Brandelhow Bay

This walk combines a pretty woodland stroll with a meander along the shore of Derwentwater, followed by a brief walk along a narrow country lane at the end offering delightful views. In May, Brandelhow Woods are filled with bluebells. A shorter route for small children is available, and you also have the option of taking a steamer from Keswick to High Brandelhow, and starting the walk from there.

A good section of the walk is along the Cumbrian Way, which is a well-maintained national trail. Following the damage caused by Storm Desmond in December 2015, part of the path in Brandelhow has become damaged and if you are using an all terrain pushchair you may need to carry it over some sections.

The Start of the Walk

The walk begins at Grid Ref NY 248 201, where there is a gate leading into Brandelhow Park. There is parking along the roadside by the gate and at various points along the road. To get here, take the turning to Portinscale from the A66, and driving through Portinscale, follow the signs for Grange and the Hawse End Centre.

Go past the turning for the Hawse End Centre and follow the road up and across a cattle grid. After the cattle grid the road turns sharply left, signposted for Grange. The gate is about half a mile after this sharp turning.

The Path through Brandelhow

At the other side of the kissing gate, there is a path that leads you through the woodland. There is a larger gate adjacent to the kissing gate but it is often locked so if you are using an all terrain pushchair it is best to wait until you are through the gate before putting your child in it as you will need to lift the pushchair over the gate. The woodland provides a great place to spot local wildlife and during May the entire area is carpeted with bluebells.

The Crossroads

You will reach a crossroads in the path. Continue straight on. After this point there is a short section of path that has suffered from storm damage. In places the ground is uneven and if you are using an all-terrain pram you may need assistance to lift the pram over some of the more uneven sections. Young children should be supervised carefully to avoid any falls.

Arriving at Derwent Water

Continue following the path and the lake will eventually come into view. You will have arrived at Withesike Bay. It is here that you will join the Cumbrian Way.

Along the Shoreline

Turn right at the shore to follow the Cumbrian Way, keeping the lake to your left. As you walk along this path there are plenty of places to skim stones or paddle in the water. You may also spot some ducks and other wildlife.

High Brandelow – Landing Stage

You will eventually arrive at the jetty for the Keswick Launch. You can get a boat to here from Keswick, and start the walk at this point in the loop if you prefer. There are a couple of picnic benches close to the jetty.

Alternative Route – Shorter Distance

Just past the jetty there is a turning on the right leading back up the hill. This turning will take you back to the crossroads, where you will need to turn left to re-join the path back up to the gate at the start point.

This is a much shorter route (approximately one-mile) and is therefore ideal for young children and those with limited time. Alternatively, continue on the Cumbrian Way, keeping the lake to your left.

Away from the Shore

The path meanders through woodland before turning sharply left onto a pebble shore. Follow the path round to the right and you will see a gate. Go through the gate and take the path leading off to the left.

Joining The Track

Stay on the path, crossing a small, flat wooden bridge, heading towards the house. The path continues past the house on the right, and just past the house there is a gate on the left that leads onto a track. Go through this gate and continue straight on. You will then come to another gate, which you will need to go through. At this point you will leave the Cumbria Way which turns left, and continue straight on along the track.

The Return Along The Road

The track winds through woodland before reaching another gate that marks its end. Here you will re-join the road. Turn right to follow the road back to the start point.

This is a narrow lane with infrequent slow moving traffic, but young children should be supervised. There are some lovely views of Derwent Water from this road as you ascend up the hill.