Around Derwent Water

Saturday, 23rd October

16.2 km (10.4 miles) - 3hrs 15min

The joys of the Lake District in autumn. The leaves on the trees are just starting to turn and, whilst the weather was not brilliant - it was overcast and dull - at least it did not rain.

Having been asked to spectate and select at Cumbria vs Northumberland U18 County Fixture, I took the opportunity to go the day before and completed a circuit of Derwent Water.  This is a well worn route and doesn't really need any description, in fact at times it was like walking down a High Street such were the numbers of people undertaking (I presume) the same route.
The route directions came from walkingworld.com and described the lake in an anti-clockwise direction heading out of Keswick and across to Portinscale before joining the lakeside path which is a well maintained and easily followed route. The bottom end of the lake is now another well maintained boardwalk before emerging onto the busy Borrowdale road by the Lodore hotel.
If I have any complaint about the route it was a little confusing on the return leg and I did find myself "paddling" in the water at one point.  However, I managed the longest walk to date this year in just over 3 hours.
As an afternote the next morning and the game were in brilliant, clear sunshine.  Keswick RUFC must be one of the prettiest rugby grounds in the U.K with Skiddaw dominating the scenery. Sadly, the rugby did not live up to the expectations but you can't have everything !

Some pictures from the link