Derwentwater Round from Keswick

The route

This is the full circuit of Derwentwater, 14.6 km of almost level running with just 7 m of ascent. It is one of the best easy distance outings in the northern Lakes, perfect for a recovery run, a steady long effort, or simply soaking up the scenery without the demands of the fells. The path quality is good throughout, so you can settle into a rhythm and keep moving.

From Keswick you head down to the lake and follow the eastern shore south, running through the woods at Great Wood and beneath the crags of Walla Crag, which rises directly above without the route ever climbing it. Glimpses of the water open between the trees, with the Borrowdale fells gathering ahead.

Around the lake

The southern end takes you across the flatter ground near the head of the lake, with views into the jaws of Borrowdale, before the quieter western shore. Here the path runs past Brandelhow and the foot of the Catbells ridge, with Skiddaw filling the view north across the water. Several landing stages and small bays make natural spots to pause.

Why it works

Back along the northern shore you return to Keswick to close the loop. The whole round stays low and runnable, which makes it a reliable choice in most weather and a fine introduction to longer days on foot. It links easily with the Catbells climb if you want to add height. Cafes and toilets are right at the start, and the Borrowdale bus shadows the eastern shore if you want to shorten the day. In still conditions the reflections of Skiddaw and the Borrowdale fells on the water are unforgettable, and the flat profile makes it a brilliant first long run or a steady winter outing when the tops are out of condition.