Dreaming on Derwentwater
It’s been a tough year so far in 2020 to say the least. I haven’t been working for the last few months, we’ve all been in lockdown and travel has been off the agenda. That’s why it was so wonderful to escape the the Lake District with my daughter one sunny July afternoon.
We aimed to park up at Kettlewell, but it was full, with a few more cars waiting for a space. By a stroke of good luck, we found a space in a roadside lay-by close to the water’s edge. Ten minutes later we were on the lake and on our way around the outside perimeter, paddling in the shadow of the famous Cat Bells.
The busy tourist town of Keswick lies to the north-east of Derwentwater. More tranquil surroundings are to be found to the south, where the lake is also very shallow—watch out for your fin!
You also have to look out for the Keswick launches as they criss-cross the lake, leaving their wakes behind them in a special SUP obstacle course.
We spent a very leisurely three hours paddling the 12.4 km perimeter of Derwentwater, stopping to chat to people walking by the shore and share some tips with some first-time paddleboarders we met near the north of the lake.
Enjoying the warmth of the sun and dreaming of better days!
In my humble opinion, no visit to Keswick is complete without a short trip to the renowned Castlerigg stone circle which has been standing here for at least 5000 years. Sitting on a small hilltop with spectacular views, an hour spent relaxing here with post-paddle coffee is an hour very well spent.
