Great Wood and Derwent Water Loop from Keswick, Cumbria, UK

Visited July 19, 2023

Started at the center of Keswick.  I walked from Little Leveret Cottage where I was staying.

10 degrees Celsius forecasted (50 degrees Fahrenheit), mix of sun and clouds; 7:00 AM-10:00 AM

I did not see any public toilets

Keswick is very dog friendly. At one point in Great Wood, I met a couple training their sweet labrador puppy.  He was happy to run up to greet me after his people asked if it was okay.  

I walked 7.8 miles total from Little Leverett Cottage to near Lodore Hotel because I did not do the full loop back to Keswick.  Once I reached Derwent Water, I headed toward Borrowdale Hotel.  I followed the path described on the Visit Keswick website: https://www.keswick.org/what-to-do/walking-routes/great-wood-and-derwentwater. The walk is described as a 4.3-mile walk but I added a few miles to walk toward Borrowdale.  The trail description online was very helpful.

The temperature was cool enough that I was glad to be wearing waterproof jacket and pants.  

The trail was very nice with beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. One helpful note for those who do not do the loop back to Keswick but head toward Borrowdale Hotel as I did: when the trail disappears near Lodore Hotel, cross and walk down the road a ways to pick up the trail as it crosses Chinese Bridge.

I had the trail mostly to myself except for a few runners and dog walkers who easily bypassed me.

Parking: There is limited parking available.  I walked or used the bus and ferry during my stay.  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.

The temperature was low enough that I did not have trouble with 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, berry briars, ferns, mosses, lichens, ivy, and trees. 

For more information: https://www.keswick.org/what-to-do/walking-routes/great-wood-and-derwentwater

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 with me, 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.