordsworth and Wainwright preferred Blencathra, Celtic for 'Hill of the Chair'. Saddle or chair, you decide.

Those Northern Fells towering around Keswick will pull you up and out, and hook you in finally. Majestic beauty indeed with Skiddaw, Blencathra, High Pike, and Latrigg to mention a few. The quieter Caldbeck and Uldale Fells, in Wainwright's words, move away from the crowds, ice cream and jukeboxes!

I'm sure by now there must be some ice cream these days in Caldbeck, although Jukeboxes may have passed over. Where to if you like quiet and ice cream? Or take a trip across Derwentwater, and hook up to the popular Cat Bells stroll from the Hawes End drop off point, a popular walk with Beatrix Potter. A choice of walks, climbs and sports to suit all standards.

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