Keswick
is a market town within the district of Allerdale, Cumbria, England. With
a population of 4,281, it is situated just north of Derwent Water, and
a short distance from Bassenthwaite Lake, both in the Lake District National
Park.
Derwent Water (or Derwentwater ) is one of the principal bodies
of water in the Lake District National Park in the north of England.
The lake occupies part of Borrowdale and lays immediately south of the
town of Keswick . It is both fed and drained by the River Derwent.
It measures approximately 4 km (3 miles) long by 1.5 km (1 mile) wide and
is some 22 metres (72 feet) deep. There are several islands within the
lake, one of which is inhabited. Derwent Island House, an 18th-century
residence, is a tenanted National Trust property open to the public on
five days each year.
Derwent Water is a place of considerable scenic value. It is
surrounded by hills (known locally as fells), and many of the slopes facing
Derwent Water are extensively wooded. A regular passenger launch operates
on the lake, taking passengers between various landing stages.
The Keswick Launch Company offers Lake District cruises
around Derwentwater throughout the year.
The launches start their journey from the Keswick boat landings
and cruise around the lake stopping at seven lakeshore jetties where you
may embark or join the various boats. Alternatively, stay on the boat and
enjoy the 50 minute trip around Derwentwater .
There are seven lakeside marinas, the most popular stops being: Keswick ,
Portinscale and the Lodore Falls, from which boats may be hired. Recreational
walking is a major tourist activity in the area and an extensive network
of footpaths exists within the hills and woods surrounding the lake.
The Keswick Borrowdale road runs along the eastern shore of the
lake and carries a regular bus service. There is a lesser, or unclassified,
road along the western shore between the villages of Grange and Portinscale.
