14 Mar 2024: Please use the boardwalk section at the southern end of this route with care, we understand that some of it may be sinking, causing significant cross-slopes and we are investigating further.
This is a beautiful woodland walk along the western shore of Derwentwater - OS Explorer Map OL4.
Follow the access road to Hawse End, ignoring the signpost to Hawse End jetty. The path continues below the main buildings. Another signpost for the lakeshore takes you off the tarmac road and through a wide gate.
From here, the path is two metres wide with a smooth, compacted stone surface. More wide gateways bring you to the lakeshore at Victoria Bay. The route now weaves south along the shoreline and through the oak woodlands of Brandelhow. The lake views are magnificent, framed by a mountain backdrop. Catbells and High Spy are the steep hillsides behind you while Bleaberry Fell and Walla Crag are over the water. Picnic tables and benches, between High and Low Brandelhow jetties, allow you to savour the scenery.
A short stretch of tarmac leads to the woodland of Manesty Park where the path turns left to follow the shore and on to Great Bay.
The last kilometre of the route is on a recycled plastic boardwalk to the Chinese Bridge and finishes at the Borrowdale Road (this section of the path can be prone to flooding).
Please note that this is a 'for some' standard route due to tree roots, uneven surfaces and occasional flooding but the map below has yet to be updated.
Hawse End access road.
Postcode: CA12 5UG
Grid reference: NY 247215
W3W: ///wisely.defensive.responses
Grid reference: NY 263187
W3W: ///nursery.direction.rollers
None on route.
Bus: Buttermere Rambler 77 / 77A operates from Keswick and passes Hawse End four times a day from March to November. Bus Route 78 runs between Keswick and the turning point from April-November. Boat: Keswick Launch calls at Hawse End eight times a day. Wheelchair users are advised to contact Keswick Launch beforehand- wheelchairs can be taken on some of the launches but assistance may be needed with boarding. Car: minor roads from Keswick to Cat Bells. Parking at Cat Bells is restricted so public transport options are recommended.
