Brandlehow is an easy, low level walk, along the shores of Derwentwater in the Lake District.  This mostly flat (but not pushchair friendly) circular walk is about 2.3 miles and can be started at any point on the route.

You could get the launch and start the walk at one of the jetties, or park up, like we did underneath of Catbells.  Roadside parking is free, but limited.  Please do not park on any double yellow lines or farm entrances.  Traffic wardens do regularly give out tickets to illegally parked cars in this popular spot.

So we parked on the road side at grid reference 324520 and walked down a rather muddy track that led us onto the footpath.  We walked clockwise, so headed northwards on the path, eventually dropping down and turning sharp right onto the bigger bridleway that runs alongside the waters edge.

It’s worth the short detour on the headland at Otterbield Bay.  Beautiful views across the water and fun for the kids to climb up.  You’ll also find a tree swing near the landing stage at Victoria Bay.

The wooden hands sculpture is at GR 325520 and is a great photo opportunity!

After stopping for our hot dogs, we continued south, along the lake shore until we reached the Brandlehow landing stage.  You could get the boat back from here, or if you parked up, take the sharp right path up the hill into the woods and back to the car.

Full route map here:

Today we took our own hot dogs and buns (see our top tips here) so didn’t stop at a pub today.  But there are plenty in Keswick and the surrounding area.  Our favourite in Keswick town centre is the Royal Oak Pub.

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