Located on the lake shore of Derwentwater, the launch company offers Lake District cruises around Derwentwater throughout the year. The launches start their journey from the Keswick boat landings and cruise around the lake stopping at seven lakeshore jetties where you may embark or join the various boats. Alternatively, stay on the boat and enjoy the 50 minute trip around Derwentwater. Keswick launches are a fantastic and convenient way to explore.
They also offer a fantastic opportunity to get close to the four islands on Derwentwater; now owned by the National Trust they each offer a unique history- Derwent Island, Lord’s Island, Rampsholme and St Herbert’s Island.
If you are starting your cruise at Keswick it is best to pay in the Launch’s booking office which is located at the Keswick boat landings. If you wish to catch the cruise at any other jetty around the lake you can pay on the boat, but bare in mind they do prefer a card payment.
Jetties
- Keswick– Home of the Keswick Launch Co. where you can buy tickets for the cruise or hire motor boats and rowing boats. There is also a small shop selling gifts, postcards, drinks and sweet’s.
- Ashness Gate– Stop off at Ashness to take the beautiful walk to the famous Ashness Bridge, Surprise View, Watendlath or to wander through Great Wood.
- Lodore– Stop here for refreshments at the Lodore Falls Hotel or Mary Mount Hotel. Visit the famous Lodore Falls, explore the Borrowdale Valley including Grange, Rosthwaite and Seatoller.
- High Brandlehow– Brandlehow was the birthplace of the National Trust in the Lake District. Beautiful parkland and woodland with many paths including routes to Catbells and Maiden Moor.
- Low Brandlehow– Stop off at this jetty for an easy lakeside amble along the quiet side of Derwentwater, leading through the tranquil parkland past the ‘Entrust’ hand sculpture.
- Hawes End– Hawes End jetty is the stop for the main walk to Catbells. You can also follow the shoreline to Lodore, as well as up into the Newlands Valley and across to Portinscale.
- Nichol End– Stop off here for the water sports centre and to walk into the village of Portinscale.
You can also hire a boat down at the Keswick Launch Company! Hire either a rowing boat or self drive cabin cruiser motor boat and sail around the islands and discover little inlets and beaches ad you explore Derwentwater under your own steam.
They do not take bookings, so in order to hire a boat head to their booking office by the lake.
