However, much of this route involves not walking but swimming between two of Derwent Water’s islands, offering spectacular views down the centre of the lake to the surrounding fells. The smaller Rampsholme island looks wonderful as you approach it, but is somewhat less appealing when you actually get there. The walking sections are a mix of woodland and fields with two notable viewpoints en route, including the rugged friar’s Crag. There’s also an interesting piece of public art to discover.
[1] From the Theatre by the Lake (NY264228) head South to Friar’s Crag (NY263222).
There is a bench here and a memorial commemorating the fact that John Ruskin visited the viewpoint when he was a small child.
[2] Descend to the rocky platform beneath the crag, and swim for the northwest side of Lord’s Island (NY264220). Slip through a gap in the bushy trees that fringe the shore and explore the island.
At first, the ground is stony, with broken glass, so wear shoes. Then comes a mess of fallen trees, and among them the ruins of the manor house (NY265218). Look out for patches of wild garlic here.
Head for the southern end of the island, where the trees become more open. Descend a steep 5ft bank and squeeze through small trees to the rocky beach on the southern shore.
[3] Swim south to Rampsholme Island (NY263214). The island’s dark trees make a distinctive bell shape.
Land on the steep-sided pebble spit (NY263214) at the northeast corner of Rampsholme.
If you visit the main part of the island, prepare to be disappointed: there are beautiful tall oaks and pines, but the ground is thick with bird droppings.
[4] From Rampsholme spit, swim to the copse (NY267215) at the northwest point of Calf Close Bay. The copse is on raised ground and looks rather like another island. Land on the stony beach beneath the copse; keep to the south of the fence. Follow the beach east into the bay.
(A) Just beyond the copse and at the edge of the beach is a large sculpted rock (NY268215), split in half to reveal a pattern like some giant fossilised egg.
Double back up to the copse, and take the field path north to Stable Hills (NY267218). Continue north to the gateway left and join the swamp path through the Ings (NY269220), with its tall grass and tangled trees.
[5] Exit the Ings at Strandshag Bay (NY266222). Turn sharp right over the field to the southeast corner of Cockshot Wood (NY266225). Follow the path north along the eastern boundary of the wood to emerge in the large Lakeside car park. The car park adjoins the Theatre by the Lake.