Derwent Water, commonly referred to as the Queen of the Lakes, is fed by the Borrowdale catchment area and drains via the River Derwent to Bassenthwaite Lake, 3 miles to the north. It contains four islands and has stunning views all around. Much of the shoreline is owned by the National Trust and, as such, is accessible.

Looking south along the lake, the skyline is dominated by the Jaws of Borrowdale and the high fells beyond, whilst looking north the bulk of Skiddaw dominates the view.

There are numerous good vantage points from which to photograph Derwent Water, the most popular being from Ashness Bridge looking north, Surprise View looking between west & north, Cat Bells on the western side, Keswick Landing and Friars Crag.