Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path

The Keswick to Threlkeld trail re-opened on Saturday 5 December 2020, on the fifth anniversary of Storm Desmond. The trail has now been strengthened and made more resilient to future flooding. Two bridges have been replaced and Rawsome's bridge has been repaired. There are panels along the length of the trail with information about local nature and wildlife, the history of the railway and the bobbin mill and the impact of Storm Desmond to the trail and local area. The former board walk has been replaced by a tunnel.

The trail starts from just beyond Keswick Leisure Pool close to Fitz Park and runs for 5km to Threlkeld making a 10km out and back route. The trail is a multi user trail suitable for walkers, runners, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and cyclists. The trail can be very popular at times so please be courteous towards other users.   The trail is part of the 137 mile C2C cycle route which runs from the west to the east coast.

  • The entire trail is smooth-surfaced with tarmac for the entire length and gradients are very low. At the Threlkeld end there is now a zigzag path to lessen the gradient. 
  • There is level access at the Keswick Leisure Centre end. There is a pay and display car park at Keswick Leisure Centre at the start of the trail with two disabled spaces.
  • There are regular seats along the route with a picnic area close to the entrance of the tunnel.
  • There are temporary toilets at the former Keswick railway station, including an accessible toilet.

The Threlkeld end of the trail comes out onto the A66. The first left turn will take you into the village of Threlkeld where you will find pubs and a cafe. You can also catch the X4/X5 bus back into Keswick from this point. 

Keswick Town Council have been fighting to keep the temporary toilets at the start of the Keswick to Threlkeld trail, as they feel that it is very important for everyone who uses the line to be able to access these facilities, and we wholeheartedly agree. A Crowdfunder campaign has been launched, which asks users to donate to use the toilets. It is entirely voluntary, but every little penny (to spend a penny!) helps. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/.../help-fund-portaloos-at... or scan the QR code below. Every little helps whilst a more permanent solution is sought, because the situation is "poo-er" at the moment.

All monies raised will be used solely for the upkeep of the toilets. Any monies over this will be used to help support future years until a permanent solution is found in conjunction with the land owner, the new Cumberland Council.

Take a ride along the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail