A Complete Guide to the Latrigg Walk Keswick
If you are looking for a beautiful and easy walk in the Lake District, Latrigg Fell is a must-visit spot. Latrigg Fell is located near Keswick, one of the most popular destinations in the Lake District.
If you’re visiting the Lake District and looking for a short, convenient walk with beautiful views, Latrigg is what you’re looking for! Latrigg Fell is one of the lowest in the region, but its location overlooking the town of Keswick and the valley of Borrowdale makes it a famous climb.
In this Guide, we will provide you with all the information you need about the Latrigg Walk, one of the best walks in Keswick.
Latrigg Circular Walk Details
The Latrigg circular walk is a short walk that takes you to the summit of Latrigg Fell and back.
Time: The Latrigg walk takes around 1-2 hours to complete.
Distance: The Latrigg walk is approximately 4.5 km (2.8 miles).
Elevation: The elevation gain of the walk is around 200 meters (656 feet).
Map: OS Explorer OL4
About Latrigg Fell
At the top of Latrigg, you’ll find sheep pasture and a distinctive tree known as The Witch, which has a shape that resembles a person riding a broomstick.
Looking out to the north, you’ll see the high grassy flanks of Skiddaw and Blencathra. At the same time, to the south, you’ll enjoy a stunning view over Keswick and down the entire length of Derwentwater, Borrowdale, and the high fells of Central Lakeland are also visible, making for a truly breathtaking panorama.
Latrigg is the most southerly top of the Skiddaw massif and of the Northern Fells as a whole, and its summit sends out a narrow ridge to the east that ends at Brundholme.
Two streams border Latrigg: Gale Gill runs west to join the River Derwent, while the unnamed eastern stream enters With Beck and then flows into the River Greta, who also heads for the Derwent via Keswick.
Latrigg Car Park
The Latrigg car park is located on the A66, approximately 1.5 miles west of Keswick. The car park is free but can get busy, especially during the peak season. If the car park is full, you can park in Keswick and walk to the Latrigg walk’s starting point.
The starting point for the Latrigg Circular Walk is the car park at the head of Gale Road.
The Latrigg car park postcode: is CA12 4PH, and its grid reference is NY 281253.
You can follow the directions on Google Maps here.
Facilities
There are no facilities on the Latrigg walk, so bringing food and water with you is recommended. The nearest toilets and refreshments can be found in the town of Keswick.
Latrigg Weather
The weather on Latrigg can change quickly, so it’s essential to check the weather forecast before you start your walk.
The summit of Latrigg is exposed so that it can be windy and cold, even on a sunny day. It’s essential to wear appropriate clothing and bring a waterproof jacket. You can check the weather on the Mountain Forecast website and the Mountain Weather Information Service for detailed information.
Latrigg Height
The summit of Latrigg is 368 metres (1207 feet) high. Despite its modest height, the summit offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
What can you see from the Latrigg Summit?
The summit of Latrigg offers panoramic views of Keswick, Derwentwater, Skiddaw, and the surrounding mountains.
4 Latrigg Routes
There are different routes to the summit of Latrigg:
Latrigg from the A66: If you’re looking for the easiest route, you can park at the end of Gale Road, from which the summit is just a 10-minute stroll on grass. This car park is also commonly used as the starting point for the ascent of Skiddaw, Latrigg’s parent fell.
Latrigg from Keswick: To get to the fell, you can start from Keswick and head along Spooney Green Lane near the old railway station. From there, you can either make a direct ascent to the top of Latrigg or swing north via Mallen Dodd.
Latrigg from Brundholme Woods: This route starts from the Brundholme Woods car park and follows the Latrigg Terrace to the summit of Latrigg.
Threlkeld to Latrigg: You can start in Threlkeld and cross the Glenderaterra Beck before climbing up the east ridge.
Latrigg Circular Walk Detailed Instructions
Start at the car park located at the head of Gale Road. As you enter the car park, you will see a sign for the Latrigg limited mobility path.
Please go through the two gates at the head of the car park, following the path as it ascends. The steepest part of the climb is the next 150 metres. The surface is well-compacted stone, but due to the steepness, this route is not recommended for people operating their wheelchairs.
After the steep ascent, the gradient will ease, take a break at the resting place here, and enjoy the stunning views of Skiddaw, Lonscale Pike, and the western end of Blencathra.
Continue along the track as it drops slightly downhill until you reach a junction with a public footpath. From here, the trail steadily rises until you reach a small plateau with a bench seat. Take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking views of Derwentwater and the Borrowdale Valley. On a clear day, you may also see Scafell Pike, Great End, Great Gable, and Helvellyn.
The summit of Latrigg is close, but the path is steep and uneven. Continue along the way until you reach the summit. Take in the stunning views from the top before retracing your steps back to the car park.
Be careful on the steep slope on the way back down to the car park.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Latrigg Walk
Is Latrigg a Wainwright?
Latrigg is different from the 214 Wainwright fells listed in the seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells by Alfred Wainwright. However, it is still a popular walking destination and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
How high is Latrigg?
The summit of Latrigg is 368 metres (1207 feet) high. Despite its modest height, the summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Where to park for Latrigg?
The Latrigg car park is located on the A66, approximately 1.5 miles west of Keswick. The car park is free but can get busy, especially during the peak season. If the car park is complete, you can park in Keswick and walk to the walk’s starting point.
Can you see Latrigg from Catbells?
Yes, you can see Latrigg from Catbells. Catbells is a popular fell that offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including Latrigg, Derwentwater, and the surrounding mountains.
Can you walk Latrigg in the dark?
Walking Latrigg in the dark is not recommended, as it can be dangerous. The summit of Latrigg is exposed, and the path can be slippery and uneven. It’s essential to have a good headlamp and know the route well before attempting to walk Latrigg in the dark.
Do people climb Latrigg when it’s raining?
People climb Latrigg in the rain, but it’s essential to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. The path can be slippery when wet, so it’s necessary to take extra care when walking in the rain.
How difficult is Latrigg to hike?
Latrigg is considered an easy walk, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The path is well-maintained, and the ascent is gradual, making it an ideal walk for beginners.
How long does it take to walk up Latrigg?
The Latrigg circular walk takes around 1-2 hours to complete. The walk is approximately 4.5 km (2.8 miles), and the elevation gain is about 200 metres (656 feet).
Can you walk to Latrigg from Keswick?
Yes, you can walk to Latrigg from Keswick. The walk starts from Keswick and follows the old railway track to the summit of Latrigg. The route is approximately 7.5 km (4.7 miles) long and takes around 2-3 hours to complete.
Is Latrigg a hill or a mountain?
Latrigg is classified as a hill rather than a mountain, as its summit is less than 600 metres (1969 feet) high. However, the views from the summit are still impressive and well worth the walk.
Overall Thoughts
So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy walk with beautiful views, Latrigg is an excellent choice. Just remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring a jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable in the Lake District.
Are you interested in more Lake District guides? Please read:
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.
