Keswick, Cumbria

Friar’s Crag

Viewpoint

Place photograph

7.2

Wildland

Under 1 hour

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

LakesideHillsWalkersPhotographersCouples

Why it's Wildland

7.2

A rocky lakeshore point where Derwentwater opens towards Borrowdale and the surrounding fells.

Friar’s Crag earns its place for the direct encounter between lake, rocky shore and fell scenery, reached by a short accessible path from Keswick’s lakeside. It is an excellent brief escape rather than a remote or demanding destination.

Peaceful · Dramatic

Find your way

Open map

Keswick, Cumbria

Opening map…

Explore around here Get directions

Know this place a little better?

Add photos Add video Add a waypoint Improve information Report a change

The experience

Come for the lakeshore path and the view from the crag. Keep it brief with a walk to the viewpoint, or extend the visit along the Derwentwater shore. The National Trust also describes easy and moderate waymarked trails from Keswick Lakeside shop and Great Wood car park.

Things to do

Walk the accessible path to Friar’s Crag

Follow the accessible path from the Derwentwater foreshore to the rocky viewpoint.

Short walk; exact duration not verified

Take in the view towards Borrowdale

From the crag, look across Derwentwater towards Borrowdale and the surrounding fells.

Extend the walk on a waymarked trail

The National Trust describes easy and moderate trails starting from the Keswick Lakeside shop and Great Wood car park, ranging from half a mile to 1¾ miles. Check route details and conditions before setting out.

Pause at Crow Park

Crow Park is a grassy lakeside rise opposite the Theatre by the Lake, with views over Derwentwater and back towards Keswick.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Under 1 hour

Quick escape: walk to the crag

01
Reach the Derwentwater foreshore near Keswick.
02
Follow the accessible path to Friar’s Crag.
03
Pause at the viewpoint for views across the lake towards Borrowdale and the fells, then return the way you came.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it: crag and Keswick foreshore

01
Walk from Keswick towards the lakeside and Friar’s Crag.
02
Continue your outing on a suitable waymarked trail from the Keswick Lakeside shop, choosing from the easy or moderate routes described by the National Trust.
03
Return towards Crow Park; the National Trust lists the Moon and Sixpence coffee shop nearby. Check current opening details before relying on it.

Verified history

A supplied travel source reports a connection between Friar’s Crag and writer and critic John Ruskin, and says a simple Ruskin memorial stands on the crag. The available evidence does not establish further dates or details, so none are added here.

When to go

· Choose a clear spell for visibility; no specific time of day is verified.

The supplied sources establish the viewpoint and accessible path but do not identify a seasonal highlight or best months.

Visibility affects the views; check local conditions and route information before visiting.

Worth pairing with

Crow Park

A grassy lakeside rise near the Theatre by the Lake, described as offering views over the lake and towards Keswick.

Moon and Sixpence

The National Trust lists this locally owned coffee shop near Crow Park. Check current opening details before planning around it.

What to look for

Look across Derwentwater towards Borrowdale and the surrounding fells. A supplied source also reports a Ruskin memorial on the crag.

The story

John Ruskin connection; a memorial is reported on the crag.

Best time to go

All year; choose a clear day for the broadest views across Derwentwater.

Choose a clear day when the fells and lake are visible; early or late light may suit photography, but a specific best time is not verified.

How long to spend

Under 1 hour

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Couples

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Keswick CA12 5DJ

Website

nationaltrust.org.uk

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.8 · 1,864 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A short, accessible path leads to Friar’s Crag. Check current route conditions and access information before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

Check before visiting. The National Trust lists several pay-and-display car parks in the Borrowdale valley; confirm which is most suitable for Friar’s Crag.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

The National Trust page mentions Moon and Sixpence near Crow Park. Check current opening and details before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are welcome at the National Trust’s outdoor properties and should be kept under close control.

Accessibility

The National Trust describes an accessible path to Friar’s Crag. The source row also reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating; check the current accessibility guide for route-specific details.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Lake — Derwentwater. Swimming permission is not established by the supplied sources.