Keswick and Friars Crag (Cumbria)

We seem to have spent all of our days out in the Lake District over the past month or so, despite the weather! Today we had a run up to Keswick for a wander round the shops, a nice along the shores of Derwent Water, followed by fish and chips - who could want more!

We parked up at the Central Car park in Keswick and had a good wander round the nearby shops. The centre of Keswick is pedestrianised so it makes life easy wandering round with the dog. Some of the shops, such as Cotswold, were happy to welcome dogs.

After a bit of lunch we followed the clearly signed route to the Lake, passing the Lakeside car park before arriving at the shores of Derwent Water and numerous landing stages.

A good path leads along the lake shore for half a mile or so to the wonderful viewpoint of Friars Crag. Even though it today was wet and wild the views across to Cat Bells were great. The jaws of Borrowdale were well hidden in the mist though! There are places along this path where you can access the lake shore and some dogs were off lead having a good run round the "beach" and a swim. We didn't risk an off lead run here.

After admiring the view from the crag, retrace your steps a little way and follow the path right, continuing along the lake shore. Passing through a gate we entered a large field adjoining the lake. There were no livestock around today so we could let the dog off lead. It's great place for a good run around, game of fetch and a paddle. Fortunately, he didn't manage to get too muddy and we continued along the path through Ings wood.

This path ultimately leads to the Borrowdale road and you can follow it, adjacent to the road, and back to the landing stages via Cockshott Wood. We didn't fancy the roadside walk so retraced our steps, with another quick run in the field on the way.

The day ended with huge portions of fish and chips at the "old Keswickian" chippy next to the Moot Hall.

Visitors to the blog may think our lives consist of shopping, dog walking and eating...at the moment you'd be right!

Click here for a useful Lake District National Park link "miles without stiles". It's obviously aimed at those with wheelchairs or buggies but looked like a nice set of relatively short dog walks.

Doggy rating 6/10