Derwentwater Webcam

One of the beautiful Lake District’s highest mountains, Skiddaw



Hosted by:
  • The Lingholm Estate
  • Portinscale - Keswick
  • CA12 5TZ - United Kingdom
  • +44 (0) 17687 74238
  • [email protected]
  • https://thelingholmestate.co.uk/

Derwentwater History

Derwentwater is a large lake located in the Lake District National Park in North West England. The lake is approximately 3 miles long, 1 mile wide, and has a maximum depth of 72 feet. Derwentwater has been an important site for human settlement and activity for thousands of years.

The earliest evidence of human activity in the Derwentwater area dates back to the Stone Age, when the area was used for hunting and gathering. Later, during the Bronze Age, the area was used for agriculture and the construction of stone circles and other ritual monuments. In the medieval period, the area was part of the forest of Derwentwater, which was used for hunting by the local lord.

In the 18th century, the Derwentwater area became popular with tourists and visitors, who were drawn to the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding hills. The lake was also used for transportation, with boats and barges used to transport goods and passengers.

During the 19th century, the area around Derwentwater became a popular destination for artists and writers, including John Ruskin, William Wordsworth, and Beatrix Potter. The lake and surrounding hills provided inspiration for their work and helped to popularize the Lake District as a tourist destination.

Today, Derwentwater remains a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding hills, as well as a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and fishing. The lake is also an important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and mammals such as otters and red squirrels.

Derwentwater Top Tourist Attractions

There are several tourist attractions in and around Derwentwater that are popular with visitors:

  • Boat trips: One of the best ways to explore Derwentwater is by boat. There are several companies offering boat trips around the lake, ranging from traditional rowing boats to larger motorized boats.
  • Keswick: The nearby town of Keswick is a popular destination for visitors to Derwentwater. It has a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as several attractions such as the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery.
  • Castlerigg Stone Circle: This ancient stone circle is located just a few miles from Derwentwater and is one of the most impressive and well-preserved examples of its kind in the UK.
  • Dodd Wood: This woodland area on the eastern shore of Derwentwater offers several walking trails and is home to a range of wildlife, including red squirrels.
  • Derwentwater Marina: This marina is located on the western shore of the lake and offers a range of water sports activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing.
  • Honister Slate Mine: This working slate mine is located in the nearby Honister Pass and offers guided tours, as well as opportunities to try your hand at slate mining.
  • Theatre by the Lake: This theater, located on the shores of Derwentwater, offers a range of performances throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and comedy shows.

These are just a few of the many attractions in and around Derwentwater that are popular with visitors.

Derwentwater Climate

Derwentwater is located in the Lake District National Park in North West England, and its climate is classified as oceanic. This means that the area experiences mild temperatures throughout the year, with relatively cool summers and mild winters.

The average temperature in the summer months (June to August) is around 17-18°C (62-64°F), with highs occasionally reaching into the low 20s°C (low 70s°F). The winter months (December to February) are milder than in many other parts of the UK, with average temperatures of around 4-5°C (39-41°F). However, the area can experience significant rainfall throughout the year, with an average of around 200-250mm (8-10 inches) of rain per month in the wettest months of the year.

Due to its location in the Lake District, Derwentwater can also experience microclimates, with weather conditions varying depending on the altitude and position relative to the lake. The hills around the lake can also create windier conditions, which can make the temperature feel cooler than it actually is. Visitors to the area should be prepared for a range of weather conditions and pack appropriate clothing and gear for their activities.

Derwentwater Geography

Derwentwater is a large lake located in the northern part of the Lake District National Park in North West England. It is approximately 3 miles long and 1 mile wide, with a maximum depth of 72 feet.

The lake is fed by several small streams and rivers, including the River Derwent, which flows into the lake at its southern end, and the Newlands Beck, which flows into the lake at its northwestern end. The lake is surrounded by a range of hills, including Catbells to the west, Skiddaw to the north, and Borrowdale Fell to the east.

Several islands can be found in the lake, including Derwent Island, which is owned by the National Trust and can be visited by boat. There are also several jetties and piers around the lake, including at Keswick on the northeastern shore, and at Lodore on the southern shore.

The area around Derwentwater is characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain, with numerous walking and hiking trails offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills. The landscape around the lake is also dotted with small farms and villages, many of which have historic buildings and architecture. Overall, the geography of Derwentwater and the surrounding area is a major draw for visitors, with its dramatic scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation.