A Full Guide to the 14 Best Keswick Walks
Keswick is a market town in the Lake District, a national park in the county of Cumbria in northwest England. It is located in the valley of the River Derwent and is surrounded by beautiful fells and lakes, which means that there are many incredible Keswick walks.
Keswick is a popular tourist destination for outdoor activities, such as walking, climbing, and water sports. The town has a range of amenities, including shops, pubs, restaurants, a small museum, and several galleries.
Keswick is located within easy reach of several popular walks in Keswick, including Derwent Water, a large lake with boat trips and a range of water sports; Castlerigg Stone Circle, a prehistoric monument with views of the surrounding fells; and the Honister Slate Mine, a working slate mine offering guided tours.
The town is also within easy reach of the Lake District’s highest mountains, including Skiddaw and Blencathra, which offer challenging walks with stunning views.
The Lake District is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, and Keswick town is an excellent base for exploring the area. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a challenging hike, there’s something for everyone in this stunning part of the country.
The Lake District is a beautiful area with a wide variety of Keswick walks to suit all abilities. Here are a few suggestions for walks around Keswick!
Keswick Walks Car Parking
There are several options for car parking for your Keswick walks. The best car park is the Theatre Car Park due to its location and toilet facilities.
It’s also a good idea to arrive early during the peak season to secure a spot.
You can follow the Google Maps Directions here.
The address is:
Lakeside Car Park, 30A Lake Rd, Keswick CA12 5DG
Top Tips for walks from Keswick
- It’s always important to be prepared for the walks in Keswick you undertake, including wearing appropriate clothing and footwear and carrying enough food and water for your walk.
- We have included rough times and distances for the Keswick walks, so you can plan accordingly!
- It’s also good to check the weather forecast and let someone know your plans before setting off walking in Keswick. You can check the weather for Keswick on BBC Keswick and Met Office Keswick
- Remember to take an OS Map and compass with you: Keswick and Allerdale
Are you a beginner hiker? You can read our hiking tips for beginners here!
14 Best Keswick Walks 2023
Embark on a journey of discovery as you traverse the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Keswick.
With a plethora of breathtaking walks to choose from, these rough distances serve as a mere suggestion to assist you in selecting the perfect hike to suit your adventurous spirit.
Catbells
Time: 4 hours
Distance: 7.3 miles
From the centre of Keswick, walk from Moot Hall (the Tourist information centre) and walk down the main street, until you get to the bridge.
Go over the bridge and turn left on the Cumbrian Way, keep going and go past the Derwentwater Hotel. From Nichol End and keep following the Cumbrian Way until you get to where the the path splits to Hawse End and Catbells, leaving the Cumbrian Way.
At the road, you will climb up Catbells. The climb is doable, but there are a couple of places where you will have to scramble. The path is steep, but you will traverse up!
From Catbells, you will go along the top, and when the path comes to a crossroads, you will take a left turn to Hause Gate. You then have the option to go back along the path to Hawse End jetty and catch the boat back, or you can make the walk longer by following the instructions below or walking back into Keswick.
Then you will follow the path down to the road, where you will walk along and then take a left turn onto the Cumbrian Way, which will take you by the lake, over a footbridge to Lodore Falls.
You can have a drink in the hotel, get a ferry back from the Landing Stage, or walk along the edge of the lake, which will take you to Friar’s Crag and back into Keswick.
Castlerigg Stone circle
Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 4 miles
Castlerigg Stone Circle: This easy walk takes you to Castlerigg Stone Circle, a prehistoric monument with views of the surrounding fells. The route is about 2 miles (3.2 km) and is mostly flat.
Castlerigg Stone Circle is a prehistoric monument near Keswick in the Lake District. It is thought to have been built around 3000 BC, making it one of the oldest stone circles in Britain.
The circle consists of 38 stones, some standing over 5 metres tall, arranged in a roughly circular pattern. The stones may have been used for astronomical observations or as a place of ceremony and ritual.
The stone circle is located on a hilltop with views of the surrounding fells, making it a popular spot for visitors to enjoy the scenery. It is a short walk from the nearest car park and is easily accessible for people of all ages and abilities. There is a small visitor centre at the site where you can learn more about the history and significance of the stone circle.
The Lake District is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. A visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle is a great way to experience the area’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re interested in the stone circle’s ancient past or want to enjoy the stunning views, it’s a must-see destination for any walking in Keswick trip!
For a full guide, please read: Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlehead Wood and Viewpoint
Time: 1- 1.5 hours
Distance: 2.6 miles/ 4.2km
An excellent short Keswick walk leaves from the theatre, walk along the edge of Derwent water, takes a left turn opposite where the boats are parked, the path bends around, and you go across a field.
You cross a road, the b5289, and follow the path up to the top of Castlehead wood, a lookout over Derwent. 162m is accessible.
You go down and across a track, where you will turn right, pass some houses and drop down to Springs Wood. Follow the path down back into Keswick.
The walk is accessible, and the wood makes it great on a hot day.
Latrigg
Time: 2.5 hours
Distance: 3 miles
Next on our best Keswick walks list is Latrigg, a 368m low fell in the Lake District. Latrigg offers a tranquil countryside walk, short or longer, starting in Keswick town centre. Perfect for those with mobility challenges or young children seeking easy, scenic walks in Keswick with stunning views.
Start at Keswick town centre, head NE on Cumbria Way. It is known for being relatively easy and suitable for families, children, the elderly, and pets—Park at Crosthwaite Road car park.
Derwent Water Circular
Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 10 miles
Take a stroll around Derwentwater Lake in Keswick, ideal for families, kids, pets and the elderly, with a low-level route suitable for those with mobility issues. Enjoy the level pathways and beautiful attractions like Lodore Falls, Centenary Stone and Brandelhow Park.
You can opt for the 10-mile route or take a break at a café or picnic area. It is one of the best easy Keswick walks.
Walla Crag
Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 miles
This Kewsick walk begins along the edge of Derwent water, taking a left turn opposite where the boats are parked and across a field.
You cross a road, the B5289, and follow the path up to the top of Castlehead wood, a lookout over Derwent. 162m is accessible.
You go down and across a track, where you will turn right, pass some houses and drop down to Springs Wood. Go up towards CastleRigg Campsite.
Follow the path up to Rake foot, and you will be at the top of the Walla crag (379m). Across the top and you will have a panoramic view over Derwent Water.
Go through Cat Gill down to the road, where you can get a boat back from Landing Stage at Barrow Bay or walk along the lake. Walking in Keswick is amazing!
For a full guide, please read: Walla Crag Walk
Ashness Bridge
Time: 3.5-4 hours
Distance: 6- miles
Get the boat to Barrow Bay and walk up the road to Ashness Bridge. Photo opportunities.
Then take a left-hand turn up High Strutta to the right of Barrow Beck, all the way up to High Seat. At the top at 602 at the trig, turn left and walk to Bleaberry Fell and then go down towards Cat Gill and turn right to Walla Crag, and from here, go down through Castlerigg back down into Keswick.
There is also a car park next to the bridge if you want to avoid walking from Keswick.
For a full guide, please read: Ashness Bridge
Skiddaw
Time: 6 hours
Distance: 10 miles
On the best Keswick walks you can take on one of the big four over 3000ft in England.
Head out of Keswick towards Great Crosthwaite on one of the best Keswick walks. Where the road splits at the right turn (church), take the path alongside the church towards the school. Take the path up to cross over the A66 towards Thrushwood.
Cross over the A591 and take the path towards Applethwaite. From here, take the path parallel to the road to Millbeck Farm. After, go up Benny Crag and Doups. Don’t take the left turn at white stones; carry straight on up to Carl Side and then turn right to head up to the top of Skiddaw at 931m.
Come back the way you’ve come, but instead of taking the right-hand path, take the left turn to Jenkin Hill and keep going all the way down Whit Beck heading towards Latrigg Fell but don’t take the path to Latrigg Fell, but take the path on the Cumbrian Way back into Keswick past the leisure pool.
Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path
Distance: 5 km
Time: 1 hour
A 5-year-long project, this picturesque riverside trail is a must-visit. After being destroyed by Storm Desmond, the Lake District National Park worked tirelessly to restore the Keswick to Threlkeld path.
The result is a well-paved trail accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, providing stunning views of the River Greta gorge. Keep an eye out for herons, dippers, and kayakers navigating the rapids during heavy rain.
What makes this trail special: it can be as long or as short as you want it to be. You can walk as far as you like and then turn back or go to Threlkeld and catch a bus back to town. It also connects with other trails that lead to Skiddaw, Blencathra, or around the gorgeous Glenderaterra valley.
Grisedale Pike
Time: 6 hours
Distance: 7 miles
Starting at the car park near Braithwaite village, take the simple, well-marked path to the summit with little deviation. The terrain becomes rocky. Watch for the wind. Panoramic views await at the top. Descend the same path, turn left at for an optional, longer route to Hopegill Head. Turn left twice at Grid Ref NY 188 211 to join the old mine track, passing abandoned mines and returning to the car park via valley.
Calfclose Bay
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Start from Moot Hall Tourist Information Centre and turn right in front of George Fisher. Follow the road down through the underpass, turn left and take the path by Hope Park. Continue down to the lake, take a path off to your left, and fork right at the path junction.
At the T-junction, turn left, then right into a fenced path. Castlehead is ahead of you, and the Skiddaw range is to the left.
Follow the path up alongside Borrowdale Road and keep forward, passing over a tarmac road. Go through the wood and rejoin the shoreline path after a wooden bridge. Pause at the lake shore to take in the views, then turn right to follow the shoreline path.
Continue over a wooden bridge, then look at the Centenary Stone. The path rises into woodland and takes a short detour to the Millenium Seat for more views over the lake. Rejoin the shoreline path, then drop down to go through a gateway signposted by Keswick.
Follow the path to the left closest to the lake, and go through a gate into Strandshag Bay.
Take a short detour up steps to Friar’s Crag viewpoint, or continue up the slope if you have a pram. There is a memorial to Ruskin on the crag and a bronze portrait medallion.
Continue along the lakeshore path past the tables and benches to the boat landing. You can enjoy a 50-minute cruise around the lake or take the Keswick launch at any seven landing stages.
Walk up the road past the theatre by the lake and turn left through the gates to walk through Hope Park. Enjoy the gardens and refreshments at Cafe Hope, then leave the park and follow the street back to Market Square.
High Seat and Bleaberry Fell
Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 9.0 miles / 14.6 km
Start at the car park adjacent to the theatre and main landing stage in Keswick. Follow the road downhill towards the lake, taking the straightforward path heading south.
Enjoy fine views from Friars Crag, stay with the main path to reach Calf Close Bay, then climb up to the roadside footpath. Turn left at the junction to Watendlath, and follow the lane steeply uphill to reach Ashness Bridge. Take the path left just before the bridge and contour across the hillside, turning right after passing through a wall.
Scramble up low rock steps to reach the sheepfold by heading northeast on the open fellside. Turn right along the main path from Walla Crag to the summit of Bleaberry Fell and enjoy the views of Helvellyn and Blencathra.
Retrace your steps to Bleaberry Fell from High Seat and continue downhill to Walla Crag. Cross a stile to reach an open area with a grandstand view of Derwentwater and Skiddaw.
Rejoin the main path, following it north-westwards with a wall on your left, and descend to a lane at Rakefoot. Follow the lane for a short way, then take the first signed footpath on the left and descend through Springs Wood to reach a residential road.
Head in the direction of Keswick, turn left down a signed path after 400 metres and reach the main Borrowdale Road. Turn right, continue on the roadside footpath to the first roundabout, and then leave to reach a second roundabout.
The car park is on the left. Make a short diversion to the summit of Castlehead for an excellent view of Derwentwater.
Catbells, Maiden Moor and High Spy
Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 10 miles
This circular route is the perfect next step for those who love the Catbells walk and want to explore more of the Lake District. Starting from the same car park as the Catbells walk, this hike includes Catbells and continues to Maiden Moor and High Spy peaks, offering a more ample and diverse experience.
It is an excellent Keswick walk for those who have already experienced the beauty of Catbells.
Lodore Falls
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 10.9km
Embark on a breathtaking journey through the breathtaking countryside of Cumbria near Keswick with this out-and-back trail. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, this trail is said to be a moderate challenge.
Stroll along the tranquil waters of Derwentwater as you make your way towards the magnificent Lodore Falls. Campers, hikers and mountain bikers frequently visit this popular route, so be prepared to meet other outdoor enthusiasts along the way.
Enjoy easy, flat paths that lead you to breathtaking vistas and take in the stunning beauty of the landscape.
Overall Thoughts on the Best Keswick Walks
It is truly exciting to go walking in Keswick. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a stroll, you’ll find great beautiful routes. From Catbells and Maiden Moor to the more relaxed Keswick walks along Derwentwater, there’s something for everyone.
And with the stunning scenery and breathtaking views, you’re sure to have a truly memorable experience. So plan your next trip walking in Keswick today. You won’t regret it!
If you’re interested in visiting the Lake District, please read our guides below:
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.