THE FOOTNOTES
Every print from Marking The Wild comes with its own trail story, this is yours.
Here you’ll find sketches, route details, reflections from the walk, and a few extra notes I couldn’t quite fit on paper.
Think of it as a companion to the artwork; a small way to step into the moment with me, and maybe take the journey for yourself.
Derwentwater: Derwent Wander
This route came from a gentle stroll with friends on a Lake District caravan holiday, but I couldn’t help taking advantage of the views across the water to the marvellous Catbells. Derwentwater has a refinement that comes from the boats drawn up in careful rows, clipped lawns meeting lakeshores, and the steady hum of visitors moving between jetties, paths, parks and shops. But step only a little beyond that polished edge of Keswick and the landscape changes to a hidden wild. Whilst we didn’t make it quite as far as Walla Crag or Bleaberry Fell, a jaunt up Castlehead still offers a different side to this well known location with splendid views for adequate effort.
Derwentwater offers some stunning views as the light glints over the water and the fells gather around it like an audience. The lake feels composed even on grey days, a landscape that understands the art of making an entrance without raising its voice.
This route does have a short stretch along the roadside which feels like crossing a threshold; leaving the tidy bustle behind as the path turns upward into the woodland and another kind of bustle. Branches lean in, moss thickens on rock, and the climb draws you just high enough to feel like you’ve stepped somewhere slightly secret. Castlehead’s summit isn’t grand but it will serve you well. Derwentwater laid out in full, Catbells rising in soft folds across the water. Really you could end the walk here and return to the town for an ice-cream or hot chocolate, but you’d be missing out on the lakeshore’s charm.
Walking along this lakeside has an old-timey English affection. It’s a place where adventure stays gentle and the landscape holds its majesty lightly, inviting you to take your time with every pause. A soft adventure wrapped in a very English sense of order.
Waypoints Through The Wild
Start: Leave Lakeside Car Park and instead of following the crowds hook a right past Keswick Mountain Rescue, following a small pathway and across the main roads not once but twice.
Another right and straight over the roundabout will have you following the pavement until it disappears coming to an abrupt stop. This is when you’ll notice a small narrow pathway into the wood, where the noise softens and the woodland gathers around you. Follow the clear ascent as it winds toward the summit. Continue climbing until you reach Castlehead viewpoint. Take in the full sweep of Derwentwater, Keswick and the fells.
Begin your descent on the opposite side of the hill, dropping through woodland and turning back towards the road. This is where you’ll come across some on road walking, so remember to walk on the right side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, and stay cautious. If you’re unsure about walking roadside then this part can be avoided by returning from the summit the same way you climbed. Either way you’ll end up crossing the road to a footpath that runs alongside it.
Journey this path all the way down until it points you rightwards and a short walk later take another right following the path into the wood. This path brings you out next to the lake, and reveals a charming view at Friars Crag. Follow the lakeshore as it curves past rowing boats, landing stages and jetties until you reach the point where the path leads gently back toward Lakeside Car Park.
Finnish: Of course it would be rude not to visit Hope Park and some of the local shops and cafes too.
Sense The Scene
See: wide lake views framed by fells, woodland shade, wooden jetties and neat rows of rowing boats.
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Hear: soft water lapping at the shore, footsteps on well trodden sandy trails, overheard chatter from the other ramblers.
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Smell: woodland musk, cool lake air, damp sand, a jasmine tea like scent from, well, if i told you that might ruin it. (ok… it’s from the local otter’s droppings).
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Feel: the smooth polished wood of the row boats, gritty sandy pebbles, the leaves overhanging the water.
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Taste: wild garlic in spring & early autumn, fresh water moss in the air, chocolate treats from Ye Olde Friars, Keswick.
Practical Parts
Parking: Lakeside Car Park near Theatre by the Lake.
Facilities: Cafés, kiosks, toilets and the theatre close to the start and end points.
Hazards: Short roadside section, tree roots on woodland paths, slippery surfaces near water, busy areas around the jetties during peak hours.
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