Beautiful views!
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Great Wood Derwentwater

4.3
·236 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover breathtaking views from Walla Crag and serene lakeside strolls around Derwentwater, a gem in the Lake District.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Blue Hour Evenings

Magical light over the water

CrowdLow
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Beautiful views!

Great Wood Derwentwater

Best Time

Blue Hour Evenings

Magical light over the water

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover breathtaking views from Walla Crag and serene lakeside strolls around Derwentwater, a gem in the Lake District.

4.3
(236 reviews)

"The views from Walla Crag are so worth it, oh my!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Fees

National Trust members park free. Non-members pay £4/2hrs or £7/4hrs. Arrive early!

⚠️ Walla Crag Scramble

Be careful on steep trails up Walla Crag; some routes have treacherous scrambles.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 236 reviews

Type

Parking

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Walla Crag Views

Walla Crag Views

Summit of Walla Crag

Breathtaking panoramic views of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. Worth the moderate climb!

Derwentwater Lakeside Stroll

Derwentwater Lakeside Stroll

Shoreline of Derwentwater

Peaceful and serene walks along the water's edge, perfect for enjoying the blue hour magic.

Catbells Hike

Catbells Hike

Near Keswick

A short, rewarding climb with stunning vistas over Derwentwater. Ideal for a quick adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Access

National Trust car parks are available, with fees for non-members (£4 for 2 hours, £7 for 4 hours). Arrive early, especially during peak season, as parking can fill up quickly. Consider walking routes that avoid steep scrambles, particularly on the southern side of Walla Crag.

Best Walking Routes

The walk up Walla Crag offers spectacular views over Derwentwater and is moderately strenuous. Be cautious of treacherous scrambles on steeper trails. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy the serene scenery around the lake itself.

Best Times

When
Blue Hour Evenings
Why
Magical light over the water
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ample parking
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Afternoons
Why
Best weather for hikes
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Who needs a peaceful Lake District trip this year? 💙 There is something magical about the blue hour, especially here on Derwentwater…
timholt
0 likes • 56.9K views

🚗 Parking Fees

National Trust members park free. Non-members pay £4/2hrs or £7/4hrs. Arrive early! Reddit

⚠️ Walla Crag Scramble

Be careful on steep trails up Walla Crag; some routes have treacherous scrambles. Reddit

*Catbells ✨ | there’s always enough time for Catbells* One of my favourite little climbs in the Lakes – short, sweet, and endlessly rewarding. Just enough of a challenge to feel earned, with cracking views over Derwentwater that make every step worth it. Great for a short adventure 🌄🐑 #Catbells #LakeDistrict #HikingUK #NatureFix #FellViews #keswick #wainwrights
tomwestcott
51 likes • 1.4K views
Days 3 & 4 Cumbria Way 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Thru-hiking the Lake District | km 45 - 70 3️⃣ Great Langdale - Rosthwaite 12 km | 7.5 mi This day is defined by one large valley that follows a beautiful river. We hiked about 4km along the river on the valley floor until we reached our big challenge of the day: a 300+ meter climb over the pass to descend and continue on to Borrowdale. The climb itself was everyth...
_thru_hiking
1.5K likes • 65.9K views

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for navigating varied terrain, especially if tackling Catbells or Walla Crag. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Golden Hour Views

The 'blue hour' offers magical light over Derwentwater. Don't miss it! :iphone:

📍Top 5 places in the Lake District- Cumbria Disclaimer- this changes weekly 😅 But these 5 are always up there. Great Gable and surrounding areas maybe should have featured too but it’s not always about the views. Some places are great for relaxing and that’s why Derwentwater is always up there for me. It’s so beautiful and serene! Buttermere has the same affect on me but with loads of charm an...
the.geordie.hiker
1K likes • 89K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Fees

National Trust members park free. Non-members pay £4/2hrs or £7/4hrs. Arrive early! Reddit

⚠️ Walla Crag Scramble

Be careful on steep trails up Walla Crag; some routes have treacherous scrambles. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for navigating varied terrain, especially if tackling Catbells or Walla Crag. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Golden Hour Views

The 'blue hour' offers magical light over Derwentwater. Don't miss it! :iphone:

🗺️ Route Planning

Check routes beforehand, especially for Walla Crag's southern side. :world_map:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(236 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the stunning views from Walla Crag and the serene beauty of Derwentwater, making it ideal for walks and photography. Parking is convenient but can be costly for non-members, and some trails on Walla Crag require caution due to steepness.

"A nice car park to venture for a walk around derwentwater and enjoy the scenery."

Terry

"Ample parking, usually National Trust staff on site to give advice. £7 for 4 hours, £4 for 2 hours, free for National Trust members. Be very careful of which route you take up Walla Crag, there is a VERY treacherous scramble if you decide to rake the steep trail."

Adventure Dogs Of Derbyshire

"Reasonably priced car parking for walking around Great Wood. Main walk to Crag has some pretty steep stepping stones on southern most side, probably better going up them than down ! Wonderful views from top."

Michael F

What People Like

Spectacular views from Walla Crag
Peaceful lakeside walks
Beautiful blue hour light

What People Dislike

Parking fees for non-members
Treacherous scrambles on some trails

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Great Wood Derwentwater is accessible by car, with National Trust car parks available. It's also reachable via public transport with bus services to Keswick, followed by a walk or local taxi. Reddit

Yes, there are National Trust car parks. Fees apply for non-members (£4 for 2 hours, £7 for 4 hours). Parking can be limited during busy periods. Reddit

Cycling routes are available in the Lake District, and you can cycle to the Great Wood area. Secure bike parking may be limited, so plan accordingly.

While the closest major hub is Keswick, reaching Great Wood directly via public transport might require a significant walk or a local taxi service from Keswick. Reddit

From Keswick, head south on the A591. Look for signs directing you to the National Trust car parks for Great Wood and Derwentwater. The exact route will depend on your starting point.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the walking areas is generally free. However, parking in the National Trust car parks requires payment unless you are a National Trust member. Reddit

The car parks and walking trails are typically open from dawn till dusk. There are no set opening hours for the natural landscape itself.

National Trust members receive free parking. There are no other specific entry discounts mentioned for the general walking areas.

Advance booking for parking is generally not available. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

No, the walks around Derwentwater and through Great Wood are free to access. The cost is associated with parking. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The walk up Walla Crag offers stunning views, though some routes can be steep and involve scrambles. Lakeside strolls are more gentle and serene. Reddit

The walk to Walla Crag is considered moderately strenuous. While the main path is manageable, some steeper trails have treacherous scrambles. Reddit

Expect beautiful lake views, surrounding fells, and woodland. The 'blue hour' is particularly magical for photography. Instagram

National Trust car parks often have basic facilities, including toilets. It's advisable to check the National Trust website for specific amenities at the Great Wood car park.

Yes, the lakeside paths are generally suitable for families. However, more challenging hikes like Walla Crag might be better for older children or those experienced with hiking.

📸 📸 Photography

The summit of Walla Crag provides panoramic vistas. The lakeside offers serene shots, especially during the 'blue hour' for atmospheric lighting. Instagram

Early morning or late evening, particularly during the 'blue hour' or golden hour, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions during blue hour. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to local regulations and landowner permission. It's best to check with the National Trust or local authorities before flying a drone in the area.

The reflections on the water, the surrounding fells, the islands on the lake, and the woodland paths are all highly photogenic. Instagram

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Great Wood Derwentwater (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide