Northern Lake District Self-Guided Walking Tour 2025

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. 

Accommodation: Derwent Bank (D)

Check out the Discovery Point Library at the country house – stocked with maps, walks and local area information. 

For stays of 3 nights, you will have 2 days at your choice.

For stays of 4 nights, you will have 3 days at your choice.

For stays of 7 nights, you will have 6 days at your choice.

Accommodation: Derwent Bank (B, L, D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

Our easiest routes allow plenty of time to savour the magnificent mountain landscapes. All our walk notes suggest the best places to stop, great pubs, and tea rooms.

• Latrigg short walk – 1½ miles
• Mirehouse & St Bega’s Church – 1½ miles
• Friar’s Crag – 2 miles
• Brandlehow Woods – 2½ miles
• Through the Jaws of Borrowdale – 4 miles
• Around Buttermere – 4 miles
• Around Swinside – 5 miles
• Ashness Bridge – 5 miles

Some longer walks on valley and lakeside paths, plus a few of the easier lower fells. Experience the true flavour of Lakeland as you follow these varied routes.

• Walla Crag & Ashness Bridge – 6 miles
• Borrowdale & Derwent Water – 6 miles
• Cat Bells Terrace – 7 miles
• Cat Bells – 7 miles
• Watendlath & Derwent Water – 8 miles
• Newlands Valley – 9 miles
• Latrigg via Keswick – 9 miles
• Around Derwent Water – 9 miles

For those who love the high mountains. Expect some rough paths as you head to some of these famous summits, but there are plenty of rewards when you reach the top.

• Haystacks – 5 miles
• Blencathra – 7 miles
• High Stile – 9 miles
• Scafell Pike – 9 miles
• Cat Bells, Maiden Moor & High Spy – 12 miles
• Newlands Round – 13 miles

The Lake District is England’s premier national park with outstanding mountain scenery.

Close to Keswick and situated slap bang on the shore of Derwentwater, with the glassy lake on one side and the razor-edged ridges, humpbacked fells and muscular mountains of the Lake District on the other, beautiful Derwent Bank has been entrancing walkers since 1785. Extensive refurbishment and investment have seen this established walkers’ retreat transformed into a beautiful country house hotel perfect for people looking to explore the great outdoors. It’s also perfect for drinking in the views over a glass of something chilled on the terrace. With 41 bedrooms across the main house and garden rooms as well as a rustic ‘pod’ to sleep in, there’s plenty of space, along with a pretty orangery, large lounge and relaxed vibe. The lakeside land encompasses a formal garden, extensive lawns and mature trees. The emphasis is on enjoying the great outdoors and it’s all made super easy with walkers’ facilities from an inspiration point equipped with maps and route ideas to a boot room and drying space – this is the Lakes, after all. With views of Cat Bells and Grizedale Pike, the inspiration for adventure is never far away. Venture out from the house to head to the high peaks such as Scafell Pike, Blencathra and Helvellyn or stick to the lower slopes and lakes; Ullswater, arguably the most beautiful of the Cumbrian lakes, Borrowdale and Buttermere are all within easy reach.

The nearest town to Derwent Bank is Keswick, about two miles away. As a popular tourist destination it has a range of facilities including supermarkets, banks, a post office, pubs and cafés. It is also well known for its huge number of outdoor shops where you can buy an array of clothing and equipment for the outdoors.

Take a leisurely journey around Derwentwater on the ferry – a great way to see the surrounding mountains from a different perspective. The nearest stop at Nichol End is just a few minutes’ walk from Derwent Bank.

Situated by the lakeshore in Keswick, the Theatre By The Lake offers an excellent repertoire of plays in the main house and smaller studio theatre. The theatre’s popularity means that advance booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

Go underground on the mine tour at this famous Lake District mine which is situated at the top of Honister Pass between Borrowdale and Buttermere. Here you can travel underground and learn about the history of Lake District slate production. Honister Slate Mine is around 30 minutes’ drive from Derwent Bank, and can also be reached directly using the Honister Rambler bus.

Whinlatter Forest is England’s only true mountain forest. Its 9 walking trails and 3 cycling trails reward with views over Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. It is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. The forest also has a Go Ape centre with a high ropes course and an all-terrain Segway trail.

Hire a canoe or sailing boat from Derwent Water Marina and enjoy one of England’s most beautiful lakes from a different perspective. Just five minutes’ walk from Derwent Bank.

Grasmere is about 30 minutes’ drive from Derwent Bank and is famous for its connections with William Wordsworth as well as its traditional gingerbread shop. The poet’s homes at Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount can be visited, the former of which includes the Wordsworth Museum. The house and gardens of Wordsworth’s birthplace can also be visited in Cockermouth; the house is owned by the National Trust. This pleasant market town is to the north-west of Derwent Bank. Both Grasmere and Cockermouth can be reached by local bus from Keswick.

About 30 minutes’ drive from Derwent Bank is Ullswater, arguably the most beautiful of the Cumbrian lakes. Enjoy its glorious scenery either on foot or by steamer. If you are visiting the Ullswater area you could also visit the superb waterfall of Aira Force or the country house and gardens at Dalemain. Dalemain also hosts the annual marmalade awards and festival.

The Lake District Wildlife Park is home to over 100 species in its 24-acre site. Watch the antics of the otters, apes, meerkats and monkeys and marvel at the flying displays of eagles and vultures.

Carlisle, about 45 minutes’ drive from Derwent Bank is the historic county town of Cumbria. Here you’ll find a good selection of shops, the cathedral and the 900 year old castle where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner. Of particular interest is the Tullie House Museum which is recognised for its exciting, varied events and exhibitions programme and is full of exciting interactive displays.