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The River Derwent and its tributaries is one of the finest large river systems in Europe. The quality and importance of the wildlife and habitats along the river is widely recognised and they are protected under European law as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The river is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Salmon and sea trout are in decline on the Greta and Derwent as in many other parts of the U.K. The Derwent and Greta rivers and their tributaries are key spawning and nursery areas for these fish and essential to their survival.
The descent can be paddled from Borrowdale into Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake and to the tidal limit at Workington by permit and booking system.
The Upper Derwent is fed by several other rivers in the valleys at the head of Borrowdale. It then leaves Derwentwater, is joined by the Greta at Keswick (Middle Derwent), on its way to Bassenthwaite Lake which outflows (Lower Derwent) through Cockermouth to the Irish Sea at Workington.
Upper Derwent – Grade 2 becoming Grade 1 Descent to Derwentwater. White water after Grange. About 1 hour’s trip of up to 8km, scenic below crags in wooded valley. Road and footpaths close by. Small rapids with shingle banks, some boulders, becoming flat for 2 or 3km before the lake. Inviting, crystal clear, pale green water. River journey - 8km/1hour. Water levels - can be assessed from Grange-in-Borrowdale bridge. If viable route between the shingle banks exists, the rest of the river will be deep enough for a trip.
Access – At very high water levels access at Mountain View (GR NY250137) or even Seathwaite-in-Borrowdale (ask permission at the farm). At a high water level access on Stonethwaite Beck at Rosthwaite Bridge (GR NY257151). Access is usually possible at Grange Bridge (254174) and near the Bowderstone (parking at Bowderstone car park, metered). In summer this area is often congested. Access at Hollows Farm campsite for residents. Kettlewell car park (GR 267195) is a useful point of egress (see Derwentwater details).
Car Parking - Kettlewell Car Park (NT, metered, 400m N of the Mary Mount Hotel) is the nearest you can park a car to the water on this lake. Users are asked not to leave boat trailers here, operate commercially without permission, or with large groups.
Near the start there is car parking at Seatoller and on the road to Stonethwaite (free on the verge past the school).
Hazards – Grade 2 white water rapid by the Longthwaite Youth Hostel. Boulders in the bed of the river at rapids. Shingle banks at low water levels.
Maps – OS OL4 The English Lakes NW; Harveys' Superwalker Lakeland W.
Middle Derwent – Grade 1 & 2 River journey – 8km+/1hr
Water Levels – Can carry a large volume in flood; shows shingle banks when low. Seasonal issues with salmon redds (breeding grounds) at river entry into Bassenthwaite Lake.
During November and December paddling on the Greta and Middle Derwent is restricted, based on water level: This needs ‘spate conditions’, defined as being indicated by a white painted line as river level marker, situated at Portinscale Foot Bridge on the E foundation under bridge (GR:NY253238). If the water is above that mark, it is OK to paddle.
Below the white line, paddlers are asked to keep off the river (during Nov – Dec) so that the environmental impact is limited. This concerns the salmon stocks and relates to damage to the spawning fish and spawning beds.
Access – from Derwentwater via one of the locations referred to on the Derwentwater page. Bear in mind that unless you have bought a permit for Bassenthwaite Lake, you must leave the river at the last bridge (Low Stock) GR NY236268. A track goes right to the A591, where there may be limited parking on a forestry access track on N side of road.
From the River Greta at its confluence near Derwent Hill Outdoor Education Centre.
The agreement is that canoeing can take place on the Middle Derwent 365 days a year with some minor restrictions: 1st January to (and including) 31st October - access agreed subject to general conditions of use that include access and egress at permitted places. 1st November to (and including) 31st December - Canoeing may take place on the River Greta and Middle River Derwent in spate conditions as defined in ‘Water Levels’ above.
There is no right of navigation, so to take any craft on Bassenthwaite Lake you must have a permit; £3 per day in 2006, available from either Keswick Tourist Information Centre (tel 017687 72645), FSC Blencathra Centre, Threlkeld (tel 017687 79601), The Pheasant Inn reception (near Peel Wyke) tel 017687 76234, or Derwentwater Marina, Portinscale, Keswick (tel 017687 72924).
Lake District National Park Authority produces ‘A lake user’s guide’ leaflet free, which shows the very limited access and egress locations. Boat users are asked to respect the no boating zones at the S end and at Bowness Bay (NE side). These protect the most important sites for breeding and over-wintering birds.
Canoeists entering Bassenthwaite Lake from the River Derwent are asked to pass through the no boating zone as quickly and quietly as possible, keeping along the east shore past the Wildlife Reserve notice, before crossing to Hursthole Point.
Paddlers can then leave the lake at Peel Wyke (public launching site) or Blackstock Point. Both are accessed from the A66 main road. Please do not land between the river mouth and Hursthole.
Car Parking – For Derwentwater: At Keswick, the Theatre by the Lake car park (metered) gives access on foot to the small beach and the public landings used by the lake tour operators.
Further down the E shore on Borrowdale Road, Great Wood car park could be used but a fairly long carry across the main road and through more woodland to the shore would be needed.
There is a layby below Falcon Crag (beside the main road, just S of Great Wood) which means a carry down a steep bank to the water. Kettlewell car park is the nearest you can park a car to the water on this lake.
Car Parking - For Bassenthwaite Lake. By the A591 there may be limited parking on a forestry access track across the road from Low Stock bridge. (Please do not park on the track to the bridge). The A66 has several laybys on its NE side, Blackstock Point (GR NY221272) the largest tree-covered headland, being popular with osprey watchers and giving access to the water after a short walk. Peel Wyke (GR NY203308) is the official public launching site for small craft. It is accessed from the A66 where the old road branches left (signed The Pheasant), then turn right into the trees where free car parking meets the water at a miniature ‘harbour’ with slipway, tucked under the main road.
Hazards – Trees overhanging the banks. Waves caused by shallow water over shingle.
Maps – OS Outdoor Leisure 4 The English Lakes NW; Harveys' Superwalker Lakeland N and Lakeland W.
Lower Derwent – Grade 1 & 2
A hard-won canoeing access agreement exists for the River Derwent from its outflow at Bassenthwaite Lake to the tidal limit at Workington. A large, wide river with shingle banks and some weirs. River journey – up to 15km/9mls/3hrs. Water Levels – must be at or above the red lines on all river level gauges. (The Environment Agency’s ‘Rivercall’ information service includes the Derwent, tel 0906 6197733).
Access – Canoeing can take place between 1st November and including 31st January, subject to a list of prescribed conditions including prior notice. No access to the river other than from designated points listed on the agreement document. Large groups (more than 10) are asked to avoid the river between Bassenthwaite and Cockermouth. Registering intent of use is required prior to date of use stating the number of canoeists to use the river: The Calvert Trust administer this, tel 017687 72255. Refer to download ‘Lower Derwent Agreement’ from the Cumbria Canoeists website for essential arrangements - www.cumbriacanoeists.org.uk.
Car Parking – See Bassenthwaite Lake details - otherwise roadside where allowed.
Hazards – Weirs, some broken. Small standing waves.
Maps – OS Landranger 89 West Cumbria.
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