Keswick to Lodore, Derwentwater

Cumbria feels like a second home at the moment, and despite the cost of diesel we headed off to Keswick this morning for a wander along the shores of Derwentwater and a trip on one of the Launches that circle the lake.

Our walk began at the Keswick landing stages along the well trodden path to Friars Crag. Bearing left, we crossed grassy fields before joining a woodland path which continued alongside the lake. The path and lake shore often blurred giving the dog plenty of opportunities for paddling. Much of the route was well fenced off from adjoining fields and the busy Borrowdale Road, and had had it not been a busy bank holiday Monday, the dog would have been pretty much off the lead throughout.

We passed the jetty at Ashness Gate, continuing to the Lodore Jetty, only to find that services were cancelled due to "low water levels" (what a difference a few weeks of sunshine makes). We retraced our steps, along with many others, to Ashness where we just squeezed on to the Launch for a very choppy cruise back to Keswick. We pitied the 30 or so people who were left at Hawse End as the boat was too full to take any more passengers in the high winds!

Overall, this is a great walk for dogs. No stiles to cross and off lead opportunities for much of the route.

Click here for the Keswick Launch website

Doggy rating 8/10