Keswick is one of our favourite local places. We have spent a lot of time here over the past three years - and have made so many wonderful memories along the Derwentwater shoreline and in the surrounding areas. Obviously I had to share this favourite of ours, so read on to discover the fully accessible walk to Friar’s Crag.

The three older Hassan children are stood together, with the baby on Squidgy's hip. They are facing away from the camera, stood on the lakeshore of Derwentwater, looking out at the lake and the Lakeland fells beyond.

About Derwentwater

This stunning lake is one of the main sixteen lakes in the Lake District National Park. It is remarkably shallow as far as lakes go, at only 72 feet at its deepest point. It's 3 mile length gives it plenty of space to ensure some beautiful views, and it is one of our most visited local spots.

It’s unclear where the name came from, with some sources saying it's an old Celtic name meaning, “clear water” and others believing it's an old English name meaning, “oak tree abundant region”. Whichever you choose to believe there is one thing I'm sure we can all agree on, and that is how gorgeous this lake and the surrounding fells are.

Derwentwater stretches from side to side of the image, with stones to the front, trees to the side and the Lakeland fells in the background beneath a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

About Friar's Crag

Friar’s Crag is a promontory (a raised land mass which projects into a body of water - in this case Derwentwater) owned by the National Trust.

Wondering how it got its name? This spot is believed to be the pilgrimage embarkment point for monks heading to St Herbert’s Island to the south west.

This popular spot offers stunning views of the lake below, as well as Lakeland fells including Cat Bells, Walla Crag, Maiden Moor and on a clear day the “teeth” of Castle Crag too!

The Hassan family are cuddled together, facing and smiling at the camera. They are stood on the rocky edge of Friars Crag, with Derwentwater stretching out below and the Lakeland fells behind and beyond.

Where can I park?

We always park in the Lakeside car park near the Theatre on the Lake. You can pay and display, or use the MiPermit app (my choice as we do it regularly, and it gives you a reminder of when your time is up!) Althought the car park is a decent size with plenty of regular and disabled spaces, it fills up really quickly. We try to arrive by 9am, to both get our choice of space and enjoy the area without the crowds.

To find the car park, use this post code: CA12 5DJ

Squidgy and Pickle are sat on a wooden bench near the cliff edge overlooking Derwentwater from Friar's Crag. Trees stand to either side of the image and the Lakeland fells can be seen in the distance beyond the Lake.

How far is the walk?

The main, level-pathed route to Friar’s Crag is just over 1/2 mile long and can be completed in little more than 10 minutes.

The image is an Ordanance Survey map of the Keswick area with details of the walking route.

If you fancy a longer walk, there are other routes available further than Friar’s Crag, along Derwentwater shoreline and beyond. The routes are all well signposted, so just take your pick.

Is it suitable for children?

This is definitely a route for children. Although you won't find a play area, they don't miss it. With woodland to wander, lakeshore to explore and more my children (and their friends!) absolutely love it here. The short route to Friar’s Crag is suitable for children of all ages, but if you choose the longer routes make sure that your children are up to it.

The older Hassan children and a couple of their friends are running along a stoney beach on the lakeshore of Derwentwater. Beyond them you can see a stone wall, trees and an opening to return to the path.

Are there facilities available?

The Lakeside car park hosts facilities next to the theatre. They cost 40p to access. Changing facilities are available in the disabled toilet for the same price.

Additional toilets are available in the café a little way into the walk, and at the café in Hope Park. Of course you can also venture into town where you'll find a variety of shops, cafés and restaurants in Keswick itself.

A stone brick building stands with 3 black doors. Each door has a sign indicating one is a women's, men's and disabled toilet entrance.

Bonus

Feed the ducks

A short wander from the car park will take you to the boat landings, and a little hut which sells duck food at 50p a bag. If you fancy it, why not feed the ducks (and geese)? My children loved it - especially Munchkin, my little duck whisperer!

Munchkin is stood facing Pickle who is holding a paper bag of duck food. He is reaching into the bag for duck food. There are lots of ducks at their feet.

Munchkin is throwing duck food to the ducks. There are lots of ducks at his feet and a goose to the left of the image too.

Head out on the Keswick Launch

A lake cruise is something that we have yet to do - even though we've visited this beautiful spot more times that I can count. It's not a bad idea though, and offers a unique way to enjoy Derwentwater.

For more details, including launch times and ticket prices, check out the Keswick Launch website.

Munchkin is stood facing away from the camera at blue metal railings. He is looking out at the jetty and boats on Derwentwater with the Lakeland fells beyond.

A note from Naomi

Why am I writing about accessible walks?

The collection of accessible walks posts I've written started during my pregnancy with Peanut when I was unwell and ended up on crutches. Although I am now mobile, accessible walks are great for a number of reasons. These include being able to use a stroller and being more suitable for our youngest walker, little Munchkin!

Peanut is in a Cosatto Uwu stroller with pink unicorn colour pack, Munchkin is stood next to her. Both are smiling at the camera. The image is close up.

Some of these walks are ones we have found ourselves with a bit of local research, others are included in the Lake District National Park's 48 Miles without Stiles routes. Friar’s Crag is one we actually found on our own, but later realised is also included in Miles without Stiles - so you're onto a winner with this one.

John is walking down to Friar's Crag holding Munchkin's hand. Munchkin is holding onto the fence rail. You can see Derwentwater and Lakeland fells in the background.

What is Miles without Stiles?

Miles without Stiles is a collection of accessible routes across the Lake District National Park suitable for people with limited mobility; including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and more. I’ve decided to include a few of these routes in my new accessible walks blog post collection here at Me Becoming Mum.

Squidgy is wearing a purple dress and sitting on an overhanging tree she has climbed. Derwentwater stretches out below her with trees and fells beyond.

Pickle is stood facing away from the camera at blue metal railings. He is looking out at the jetty and boats on Derwentwater with the Lakeland fells beyond.

So, there we are. Such a beautiful walk to enjoy… ideal for all the family! Keswick will always be close to my heart from our first visits there to taking Peanut's newborn photos there. I hope you are able to use the information I've provided to be able to enjoy it just as much as we do.

For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful places we have on our Cumbrian doorstep check out my Lake District category here. Have you found somewhere free and amazing in the Lake District? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.