Canoe Expedition: Keswick to Cockermouth - Adult groups

Setting off from Hawse End on Saturday morning with your packed lunch, we paddle down Derwentwater and enter the River Derwent, known locally as the 'Middle Derwent', paddling along the gentle rapids, an excellent way to learn new skills or improve old ones!  With stunning panoramic views of the Skiddaw mountain range and the western fells, we enter Bassenthwaite Lake and continue the journey to Scarness.

Interestingly, Bassenthwaite Lake is the only body of water in the Lake District to use the word 'lake' in its title.  Rich in wildlife, the lake is home to many important habitats and species, including a breeding ground for rare Osprey, and the only remaining colonies of Vendace (a rare ice-age fish) in England.  You will also see the Bishop of Barf on your journey, a whitewashed pillar of rock perched high on the slopes of Barf Fell.  According to local legend, the rock marks the spot where the Bishop of Derry was killed when he fell off his horse in 1783 following a drunken bet.

From Scarness we disembark and return to Hawse End via minibus to enjoy another evening meal together and overnight accommodation.

Following another hearty Cumbrian breakfast on Sunday morning we head back to Scarness to continue our journey.  A brief paddle to complete the length of Bassenthwaite, we then join the River Derwent, this section known as 'The Lower Derwent'. Practice those river skills from yesterday and hopefully you'll arrive in Cockermouth dry!  Depart  Return to Hawse End for a cuppa, cake and warm up and depart at 5pm