Friar's Crag is a small promontory on Derwentwater, approximately 0.7 miles (1.2km) from the centre of Keswick. It is a popular spot for the casual walker and those that wish to walk around the perimeter of the lake or climb any of the surrounding fells. The views across Derwentwater are breathtaking in any season and Friar's Crag makes the perfect location for photography, amateur or professional alike.
Friars' Crag is owned by the National Trust, acquired on 13 March, 1922.[1][a]
Etymology
- Fryer Cragg 1771 / Friar Crag 1784 / Friar's Crag 1839
The word friar comes from Middle English and Old French from frere, meaning "brother" (of a religious order) and crag, from Middle English crag or cragge meaning a rocky outcrop.[2] In local folklore this little promontory has associations with Cistercian monks that lived at Grange at the south end of the lake.[2] One of the islands situated in the centre of the lake is St Herberts Island and was once the home of Anglo-Saxon priest and hermit Herbert of Derwentwater. His tenure there was in the late 7th century so the history and connection between St. Herbert, the Cistercians and Friar's Crag go back to that period.
History
Getting there
The route to Friar's Crag from Keswick is very easy going and mostly level all the way, taking in both paved roads and gravel paths that run parallel with the lake. The route is also accessible for wheelchairs. Dogs are welcome but are requested to be kept on a lead.
The easiest way to get there would be to park at Lakeside Car Park, follow Lake Road south past the Theatre on the Lake and the jetties until the road turns into a gravel path. Continuing on this path for a quarter of a mile will bring you out at Friar's Crag and the wide open views of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. There is a bench set back from an opening in the trees.
.jpeg)
Notes
- ↑ In 1922, the viewpoint of Friar's Crag and Calfclose Bay were bought by subscription as a memorial to Canon H. D. Rawnsley. The Ruskin Memorial on Friar's Crag was given in 1900.
References
- ↑ Friar's Crag National Trust Land Map. Rerieved 1 February, 2023.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Whaley, Diana (2006). A Dictionary of Lake District Place-Names. English Place-Name Society. School of English Studies, University of Nottingham. p.122.