Miles Without Stiles
Distance of route: 3.2km (2 miles)
Grid reference: 299247
Surface: Smoothish - with minimum of dirt on hands for self-propelled
Gradient: Level, gradients up to 1 in 12
Parking: Lakeside Car Park
Toilets: Lakeside Car Park - Key available from National Trust Information Centre (closed in winter)
Special features: View Point, woodland
This is a circular route linked by good pathways to vehicle parking close to the start. There are no hills but a strong pusher is advisable if tackling the full two mile circuit, especially as wet weather can make certain stretches a bit muddy.
Follow the road down to the lake shore landing stages and follow the path beyond to the Friars Crag view point. John Ruskin recalled visiting this view point as a boy in 1824 and in particular the roots of the trees on the shoreline and the deep dark lake. Prominent on the west shore of Derwent Water can be seen the ridgeline of Cat Bells, which derives its name from Cat Bield, the lair of the wild cat, and the summit of Causey Pike.
From Friars Crag follow the lakeshore path around the bay and across a footbridge through Ings Wood until it meets the access road to Stable Hills cottage. Turn left up ramp and follow this roadway until it meets the Borrowdale Road. Alternatively turn right at the top of the ramp, continue up the road and turn left for the path across the fields to Broomhill Point.
A footpath parallel to the Borrowdale Road leads northwards towards Keswick for 0.5 mile and then bears left down a ramp to Cockshot Wood. The path leads into the wood and back to the landing stages and National Trust Information Centre. Nearby Hope Park offers light refreshments and beautiful floral gardens.
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
