Derwentwater, The Lake District
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Less than 10 minutes walk from Keswick town centre and a few steps from Portinscale is Derwentwater, where you will find some of the most magnificent scenery in the Lake District. Visitors can enjoy the views offered by a relaxing boat trip around the lake or by taking a stroll to admire the views from Friars Crag.
For the more energetic, there is also the opportunity to go canoeing, kayaking and sailing from designated areas around the lake. If that sounds too strenuous you could take a rowing boat from the landing stages and just potter about for an hour or two .
Derwentwater is an exceptionally important site for wildlife. It has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it is a clean, naturally nutrient-poor lake with excellent aquatic vegetation. It supports the healthiest remaining population of Britains rarest fish, the Vendace (the only other natural population in Britain is in Bassenthwaite Lake).
The surrounding wetlands are important for breeding birds (including common Sandpiper and Snipe) and a great variety of plant species. The sheltered bays are valuable for wintering wildfowl. Red squirrels may be seen in the woodlands and, if you are very lucky, you may see an Otter.
Unsurprisingly the stunning beauty of the North Lakes has inspired many great poets and writers; Wordsworth, Southey, Coleridge, Beatrix Potter, Ruskin and Walpole all have connections with this region. Many more works of great literature are performed at Theatre by the Lake, which is situated right next to Derwentwater. With a year-round programme of drama, film, music, dance, exhibitions and festivals, the theatre leads the way for culture in the North Lakes.
 
 
 
 
 
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