The Best Walks Starting & Finishing in Keswick
Keswick is an area of stunning natural beauty in Cumbria – a beautiful market town surrounded by striking mountains.
Visitors to Keswick can enjoy a range of shops, restaurants and cafes. You can also soak up the culture, with a trip to the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery or The Derwent Pencil Museum, the home of the world’s first pencil.
Spend your day exploring Derwentwater and the Castlerigg Stone Circle, then unwind in the evening with a show at Theatre by the Lake. No matter your interests, there is plenty to do in Keswick.
Those who love the outdoors will be pleased to hear that Keswick also offers a wealth of walking trails, suitable for a range of abilities. Whether you have the little ones with you, want to bring your four-legged friends along for the adventure or if you are looking to challenge yourself to a longer hike, we have a selection of Keswick walks just for you.
Less than a 20-minute drive from the breathtaking Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick is the perfect place to visit if you are staying with us at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa.
Short, relaxing walks
We have gathered together a few calming walking trails that can be completed in a single afternoon. Perfect if you want to bring the whole family along and finish your stroll with a delicious meal and a drink or two.
For those looking to learn a little more while walking in Keswick, Armathwaite Hall offers guided fell walks providing a wealth of information about the beautiful Lake District.
Portinscale Riverbank Loop
Start and finish location: Harney Peak bus stop, Portinscale.
Average walk time: 20–30 minutes.
Our difficulty rating: Easy.
This circular walk takes less than half an hour to complete, offering up beautiful views of the River Derwent and the quaint village of Portinscale. Perfect for the whole family, this simple route takes you through a scenic meadow and along charming grassy paths.
The river is home to mallards, dippers and herons, so remember to bring your camera to try and capture some photographs of these graceful creatures.Portinscale itself features a pub and a tearoom, so you can enjoy some refreshments after your walk. There are also a number of buses available from the village.
The path is fairy accessible, however there are a few kissing gates and some slightly uneven terrain to be aware of if you are bringing a wheelchair, pushchair or mobility scooter. The path tends to become muddy, especially during the rainy season, so always bring appropriate footwear.
Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path End
Start location: Keswick Car Park, near to Fitz Park Playground.
Finish location: Threlkeld village.
Average walk time: One hour.
Our difficulty rating: Easy.
This beautiful walk follows the River Greta from the edge of Keswick town to the charming village of Threlkeld. The route was made fully accessible in 2020, after the devastation of Storm Desmond. If you are bringing a pushchair, bicycle, wheelchair or mobility scooter, this route is perfect with low gradients and a smooth path surface.
History-lovers will appreciate the information panels at various points along the trail, providing facts about local wildlife, as well as the old railway and bobbin mill. Keep a look out for dippers and herons in the river and, if the sun is out, you can even enjoy some of your own refreshments in the picnic area near the old railway tunnel entrance.
The finish location of Threlkeld boasts a coffee shop and a couple of pubs, so you can finish your day with a lovely meal and some drinks. There is also a bus back into the centre of Keswick that is accessible from the village.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
Start and finish location: Market Square in Keswick town.
Average walk time: Two hours.
Our difficulty rating: Moderate.
Another lovely circular walk, this trail will take you past the striking Castlerigg Stone Circle. The original purpose of this historical site remains unknown, but three stone axes have been discovered in the centre of the circle, which is made up of 38 freestanding stones.
Some of the stones are up to 10 feet in height and historians believe the circle dates from the Neolithic period, making it one of the oldest stone circles in Britain.
Potential uses for the site range from a meeting place or trading post to a site of astrological significance for early communities and even a place for religious ceremonies or rituals.
Beyond the stone circle itself, this walk also provides stunning views of the surrounding fells, the River Greta and the majestic Blencathra. The final part of the route also leads you past Derwentwater and through a calming wooded area.
It is worth noting that part of the route takes you along a road, so it is a good idea to keep children and pets close, while keeping an ear out for approaching cars.
Applethwaite and Millbeck Circular
Start and finish location: Crosthwaite Road car park, Keswick town.
Average walk time: Two hours, 30 minutes.
Our difficulty rating: Moderate.
Beginning on the edge of Keswick town, this slightly longer stroll takes you through the picturesque areas of Applethwaite and Millbeck. Equally beautiful in all seasons, this walk offers stunning views of the surrounding fells, which are delicately topped by snow in the colder months.
Keep an eye out for red squirrels at the very beginning of your walk – these cute creatures are often spotted around this area, along with flocks of pure white ducks.
As you head through lush, green fields, the Skiddaw range, Causey Pike and Catbells rise up around you for a truly breathtaking view. The tiny hamlet of Applethwaite features white stone houses and wide-open fields, while the village of Millbeck boasts Millbeck Towers, a former 18th-century carding mill complete with striking turrets.
There are several well-placed benches set along the route, so you can take a moment to relax and take in the stunning views. It is worth noting this route also features gates and stiles.
Longer, challenging walks
Browse our selection of more challenging walks, suited to more experienced walkers and hikers, each taking more than three hours to complete.
Recover after a long day spent hiking around The Lakes by spending some time by our pool or indulging in a restorative spa massage. Why not enhance your stay at Armathwaite Hall with a muscle-relieving massage or a glass of fizz in our outdoor hot tub?
Whinlatter and Lord’s Seat Circular
Start and finish location: Whinlatter Visitor Centre.
Average walk time: Three hours.
Our difficulty rating: Tricky.
A forest and hillside trail, this route takes you to the top of both Lord’s Seat and Barf, offering stunning, panoramic views of the Lake District.
Take in the sweeping views and perhaps enjoy a picnic on the flat summit of Lord’s Seat. Once you have made it to the top of Barf, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Bassenthwaite Lake, along with Derwentwater and Keswick town.
A lovely walk to bring your four-legged friends along for, many owners choose to let their dogs off the lead in the more open areas along this route. The area between the two summits is prone to boggy ground and there is uneven terrain throughout this walk.
There is a lovely café next to the Whinlatter Visitor Centre, so you can enjoy some well-deserved food and a nice cup of tea or coffee after completing this more challenging route.
Dodd Summit
Start and finish location: Dodd Wood car park.
Average walk time: Three hours.
Our difficulty rating: Challenging.
Another circular trail, the Dodd Summit route features an intense, steep climb through beautiful woodland.
A must for nature lovers, this hike takes you past the Lower Osprey Viewpoint where you can hope to catch a glimpse of these stunning birds. Able to reach 60cm in length, with a maximum wing span of 170cm, the Bassenthwaite osprey can be seen from the viewpoint during April and September.
Your climb to the summit is rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding fells, rolling hills and glass-like bodies of water. While the Dodd Wood car park does not feature any facilities, Keswick town centre is only a 10-minute drive away, with its wealth of cafés, pubs and restaurants.
Hikers should be aware that the paths along this trail are steep and uneven – they can also be slippery after rainfall. Suitable footwear is recommended. All dogs are welcome and many owners choose to let their pups off the lead in the more remote section of this trail.
Walla Crag
Start and finish location: Market Square in Keswick town.
Average walk time: Three to four hours.
Our difficulty rating: Tricky.
Take in truly stunning views from the summit of Walla Crag, then wind your way down via Ashness Bridge and along the lakeshore of Derwentwater, past Calfclose Bay.
This extended route takes you through picturesque woodland and past flowing streams to reveal spectacular views across Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. Cross quaint wooden bridges and take on the challenge of the steep climb to be rewarded with views of Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake.
The Walla Crag walk does pass by a number of cairns, piles of stones placed there by humans as markers or memorials. Many of these piles are historical, but some may be more recent. As long as you do not disturb any of the current cairns, you are welcome to create one of your own – perhaps as a site of reflection or respect for your surroundings.
Other notable sights accessible during this walk are the Centenary Stone, marking 100 years of excellent National Trust care of the landscape, and the Millenium Seat – the perfect place to pause and take in the beauty of Derwentwater.
The final section of the walk takes you past the Theatre by the Lake and through the beautiful Hope Park, which boasts its own café, as well as crazy golf and other traditional garden games.
Walkers should be aware that this walk does involve kissing gates, stiles and its fair share of muddy patches. If lake levels are high, the final portion of the walk may be more challenging – the roadside path offers a more even surface.
Ullock Pike to Bakestall Circular
Start and finish location: High Side Farm bus stop.
Average walk time: Three to five hours.
Our difficulty rating: Challenging.
One of the area’s more challenging routes, this hike takes you through four separate summits, Ullock Pike, Long Side, Skiddaw and Bakestall. Ascending all four peaks can be tricky, with the final sections taking the form of rocky scrambles with loose scree.
If your climb is successful, you will be rewarded with some truly incredible views across Bassenthwaite and the nearby fells. Take in the stunning vista of the Lake District and keep an eye out for wildflowers along the edge of the trail.
The final section of the route features beautiful hillsides and open farmlands. This walk is best attempted during good weather conditions – extremes of temperature, rain, snow and ice can make these paths treacherous.
This hike features rough, loose and often slippery terrain. Care is required during both ascent and descent of each of the peaks. We would recommend this route to experiencing walkers and hikers looking for their next challenge.
There are no facilities along this trail, but Keswick town centre, with all its amenities, is only a 10-minute drive away from the High Side Farm bus stop. Always remember to bring food and water with you on long walks such as these.
Discover more and download a route map.
Derwentwater walks
There are a couple of stunning walks around Derwentwater that offer breathtaking views of this iconic body of water.
One of the best ways to bring a successful day exploring Derwentwater to a close is with a spot of afternoon tea at Armathwaite Hall. Our menu features an extensive range of teas, coffees, sandwiches and pastries to please all palates.
Friars Crag and Calfclose Bay
Start and finish location: Keswick Central car park.
Average walk time: One hours, 30 minutes.
Our difficulty rating: Easy.
Another delightful circular walk, this route begins in the heart of Keswick town itself, winding past Market Square, along the shore of Derwentwater and through a pretty wooded area.
Friars Crag is a must-visit viewpoint on the shores of Derwentwater. On a clear day you can see right across the water to Borrowdale. Make sure you also take a moment to appreciate the monument in recognition of writer John Ruskin who reportedly said the view from Friars Crag was one of the best in all of Europe.
This route provides another chance to view the Centenary Stone, before leading you on to the beautiful Calfclose Bay. Finally, wind your way through Cokshot Wood and return to the town centre (with all its cafés, restaurants and pubs) via the glittering shores of Derwentwater.
Walkers should be aware that certain areas of the walk can be muddy and slippery, especially after rainfall.
The Derwentwater Walk
Start and finish location: The lakeshore at Keswick Launch.
Average walk time: Three to four hours.
Our difficulty rating: Moderate.
Derwentwater has earned the name ‘Queen of the Lakes’ and, during this walk, it is easy to see why. This route takes you around the whole of Derwentwater, with plenty of beautiful sights along the way.
There is another chance to take in the view at Friars Crag, followed by a leisurely stroll through a gorgeous canopy of trees that make up a small woodland. Further along, you can relax on the Millenium Seat and enjoy a view of Borrowdale, before heading down to Calfclose Bay. Do not miss the Hundred Year Stone – a sculpture on the shores of the bay, commissioned to celebrate the National Trust’s Centenary.
Later in the route, you will come across the Chinese Bridge, which spans the river Derwent and makes for the perfect place to take some photographs of the majestic mountains and fells with the backdrop of the smooth waters.
As you pass through Brandelhow Park, take the time to observe Entrust – a sculpture depicting two cupped hands, created to celebrated the birth of The National Trust in the area.
Finally, return to where you started and finish your day out with a lovely meal in Keswick town centre. Or, the more adventurous might want to take this opportunity to catch a boat from Keswick Launch to explore the waters further.
The majority of the paths along this route are flat and smooth, but some areas may become rocky or slippery, especially during adverse weather conditions. We advise care if attempting this walk when the lake levels are high. It should also be noted that this route involves a kissing gate.
Discover detailed walking directions.
Fells and mountains in Keswick
There are a number of fells and mountains to explore around Keswick, each offering exciting climbs and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. These walks are an experienced hiker’s dream, but may not be suitable for those who are less experienced.
One of the best ways to finish a day spent hiking around the Keswick fells and mountains is with a delicious dining experience at Armathwaite Hall. Enjoy a light lunch in our Courtyard Brasserie or indulge in a three-course feast in our Lake View Restaurant.
Latrigg
Start and finish location: Market Square in Keswick town.
Average walk time: two Hours, 30 minutes.
Average height: 368 metres.
Our difficulty rating: Challenging.
The summit of Latrigg offers stunning views across Keswick town and the surrounding fells, with Derwentwater glittering in the distance.
Our preferred route to the peak provides you with scenic views of streams and newly planted trees, as well as a glimpse of the incredible Skiddaw range.
Discover detailed walking directions and options for those with limited mobility.
Catbells
Start and finish location: Hawes End Landing Stage.
Average walk time: Three hours.
Average height: 451 metres.
Our difficulty rating: Challenging.
Boasting some of the most incredible, panoramic views of the Lake District, from Keswick and Borrowdale to Derwentwater, the peak of the Catbells also provides sweeping views of Newlands Valley and the Western Fells.
This route does include some scrambling, as well as some very steep climbs. However, the reward upon reaching the top is well worth the journey with the elegant, rolling hills and sparkling beauty of Derwentwater undeniable from the summit.
Blencathra
Start and finish location: Parking area above Scales, off the A66.
Average walk time: Four hours.
Average height: 868 metres.
Our difficulty rating: Challenging.
With utterly stunning views of the wide expanse of the Lake District, Blencathra offers views you will never forget. Our favourite route takes you on a scenic tour of a number of surrounding hills, as well as Blencathra, including Scales Fell, Atkinson Pike and Bannerdale Crags.
The summit of Blencathra also has its own tarn, which, on a calm day, provides a still, placid reflection of the surrounding beauty.
Skiddaw
Start and finish location: Parking area near Gale Gill Road.
Average walk time: Three to six hours.
Average height: 931 metres.
Our difficulty rating: Expert.
One of the most challenging mountains to climb in Keswick, Skiddaw’s peak is often shrouded in mist. But, for those who reach the top, the views (on a clear day) and sense of achievement are incredible.
The wide tracks and rolling fells combine to create an atmosphere that is at once peaceful and awe-inspiring. With gorgeous panoramic views as you head up the mountain are no less beautiful as you make your way back down and you are sure to remember the sunning landscape for years to come.
Helvellyn (from Thirlmere)
Start and finish location: Parking area near Thirlmere.
Average walk time: Five to six hours.
Average height: 950 metres.
Our difficulty rating: Expert.
Our favourite way to ascend Helvellyn avoids intense periods of scrambling and extremely difficult terrain – however, this is definitely still one of the most challenging hikes you can attempt in the Lake District.
This circular route takes in Nethermost Pike and provides striking views of Dollywaggon Pike. Cairns and boulders scatter the landscape as you make your way up the steep slopes before you reach the summit and take in the unforgettable, sweeping views of the beautiful Lake District below you.
But the adventure does not stop at the peak. You can also take in a lovely aerial view of the village of Thirlmere as you descend and enjoy unbeatable views of the Skiddaw range.
Book your stay at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa as a luxurious base to return to after a day spent exploring the wealth of walks near Keswick, Cumbria.