Derwent Water, located near Keswick in the Lake District, is one of the ten major lakes available for paddling in the region. Unlike the narrow ribbon lakes such as Windermere and Ullswater, Derwent Water is distinctively oval in shape, making it one of the broader lakes to paddle. It is considered the joint third largest of the ten paddleable lakes in the area.

Access to the water is available from multiple points around the lake, including the foreshore at Keswick, Lodore, Nichol End on the western shore, and Portinscale (via the footbridge, with parking in the adjacent cul-de-sac). Derwent Water Marina in Portinscale also offers access for a launch fee. The National Trust manages much of the surrounding land and the lake's four main islands: St. Herbert's Island, Rampsholme Island, Lord's Island, and Derwent Island. Paddlers can land on St. Herbert's Island and Rampsholme Island, but Lord's Island is a protected wildlife area and should not be landed on.

Two voluntary no-boating zones are in place to protect feeding and breeding birds: one around Lord's Island on the eastern shore near Strandshag Bay, and another at Great Bay at the southern head of the lake. Paddlers are asked to respect these zones. Speed restrictions apply to all powered craft on the lake, with a maximum of 10mph for motor boats, which contributes to generally calm conditions for non-motorised paddling. Calfclose Bay is noted as a landing spot for the Keswick Launch ferry service, so paddlers should be aware of vessel traffic there.

An invasive species concern exists on the lake: New Zealand pigmyweed is present, and paddlers are asked to check, clean, and dry all equipment — including canoes, paddleboards, wetsuits, and dogs — before leaving to prevent its spread.

Equipment hire is available from several providers around the lake, including Derwent Water Marina, Nichol End Marine, and Adventure Hunter, offering kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and rowing boats. Paddle UK courses and taster sessions are also available for those wishing to develop skills. The hire season at Derwent Water Marina runs from late March through to the end of October, with advance booking recommended at weekends and during school holidays.

The surrounding landscape includes views of Catbells and the broader Borrowdale fells, with wooded shorelines along sections such as Barrow Point and Barrow Bay.