There are a number of short trails around Derwentwater that are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. This particular trail is on the west side of the lake and extends from Hawes End in the north to the road junction at Manesty Park in the south. Part of the route through Manesty Park was used for military manoeuvre practice in the past. The National Trust now owns much of the surrounding land and has done an impressive job restoring the footpath and reinforcing the embankment to protect tree roots and natural vegetation from erosion.

The trail takes you through a pleasant mix of open grassland and woodland and along the western shores of the lake. There are a number of interesting sculptures en route - one of them ENTRUST' is a wood-sculptured hand dedicating 100 years of the National Trust at Brandelhow. There are sheep on the grasslands and the woodlands contain a rich variety of oak, birch, hazel and chestnut - deer are frequent visitors here. There are plenty of places for a picnic and great views looking east across the lake to Falcon Crag and Brown Knotts. The path also passes two landing stages so you can take the motor launch from Keswick to Hawes End landing stage, walk to High Brandelhow landing stage and enjoy a leisurely boat trip back to Keswick.

Routes

Option 1: The linear route takes you from Hawes End in the north to Manesty Park in the south where the path meets the road. It's about 2km (1.5 miles). Park at Skelgill car park (1) (GR 248212) and walk back along the road to Hawes End Education Centre (2). Here, the trail is sign-posted towards the lake and meanders through open grassland and woodland to the Hawes End launch landing stage (3). Follow the path along the lake shore for about 1km to High Brandelhow landing stage (4) - the ENTRUST hand-sculpture is in this section. Continue around the bay and into Manesty Park for about km where the path eventually joins the road (5).

Option 2: Take a leisurely cruise from the Derwentwater landing stage at Keswick to Hawes End (3). Follow the path along the lake shore for about 1km to the High Brandelhow landing stage (4). Return from here to Keswick. For wheel chair users there is a ramp onto the jetty although access on and off the boats is limited. Call Keswick on Derwentwater Launch Company, tel 017687-72263 for information (www.keswick-launch.co.uk).

National Trust

This route is maintained and cared for by the National Trust, a charity that oversees some 25 per cent of the Lake District National Park. The National Trust and the Lake District National Park Authority work closely together, sharing common interests and complementary objectives. You can get more information by calling 015394-35599 or 0870-4584000 or visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

INFORMATION

Overview: Generally wide flat path with several gates suitable for wheelchair access.

Distance: 2km linear path.

Time: Allow 1.5 hours.

Map Ref: Outdoor Leisure 4: The English Lakes - North Western Area. Start point GR247212.

Parking: Skelgill car park.

Gradients: Mostly flat, with gentle inclines in places.

Refreshments: Bring your own or nearest is in Portinscale.

Toilets: None near the route.

Public transport: Timetable: No. 77A (Honister Rambler) from Keswick to Hawes End and then No 77 to return to Keswick - four times a day from Easter to October. Getting Around Cumbria and Lake District Timetable contains all bus, train and boat services in the national park. Available from all TICs and National Park Centres. Alternatively call Traveline - 0870-608-2608.

Boats from Keswick leave every hour on the half hour from 10.30am and return from High Brandelhow every hour from about 10.50am