Great Wood is a National Trust car park on the B5289, 1.8 miles from Keswick, postcode CA12 5UP, grid ref NY272213. It has around 45 spaces on a level, tarmac and hard-standing surface and makes an ideal start for lakeshore strolls or the climb to Walla Crag via Cat Gill. The lakeshore at Calfclose Bay is about 250 m across the road, where you will find the Centenary Stone sculpture and big views over Derwentwater to Catbells.

Pay and display operates at all times, National Trust members can scan to park, and PayByPhone is available, although mobile signal can be patchy so download the app before you go. Typical charges are £5.50 up to 2 hours, £7.50 up to 4 hours, £9 all day, with no overnight parking. Blue Badge bays are signed near the front.

Cumbria Guru tip, as you head south from Keswick ignore the first National Trust entrance on the left, that area can be locked, the signed car-park entrance is about 100 m further on the left. On busy days the Derwentwater east-side car parks fill early, arrive before mid-morning or use Keswick parking and walk or hop on the Launch.

From here you can follow the Cat Gill path to Walla Crag for panoramic views, or pick up the waymarked paths through Great Wood and the easy Derwentwater circular. It is a simple, scenic base with quick lake access, ideal for photos, short walks, family picnics, and a Walla Crag leg-burner if you want it.

Need to know

• Operator: National Trust
• Spaces: ~45, surface mostly level, two Blue Badge bays
• Payment: Coins, NT member scan, PayByPhone, signal limited in places
• Tariffs: £5.50 up to 2 hours, £7.50 up to 4 hours, £9 all day
• Restrictions: No overnight parking, seasonal busy periods, respect verge parking rules
• Nearby: Calfclose Bay, Centenary Stone, Walla Crag via Cat Gill, Ashness Bridge, Surprise View