Derwentwater from Castle Head

Derwentwater and the north-western fells from the eminence of Castle Head

I am a firm believer that this view of the length of Derwentwater, looking across to the North-Western Fells of the Lake District is one of the very finest in the country. Understandably, Derwentwater is always closely associated with Keswick and the striking bulk of Skiddaw that overlooks, indeed dominates the town. If for no other reason, this is why so many images that include Derwentwater inevitably focus on Skiddaw.

Whilst many fine views are to be obtained along Derwentwater's shoreline, greater rewards are to be found by the photographer who seeks a more elevated location for a viewpoint. This small, but perfectly placed eminence that is Castle Head is one such example of the perfect viewpoint for the length of Derwentwater. From here the vista stretches along the North-Western fells from Grisedale Pike in the north to High Spy above the Jaws of Borrowdale in the south taking in Causey Pike, Catbells and Maiden Moor along the way.