Over 300 rowers from across the North of England and Scotland descended on Derwentwater for what is quickly becoming the must row Head race in the British Rowing calendar.

On Saturday, March 7, Lakeland Rowing Club hosted the third full-scale Derwentwater Head of the modern era.

With the sun shining, and snow on the fell tops, the day’s fastest crew were an open eight from Durham University’s Trevelyan College, who completed the near-3km race in 9:08.4.

Lakeland RC chair Julia McCumiskey said: “We’ve had phenomenal feedback from the crews telling us they felt privileged to row on Derwentwater.

“They felt the event was extremely well organised and many commented on how friendly our volunteers are and how they looked after all their needs.”

With 142 crews from 23 rowing clubs rowing in eights, fours, doubles and coastal singles and an age range from fifteen to eighty one.

The crews raced the length of the lake, approximately 3,000m, in the time trial-style competition.

The 2023 Derwentwater Head was the first major race of its kind on the lake since the Victorian era, when crews travelled from as far away as London by train and carried their boats through the town to the shore.

Lakeland Rowing Club are determined to make this unique racing experience a permanent fixture on the rowing calendar

Beginners, or returning rowers, coxes, coaches or prospective sponsors who would like to know more about opportunities at Lakeland RC can visit their websitt their here or find the club on Facebook by searching for Lakeland Rowing Club.