Walking Routes in and around Keswick
Choose your walk.....
The lakes and mountains surrounding Keswick the Lake District are one of the best places in the UK for hiking and walking .. whether you want to climb the highest peaks, seek out the best views, walk along the lakeshore, explore the forests and woodland or take in hidden valleys we have it all
Various walks such as Skiddaw, Latrigg, Walla Crag, Castlehead, Castlerigg Stone Circle and the walk round Derwentwater can be started from Keswick town centre. Using the local buses and the Keswick Launch gives you the opportunity to explore the whole area without needing to take your car.
We have provided free walking routes with downloadable pdfs plus links to a variety of walks in the Keswick area. Make sure you read Safety on the Fells before setting off.
Walking routes in and around Keswick with free downloadable pdfs. These walks should be used as a guide and in conjunction with an Ordnance Survey map. Click on the walk titles for route details and downloads.
Latrigg from Keswick walking route
An easy up and down route via Spooney Green Lane from Keswick with a circular route round the summit
A selection of short walks starting from Keswick town centre including Castlehead, Friar's Crag, Castlerigg Stone Circle and Applethwaite and Millbeck.
A choice of downloadable walking routes in the beautiful Borrowdale Valley close to Keswick including routes over to Watendlath, into the Stonethwaite Valley and up Castle Crag.
Valley walks
Try Newlands Valley a short walk into a quiet part of the valley with historical and literary insights or Stonethwaite Valley a low level walk from the village of Rosthwaite through spectacular Lakeland valley scenery with striking river features.
Bowscale Tarn from Mosedale - A lovely walk up to an isolated tarn and back through the valley.
Castle Crag from Seatoller - this walk follows the terrace path above the Borrowdale Valley, and climbs to the summit of Castle Crag returning to Seatoller via a riverside path.
Keswick to Threlkeld railway path information
Work has commenced on re-instating the path. A programme of construction work is being prepared for the build period up to autumn 2020. Sections of the route will be closed during the build. Click here for info on the route to Threlkeld and click here for the circular route up Latrigg using the access path.
Castlerigg Stone Circle and Tewet Tarn
This circular walk starts and finishes at Castlerigg Stone Circle passing the tiny isolated church at St John's in the Vale and then over to Tewet Tarn, a lovely spot with fine views over to Blencathra, Latrigg and Skiddaw.
Latrigg Circular walking route via the Raillway Path - A new path linking the railway path just past Low Briery now goes through Brundholme Woods to Brundholme Road allowing walkers access up to Latrigg.
Rannerdale Knotts and the Valley of the Bluebells walking route - particularly good mid May when the bluebells are in flower but still a lovely walk with great views any time of the year.
The Cumbria Way is a 120km route from Ulverston to Carlisle which passes right through Keswick.
Barrow Fell from Braithwaite walking route - although Barrow is of modest height at 455m there are excellent 360 deg views from the summit, a great reward for not too much effort. Barrow Door this alternative walking route goes part way up Barrow and then drops down to return through the peaceful Newlands Valley.
A circular walk from the village of Threlkeld near Keswick taking you over the fields to Wescoe, up to the Blencathra Centre and back down via the ghyll.
Buttermere and Scale Force - a lovely walk around Buttermere with the option to extend the route to the highest waterfall in the Lake District - Scale Force
Climb Walla Crag from Keswick for stunning views over Derwentwater to the fells beyond. This route then drops down to Ashness Bridge and returns via the lakeshore.
This route takes you along the terrace path above Loweswater with a gentle stroll back along the lakeshore.
More strenuous mountain walks - Looking for a more challenging route? Try Helvellyn from Thirlmere, Skiddaw via Jenkin Hill , the classic horseshoe walk The Coledale Round from Braithwaite or Catbells, Maiden Moor and High Spy
Take the Keswick Launch to start your ascent up Catbells and return via the lakeshore to Hawse End.
Sale Fell - one of the lesser known fells located in a quiet area. Only modest in height nevertheless it has superb views over Bassenthwaite Lake. A choice of 2 walks to the summit or round the fell. Neither walk is over strenuous and would be suitable for families with the second route being the easier of the two
Newlands Round This fabulous horseshoe walk tackles the skyline crest and exploits the line of least resistance to reach a significant number of summits. It crosses the famous trio of Cat Bells, Maiden Moor and High Spy then turns west to cross the more remote summits of Dale Head and Robinson.
Derwentwater Lakeshore walks - the low-level circular walk from Keswick to Calf Close Bay is great in all seasons whilst for a slightly longer version with great views why not try Great Wood and Derwentwater -
Visit the National Trust shop at Derwentwater Foreshore for info on 7 waymarked walks through the woods and along the lakeshore. More info. They also have walking route suggestions in Borrowdale and Buttermere.
Access for All
42 routes in the National Park ideal for people with limited mobility, wheelchairs, buggies. Download the walks from Miles without Stiles.
The Derwentwater Walk
A scenic 10 mile waymarked walk around Derwentwater, Queen of the Lakes. On flat and easy paths, the walk passes through ancient woodlands and along the shores of the lake. The scenery is stunning, with perfect picnic stops and cafes and restaurants en-route.
Guided Walks
- The Lake District National Park organise a programme of events including guided walks, click here for more information.
- Walking for Health in Whinlatter Forest - join our one hour walks as we gently stroll through the forest whilst taking in the magnificent surroundings. Everyone is welcome but especially those who are least active. More info.
Visit our family walking page for ideas about where to take the children. More info.
Forest and Woodland Walks around Keswick
Explore Whinlatter Forest, England's only Mountain Forest, Dodd Wood aswell as Great Wood overlooking Derwentwater.
Book Your Accommodation Locally
Here on www.visitkeswick.com you can plan your stay and book your stay on Keswick’s Official Visitor Website. Discover where to eat, sleep, shop and have fun in Keswick the Lake District.
Book your accommodation on-line with us to support the local economy.
Book quality Guest houses and experience a true Lake District welcome or spoil yourself in a luxurious Hotel
Stay in superb Self Catering Cottages in idyllic valley and town locations
Try Camping and glamping or book a caravan in wonderfully situated campsites. Camping in the Lake District has to be one of the great holiday experiences
Explore our six lakes– Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Loweswater and Thirlmere
Discover our valleys - Borrowdale, Buttermere, Newlands, Derwent, St John’s in the Vale and back of Skiddaw
Climb our mountains – Skiddaw, Catbells, Blencathra, Scafell Pike, Helvellyn