Ashness Bridge and Surprise View

South from Keswick, the B5289 winds along close to the shore of Derwentwater, offering magnificent views across the lake to Catbells and Maiden Moor. A minor road branching off  to the left leads to Watendlath over and past one of the most photographed bridges in the Lake District Ashness Bridge (what3words ///tune.clattered.craftsman). Its image is often seen to be adorning biscuit tins and tea towels. This fine small packhorse bridge, striding over a fast running beck, is a perfect foreground for the view north over Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite with the mass of Skiddaw rising steeply above Keswick. 

From Ashness Bridge a short stroll a little further up the hill is Surprise View (what3words ///copying.shadowed.bounding) a magnificent panorama overlooking Keswick and Derwentwater.


Getting there

By Keswick Launch - You can take the Keswick Launch to Ashness Gate and walk up the narrow lane that takes you to Ashness Bridge (approx 20 minutes walk from the jetty) and from there a short walk further up takes you to Surprise View. 

By Bus - Take the Honister Rambler (summer only) or Seatoller (all year round) bus and get off at the Derwentwater Youth Hostel stop situated a short distance from the end of the lane.

National Trust Car Parks 

  • Ashness Bridge Car Park (CA12 5UN, what3words ///eternity.cropping.voice) - for one of the most famous views and sought after photo opportunities in the Lake District.
  • Surprise View Car Park (CA12 5UU, what3words ///myth.purchaser.dressings) - for jaw dropping views across Derwentwater
Surprise View