How to complete the Walla Crag Walk
The Walla Crag walk is one of the most scenic and popular walks in the area. Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Walla Crag offers breathtaking views of Keswick, Derwent Water, and the surrounding fells.
The Walla Crag circular walking route begins and ends at the Great Wood car park, just outside Keswick town. From here, the trail takes you up through the woods and onto the summit of Walla Crag, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Keswick and Derwent Water.
The Walla Crag walk is a relatively easy route, making it suitable for families with children and those who want to take it easy. The first section of the walk takes you through Great Wood, a peaceful and serene forest with a range of flora and fauna to admire.
As you walk up through the woods, keep an eye out for the Lady Rake, a small stream that flows down towards Bassenthwaite Lake. When you emerge from the woods, you’ll reach the open fell and begin your ascent towards Walla Crag.
From here, the walking route takes you towards Rakefoot Farm and then onto Bleaberry Fell, where you can enjoy more stunning views over the Lake District. From here, the walking trail takes you back towards Keswick town, passing by Ashness Bridge and along the shores of Derwent Water.
Overall, the Walla Crag walk is a fantastic option for those looking for a short walk with breathtaking views in the Lake District. Its well-defined paths, stunning scenery, and relatively easy terrain make it an excellent option for families with children and anyone looking for a leisurely day in nature. It is one of the best walks in Keswick!
Walla Crag Walk Details
Time: 2 hr 30-minutes – 3 hours
Distance: 8km/ 5 miles
Elevation: 296km
Walla Crag Height: 1,243 ft
Wainrights: 1
Walla Crag Car Park
Great Wood Car Park is the starting point for the popular Walla Crag walk in the Lake District. Located just outside Keswick town, the car park provides easy access to the walking route and is a popular spot for visitors.
The car park is owned and managed by the National Trust. There are no toilets or facilities on site, but there is sometimes a National Trust van with information and friendly staff to help with parking and walking information.
National Trust Members and Blue Badge Holders can park for free, but you will still have to display a ticket. If you are not a member, you will have to pay the following:
£5 for 2 hours
£7 for up to 4 hours
£8.50 for all-day parking
You can pay in coins, but please know that no change is given. We also saw some people paying by phone!
How to get to Great Wood Car Park
Getting to Great Wood car park is easy with the following information:
- Postcode: CA12 5UP (rural location)
- Grid reference: NY271222
- You can also locate it on Google Maps
To reach the Great Wood car park, head down Borrowdale Road from Keswick for about 1.8 miles on the B5289. As you approach, you may see a National Trust entrance on your left, but be warned that parking here may result in getting locked in. Instead, continue for another 100 meters and look for the entrance to the car park on the left-hand side, marked by a roadside sign.
If you’re looking to visit Keswick but prefer to avoid navigating town centre parking, Great Wood car park is an excellent alternative just 1.8 miles away. The location offers a scenic walk, making it an ideal option for those who enjoy nature walks.
Other Parking Options
Ashness Bridge Car Park: This car park is off the B5289 road, about 3 miles south of Keswick. From here, you can follow the walking route up towards Ashness Bridge and onto Walla Crag. The car park provides easy access to some of the most stunning views in the Lake District.
The car park is owned and managed by the National Trust.
Walla Crag Weather
When planning a trip to Walla Crag, it’s essential to check the weather forecast in advance. Weather conditions can significantly affect your experience on the walk and potentially put you at risk. The Lake District is known for its unpredictable weather, and it can change quickly, so it’s crucial to stay informed.
Checking the weather forecast for Walla Crag is easy and convenient. Many online weather services provide up-to-date information for the area, including temperature, precipitation, wind, and cloud cover. Some popular weather forecast websites include BBC Weather and Mountain Forecast.
By checking the Walla Crag weather forecast, you can prepare for any conditions you may face on the walk. If there is rain, you will need appropriate waterproof clothing and footwear, while if it’s sunny, you may need to bring sunscreen and a hat. Additionally, if it’s very windy or visibility is poor, you should reconsider going to the summit.
Ultimately, checking the weather forecast before your trip to Walla Crag is a crucial safety measure. By doing so, you can make informed decisions and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Walla Crag Walk Directions
Step One: The Car Park to Brockle Beck
Start from the car park and take the path on the left towards Great Wood Wall.
Continue uphill and stay on the right when there is a fork to keep going through the woods.
When the path begins to level, take the left-hand path to go uphill and around to see views of Keswick below with open fields between.
Continue on this path until you reach Brockle Beck. Turn right at the beck to follow the Walla Crag sign and join the walk to Walla Crag from Keswick.
Step Two: Brockle Beck to the Walla Crag Summit
Keep straight and then cross left over the wooden bridge to continue uphill.
When you reach the tarmac road, turn right to walk along the public footpath, following the signs for Walla Crag.
Cross the wooden footbridge over the river again and then turn left to go uphill.
When you reach the cairn next to the wooden gate, turn right and go through the gate. Keep following the path around. The trail is well-defined, and several National Trust signposts guide you. As you climb, the views over Keswick become more and more impressive, with panoramic vistas of the town, Derwent Water, and the surrounding fells.
If you want to avoid walking along the crags, take an alternative route.
There are many different viewpoints along the way that are worth seeing before you reach the top. When you reach the summit of Walla Crag, take some time to soak in the views before continuing on your way.
Step Three: Walla Crag Summit to Ashness Bridge
From the summit, turn right to go down. When you reach the wooden stile, go over it and take the path straight. Wait to go down!
Take the path that levels out and goes right, crossing over some streams. Continue on this path down, enjoying the views.
Go through the wooden gate down to another one, go through the gate and cross the wooden bridge.
After crossing the bridge, turn right to go towards the road. At the road, turn right and walk over Ashness Bridge.
Step Four: Ashness Bridge to Great Wood Car Park
Keep going down the road, watching out for cars. It is also possible to walk along the shore of Derwent Water. It is a lovely spot to rest and take in the scenery before continuing on your way.
When you reach the turn on your right for the public footpath, go up the tarmac road away from Derwent Water.
The path will bring you back to the car park!
Walla Crag’s walk is complete!
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Walla Crag?
Walla Crag is approximately 379 meters (1,243 feet) high.
Is Walla Crag a mountain?
Walla Crag is considered a fell or hill, but not a mountain. It is one of the smaller fells in the Lake District.
Is Walla Crag a Wainwright?
Walla Crag is one of the Wainwrights, a group of 214 hills and mountains in the Lake District described in the seven-volume guidebook series “A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells” by Alfred Wainwright.
Where is Walla Crag?
Walla Crag is located in the northern part of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It is situated approximately 1.5 miles south of the town of Keswick.
Where to park for the Walla Crag walk?
There are several car parks in the area for those who want to walk to Walla Crag. One of the most popular is the Great Wood Car Park, located at the foot of Walla Crag and can be accessed via the B5289 road between Keswick and Borrowdale.
Other options include the Ashness Bridge Car Park, located further down the B5289, or the Theatre By The Lake Car Park in Keswick. Please note that parking fees apply!
Exploring more of the Lake District? 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.
