No visit to Keswick would be complete without taking in the views across and along Derwentwater. But while many visitors know that the lakeshore can be reached beyond the Theatre by the Lake, just outside Keswick itself, fewer people know about the short walk to nearby Friar’s Crag – and to miss the views here would be a crying shame!
I’ll start this account from the car park next to the Theatre by the Lake, but you can easily walk to this starting point from Keswick town centre itself too. To do so, follow Lake Road as it heads downhill to a subway below the main road, and you can then take a stroll away from the road through beautiful Hope Park. Here’s what Hope Park looked like the other day when I visited (the rest of the photos in this post were taken around four weeks ago – where did that time go?!).
Somewhere I’d never visited before was Crow Park, which is opposite the Theatre by the Lake, and is basically a grassy hill which extends down to the shore of Derwentwater. Despite the mud after a period of sustained rainfall, my companion and I quickly got into the gem-hunting spirit and dutifully squelched our way to the top of the hill.
It was well worth it, because the view over the lake was lovely, and to my complete surprise the panorama towards the town was even lovelier! From here Keswick’s Victorian architecture resembles a sort of toy town, which I think makes a great photograph!
Moving on to the lake foreshore, we passed the National Trust shop and information centre, and the area where the Keswick Launch comes in. I’d not been here for some time, so was surprised to come across all the improvements, including ornate ironwork, benches and picnic seats – all very nice, and according to the Derwentwater Foreshore Project website, installed between 2008 and ’12.
This is the point at which some people don’t explore any further, but don’t miss out. Beyond the concrete walkway, a footpath continues along, and is signposted Friar’s Crag. It’s mostly level with some slopes, and continues through the trees above the lakeshore for about 10 minutes.
Look at what you find at the end! It’s a sort of rocky outcrop above the lake, and I love the gnarled old tree roots, characterful tree trunks and yellow gorse bushes. They frame the views beautifully.
From the vantage point of Friar’s Crag, you can also look down over Strandshag Bay, and can also take a walk there. We didn’t venture any further, as we had a flask of tea waiting in the car with our name on it!
Talking of tea, the Theatre by the Lake opened its new café last year, and the building inside is beautiful. I hear the food’s good too, though I’ve not stopped to try it out yet. More and more I’m taking a flask out these days because I never know where I’ll be photographing and usually just follow the light – Friar’s Crag wasn’t actually the plan at all on this particular day… I’ll be back though. 🙂
To visualise any walking route, it does help to see a map, so do take a look online at the Lake District National Park’s Miles without Stiles route map for Friar’s Crag. This map points out that you can extend the walk to take in a circular route back through Cockshott Wood, if you’re motivated to do so. There are guides on ways you can make the most of this area with children, and how to enjoy a summer stargazing walk, as well as a phone app, on the Derwentwater Foreshore Project website.
Have you any more tips on how to enjoy the walk to Friar’s Crag and surrounding area? If so, do please let other readers know by leaving a comment below.
