Derwentwater
Derwentwater has become known as Queen of the Lakes, and it is not difficult to
understand why. Although a largish lake (the widest in Lakeland), 
it is extremely shallow -
so shallow, in fact, that roe deer from surrounding woodland have been known to swim across to
Lord's Island, one of Derwentwater's small, wooded islands. In addition to
Derwentwater's seven permanent islands there is, occasionally, a curious floating island. This
mass of tangled vegetation appears when marsh gases (upon which it rests at the bottom of the
lake) become trapped in the weeds and carry the 'island' to the surface.
The surrounding fells, especially the dominant northern fell Skiddaw, provide a stunning backdrop when Derwentwater is viewed from the Borrowdale valley to the south. Derwentwater actually marks a geological divide between the slate rock of Skiddaw in the north of the Lake District and the volcanic rock of Borrowdale and the rest of central Lakeland.
At the northern end of Derwentwater is the popular town of Keswick, a short distance north east is the mysterious Castlerigg Stone Circle, and near the eastern shore is the picturesque Ashness Bridge, while at the southern end, in the Borrowdale valley, is the intriguing Bowder Stone.
The Keswick Launch ferry service operates on the lake, with ports of call at various places around the shoreline, including the marina at the north eastern shore, a few minutes walk fom Keswick town centre. The ferry is a particularly splendid way of enjoying the scenery of Derwentwater. For those who wish to explore the lake at their own pace, rowing boats are also available for hire, and many who hire a craft of their own like to land on one of the lake's islands to enjoy a delightful picnic.