Portinscale on Derwentwater

Portinscale lies directly on the shore of Derwentwater. The lake and its paths offer different points of reference for planning your stay.

Walking trails for different outings

Walking options range from easy circular routes through the village to longer paths along Derwent Water and more challenging hikes in the surrounding mountains. This lets you choose different focuses for your days: a loop around the village, a longer route by the lake or a more challenging mountain hike. This range makes choosing a route a part of planning your day.

Howrahs Path and Derwent Water Lakeshore

Howrahs Path connects Keswick and Portinscale through the open, flat valley of the River Derwent. There are bus stops at both ends, and the path can be walked as a one-way route. This distinguishes it from a village loop: it connects two places, while the easy circular walks in the village are designed as loops.

The “Derwent Water Lakeshore” route starts at the village crossroads in Portinscale and runs mostly along paved paths. It is mostly flat, although some sections may be rough and wet after rain. Comparing it with Howrahs Path reveals differences in starting points and path features: the Lakeshore route starts in the village, while Howrahs Path connects Keswick and Portinscale. Also bear in mind that individual sections of the Lakeshore route may be wet and rough after rain.

Canoes and kayaks on Derwentwater

At Derwent Water Marina in Portinscale, you can hire Canadian canoes seasonally and explore one of the lake’s islands. If this outing is part of your travel plans, check in advance whether the seasonal hire is available during your travel dates.

Kayak hire on the west shore

Nichol End Marine is on the west shore of Derwentwater in the Lake District, where kayaks are available to hire. This offers a different type of boat from the Canadian canoes available for seasonal hire at Derwent Water Marina in Portinscale. Exploring an island on the lake is also mentioned in connection with the marina.

Walk to Keswick and Hawes End

You can walk from Portinscale to Keswick along quiet roads and paths. The distance is about one mile, or around 20 minutes. This gives you a specific reference point for planning the walk between the two places. A short walk also leads to Hawes End landing stage, where you can catch the Keswick Launch. If you plan to take the launch, check the timetable for your travel day. The walk to Keswick and the route to the landing stage are different points of reference for planning your day. For timing, you can directly compare the short walk to the landing stage with the roughly 20-minute walk to Keswick.

Discover more destinations: Gamblesby, Cleator, Orton, Kirkby Thore, Morland, Dufton, Gleaston, St Bees.

To the regional travel overview: Cumbria.