It was just a short drive from the Castlerigg Stone Circle to Derwent Water, my nest stop on the way to Buttermere. South of Keswick, it´s a lovely lake with several islands and there was a lot going on on the water.
If you´ve watched “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” you might know Derwent Water from a scene.
“Derwentwater Foreshore has a rich and prestigious history. In the 16th century the site was used as a landing spot for the local mining industry and in the 18th and 19th century it became the inspiration for Romantic Poets such as William Wordsworth. In Victorian times the Foreshore became a focal point for the newly developing tourist industry which brought tourists to Keswick by railway.” (Keswick.org)
The four islands in the lake are all owned by the National Trust and it seemed possible to visit the house on this one – doesn´t it look like the perfect place to write a book or just switch off for a few days?
Walking around the lake would be a ten miles walk (The Derwentwater Walk), I didn´t have that much time but I grabbed a tea to go and at least walked to Friars Crag to enjoy the view “described by Ruskin as one of the three or four most beautiful views in Europe”. (Keswick.org)
Friars Crag
Making my way over the very scenic Honister Pass – even so, the view was often slightly foggy.