Our local guide

Borrowdale abounds with crags challenging climbers of all levels; try the renowned Shepherd’s Crag (1.5 miles from Manesty by foot) and the less well known Black Crag (2 miles); the Bowder Stone, also within walking distance (2 miles), is great for bouldering; or tackle the unique Via Ferrata at Honister (5.5 miles). There is also the climbing and ice wall Kong Adventures in Keswick and the Keswick Climbing Wall at Castlerigg.

For outdoor swimming enthusiasts, Borrowdale is home to the famous Black Moss Pot (6 miles away), while the River Derwent has good swimming holes (less than a mile away) and the south end of Derwentwater has plenty of quiet coves. Swim the Lakes offer advice, equipment and swimming days.

You can trek across the moors at nearby Rookin House Farm.

Derwentwater and the Rivers Derwent and Greta are ideal for rowing, windsurfing, sailing and canoeing/kayaking. You can hire most gear at Nichol End Marine and Derwentwater Marina and at the Lodore landing stage (just 1.5 miles away) with Platty+, who offers professional instruction.

Fish for trout in the various nearby streams and lakes such as picturesque Watendlath Tarn, or Derwentwater, one of the national park’s major lakes. Watendlath is a stocked tarn, licenses for fishing in Derwentwater can be purchased at Youdales newsagents in Keswick.