Anyone with experience canoeing on Derwent Water?

[tenohfive]

I'm thinking about hiring a Canadian canoe for a half day on Derwent Water in the near future. We'll be starting out of Keswick but beyond that I'm not really sure where we should go, or how long it'll take us to get about. There'll be 3 adults and 1 small child (two paddlers in practice) and I was initially just thinking about paddling along the western half, then maybe island hopping from Otterbield to St Herberts and on to Lords Island. But that's just from looking at Google/OS Maps.

Does anyone have any experience of canoeing round there and can comment on the above plan - or a better idea?

[mcdjl]

I don't know Derwent water or your experience levels but I'd advise you to be your speed on walking pace, so about 3 miles an hour (that's possibly on the slow side if you can handle the boat, if not then expect circles- the guy at the back steers, the front powers). Going away from shore will make it seem really far very quickly. If you get the option (which you probably won't) paddle into the wind to start with so it's behind you on the way back