Castlehead Walk

Keswick is a fantastic place to visit for people of all ages, and there’s plenty to do for families with children. One of the best ways to get out and about around Keswick, and to appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the Lake District, is to follow one of our family-friendly walks.

These family walks aren’t too long or tricky for little legs, and there’s plenty to do along the way - why not play a game while you walk, such as the old family favourite ‘I Spy’? You won’t be stuck for ideas as there is plenty to see along the route.

Read on for our guide to walking up Castlehead:

Castlehead           Distance: 1.8 miles         Time: Less than 1 hour

Castlehead is a low wooded hill, which offers amazing views of Derwentwater and a bird’s-eye view over Keswick and Bassenthwaite Lake. This is a great walk for families, as Castlehead is only 162 metres high, but will still give your little ones a sense of achievement; especially after they conquer the scrambly bit just before the top! 

1. Start from the Moot Hall in the Market Square and head between Greggs Bakery and The Royal Oak onto St John's Street.

2. Carry on past the George Hotel. After St John's Church, take the second turning on your right onto Springs Road.

3. After approximately 200 metres, turn right on footpath to the gate, and enter the woods. 

4. After climbing a few stone steps, take the path to the right, and keep going uphill.

5. Continue uphill until reaching summit of Castlehead. A plan on the top gives directions and names of all the surrounding peaks - how many of them can your little ones spot?

Immediately in front lies Derwentwater encircled by mountains, with Walla Crag to the left. To the South lies the head of Borrowdale and beyond is the Scafell range, the highest land in England. Hindscarth, Causey Pike, Grisedale Pike and Bassenthwaite can be seen to the North West and Skiddaw to the North.

This is the perfect place to stop and get your breath back, and also a great photo opportunity! If you take a fantastic picture whilst you’re out and about in Keswick, make sure to post it on our Facebook page and you could be featured in our #keswickreallakes campaign.

7. Retrace your steps for approximately 200 metres and turn left on the path downhill, past the wooden bench.

8. Cross over Borrowdale Road and take the footpath towards the Lakeshore, from where you can stroll back to Keswick through the beautiful formal gardens of Hope Park, or stop to try your hand at crazy golf. There’s also Café Hope if you’d like to relax with a slice of cake after your adventure, and an ice-cream kiosk which is sure to go down a treat with the kids.  

You can download a PDF of the Castlehead walking route here. Visit our family walking page for more ideas. For information on all of the wonderful places you can eat and drink in Keswick, click here.

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