Friar's Crag and the Derwentwater shore from Keswick
Keswick's favourite short stroll: from Theatre by the Lake to the Friar's Crag viewpoint, then on along the shore and boardwalk. Mostly step-free.
- Distance
- 3.2 km
- 2.0 miles
- Ascent
- 6 m
- High point 88 m
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Walking time, no stops
- Grade
- Easy
- There and back
Take this walk with you
This route is on paths Google Maps knows, so the walking link follows it closely. The GPX is still the exact line. To see the line in Google Maps, open Google My Maps, create a map, choose Import and pick the KML file. It then appears in the Google Maps app under Saved, Maps.
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Friar's Crag is the rocky little promontory at the north end of Derwentwater, ten minutes' walk from Keswick, and the view from it, down the lake to the wooded islands and the Jaws of Borrowdale, is one of the most photographed in the Lake District.
This is the National Park's Miles without Stiles route from Theatre by the Lake. It follows the shore past the boat landings to the crag, then carries on past Strandshag Bay, across a field and along a boardwalk through a small wood before turning back. It is the walk to do with grandparents, buggies, a dog after breakfast or anyone who wants the lake without a climb.
Most of it is good stone track, tarmac and boardwalk. The final drop to the viewpoint itself is steep and narrow, so wheelchair users may prefer to enjoy the view from just above it.
The route
- 1
Down to the lake
From the car park by Theatre by the Lake, follow the road down to the Derwentwater foreshore, where the islands and the Jaws of Borrowdale come into view across the water.
- 2
To Friar's Crag
Where the tarmac ends, take the stone track and keep right along the shore. At the finger post keep right for Friar's Crag and follow the path down to the viewpoint. This last section is steep and narrow.
- 3
Strandshag Bay
Return to the finger post and turn right towards Strandshag Bay. Go through the gate into the field and follow the upper path across it.
- 4
Boardwalk and turn
Cross the bridge into a small wood with a long boardwalk; either branch at the fork works. Turn left up the wide track towards the Borrowdale road and retrace your steps to Keswick from here.
Questions people ask
Is Friar's Crag wheelchair accessible?
Largely. It is Lake District National Park Miles without Stiles route 36, graded for many users, but the final steep path to the viewpoint is unsafe for wheels and there are potholes and small steps in places. Class 2 or 3 mobility scooters only.
How long is the walk to Friar's Crag?
About ten to fifteen minutes from Theatre by the Lake. The full out-and-back route along the shore takes around an hour and a half at a gentle pace.
Where do you park for Friar's Crag?
The Lakeside car park by Theatre by the Lake (CA12 5DJ) is the closest. It is pay and display.
More walks nearby
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Food, drink and beds near the start
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The Twa Dogs
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Castlerigg Stone Circle
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