Strandshag Bay

Take a picnic

With its stunning views across the Lakeland fells and the peaceful waters of Derwentwater, Strandshag Bay is an excellent spot for a picnic. Prepare some sandwiches and snacks in the well-equipped self-catering kitchen at YHA Keswick before you set off, and you’ve got everything you need for a perfect afternoon in the Lakes.

Try wild swimming

Derwentwater is a fantastic place to take a wild swim in the Lake District. Strandshag Bay offers a shallow entry into the lake. This area is also perfect for paddling and splashing around if you don’t fancy a proper swim, although there are deeper waters further out.

Whether you fancy a quick dip or you’re a more seasoned swimmer, everyone can enjoy the waters here.

Be sure to take local advice on the weather and water conditions, always swim with a buddy, and bring a flotation device with you. Remember that the water is likely to be very cold, even in summer!

Enjoy the spectacular views

You’ll be spoilt for choice no matter where you look when you’re on Strandshag Bay, as there is beautiful mountain scenery in every direction. It’s the perfect place to switch off and spend a few peaceful moments.

Across Derwentwater, you’ll see Branlehow Park, Catbells, Causey Pike, and Borrowdale. You’ll also be able to see Lord’s Island, which is home to a variety of birdlife.

Follow Friar’s Crag walk

From Strandshag Bay, it’s a short walk to Friar’s Crag, a promontory that juts out into Derwentwater and offers another beautiful view over the lake and the fells of Walla Crag, Maiden Moor, and Castle Crag. There’s a bench here where you can sit and take in the views.

Here you’ll also find a slate monument erected in 1900 as a memorial to English artist, thinker, and writer John Ruskin, who had many associations with Keswick. He first visited the town in 1824, and later he said that the view from the crag was one of the finest in Europe.

Walk around Derwentwater

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can add a stop at Strandshag Bay to a longer walk around Derwentwater. You can walk the entire way around the lake on flat, easy paths which are waymarked.

The walk is around 10 miles (16 kilometres) long and should take between five and six hours at a leisurely pace. If you start from one of the National Trust car parks at either Great Wood or Kettlewell, then Strandshag Bay is a great place to stop for a rest and a refuel during your walk.

Derwentwater is the third largest lake in the Lake District by area, after Windermere and Ullswater, and one of its most beautiful. There are lots more things to do on the lake, including boat trips and water sports.

Take photographs

Whether you’re a budding Instagram influencer or a serious photographer, you’ll find plenty of subject matter at Strandshag Bay. This area is a photographer’s dream with reflections on the water, tree-lined edges, and a background full of fells. Try a long exposure on the view from Friar’s Crag for a spectacular pic!