Visited July 17, 2023

Took the 77A bus to the foot of Catbells

15 degrees Celsius forecasted (59 degrees Fahrenheit), sunny and incredibly windy at the top; 1:47-4:40 PM (from bus to Catbells summit to ferry)

Restroom facilities: I did not see any public toilets

Many dogs were with their people

I walked approximately 4 miles total until I stepped on the ferry.  

I wore my jacket at the top with the hood up just to keep the wind out of my ears and to keep my hat on.  I should have worn my winter cap because I would not have had to worry about my cap blowing off.

The trail was hard to miss and there were many people on the path.  I usually prefer to walk in the early morning. But I was waiting for the day's welcome sunshine to dry off the stone.  I did not want to navigate that terrain in the wet.  I thought sharing the path with many people would limit the enjoyment of the experience, but everyone was friendly and supportive.  I am glad I went in the afternoon when I did.  Those of us who arrived at the summit together took turns taking photos at the trig point and took photos for each other.  On the way up, I was passed by a family that included a blind man.  I passed them later only because they stopped for a picnic snack.  We walked "together" from the summit to the signpost for Catbells Terrace.  On the way down, I was passed by a large family with the youngest being age three.  Yes, I was passed by a three-year-old.  All week long, I was passed by people of all ages and abilities.  I am not a fast hiker.  I have asthma and I stop to take many pictures and soak in the view.

Parking: There is limited parking available.  I walked or used the bus and ferry.  The bus schedule is available in the entryway at the Booths Grocery Store in Keswick and the ferry schedule is available online: https://keswick-launch.co.uk/cruises/times/ 

There was very little trash along the trails.

I was not bothered by mosquitos or midges.

I would not recommend this trail for strollers.  I did not see any on the trail.  

I saw a variety of wildflowers, trees, and ferns (bracken). 

For more information: https://www.keswick.org/what-to-do/walking-routes/derwentwaterwalk

and https://www.wainwrightwalking.co.uk/a-circuit-of-derwentwater-2/ 

For a map:  https://www.keswick.org/UserContent/doc/11038/derwentwater%20walk%20downloadable%20map.pdf

Nearby:

The Royal Oak The Royal Oak, Main St, Keswick CA12 5HZ - Call 017687 73135 

https://www.royaloakkeswick.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjww7KmBhAyEiwA5-PUStiWAyKJwW-tZ-u9NRmCG0-_LmCmsG4tu70BL_RnN4h9uh40KBNlXhoCvUgQAvD_BwE 

Just a few minutes' walk from the boat launch and the cottage where I was staying for the week.  They offer rooms and based on the dining service, I would be interested in checking out their rooms if I ever visit Keswick again.

I ate dinner here more than once during the week.  The food and beverages were excellent.  The service was friendly and spot on.  The place is very dog friendly.  I did not have a dog but I witnessed many dogs visiting during the week.  I stopped in early in the day to make dinner reservations or made them a day ahead.  This is strongly recommended during the high tourist season.

The Dog and Gun 2 Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom  CA12 5BT

https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/cumbria/dog-and-gun?utm_source=g_places&utm_medium=locations&utm_campaign=PS_pubpage

Very nice steak pie and stout.  Dog friendly.  Two spaniels were with their people at the table next to me.

Hope Park Cafe  Lake Rd, Keswick CA12 5DG 

Lovely ice cream cone and polite staff.  https://hopeleisure.com/