5 of my favourite walks near keswick

 

Keswick is a lovely little market town right in the heart of the Lake District, perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to soak up some stunning scenery. It’s surrounded by dramatic hills and sits right next to Derwentwater, one of the prettiest lakes in the area. There’s loads to do near Keswick, whether you’re into hiking, cycling, or just wandering around and taking in the views. The town itself is full of charm, with plenty of shops, cozy cafes, and traditional pubs where you can relax after a day of exploring. It’s also got a great arts scene, with the Theatre by the Lake being a real highlight. If you’re after fresh air, adventure, and a bit of culture, Keswick is the place to be.

As a regular visitor to the Lakes, I often base myself in Keswick if I’m staying in a hotel or B&B. It’s a large enough place to have enough going on if the weather isn’t great, and enough place sto esat & drink on an evening  – but it isn’t overly touristy and too busy like Windermere.

If you decide to visit and stay in the Keswick area – then here are 5 of my favourite walks that you have to know about, which can all be accessed easily enough by public transport or car.

 

1

KESWICK TO WALLA CRAG & ASHNESS BRIDGE

lake district best view catbells Keswick walks

This is an excellent walk with some of the finest views in the area that can be done straight from Keswick. You head first to Castlehead Viewpoint (pictured) an often ignored viewpoint of modest height, but one of my favourite in the whole of the lakes. You then head up to Walla crag for fine views across Derwent Water to Catbells and into Borrowdale and the surrounding Lake District fells. From here it’s down to the Ashness Bridge – a very popular view for photographers. Then it’s a case of heading back to Keswick along the shores of Derwent Water. This is a must do walk if you are in Keswick! Click the ‘View Walk Blog Post‘ button below to see a detailed write up with photos of what to expect on this walking route.

WALK OVERVIEW:

DISTANCE: 6.4 miles
TIME: 3.5-4 hours
TOTAL ASCENT: 1399ft
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

Keswick walk map route asshness bridge Walla crag
2

LATTRIGG - a very accessible walk route

latrigg-walk-near-keswick-view-how-long-climb-car-park-lake-district-best-walks

Latrigg is a small but rewarding fell located close to Keswick in the Lake District, offering one of the most accessible and enjoyable walks in the area. The walk to Latrigg’s summit is relatively easy from Keswick itself and there’s an option for an even more easy & accessible route starting from the elevated Gale Road car park, which makes the walk along a well-maintained path suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs (the map route featured here). Howvere you get there, from the summit, hikers are treated to panoramic vistas of Keswick, Derwentwater, and the surrounding fells, including Skiddaw, one of the highest peaks in England. The Latrigg walk combines gentle terrain with breathtaking scenery, making it a must-do for visitors of all ages and abilities to Keswick who want to experience the natural beauty of the Lake District with minimal effort. Click the ‘View Walk Blog Post‘ button below to see a detailed write up with photos of what to expect on this walk.

WALK OVERVIEW:

DISTANCE: 1.5 miles
TIME: 1 hours
TOTAL ASCENT: 262ft
DIFFICULTY: easy

3

CATBELLS - the most popular fell near Keswick

catbells walk best route lake district keswick

Catbells is a popular and scenic walking route located very near Keswick in the Lake District National Park. Catbells offers stunning views of Derwentwater, the Newlands Valley and the surrounding fells and the route is well-trodden and accessible for most fitness levels, with the reward of panoramic views from the top. It’s an ideal walk for those looking to experience the beauty of the Lake District without committing to a full day hike. The combination of dramatic landscapes, manageable distance, and rewarding views makes Catbells an iconic and enjoyable adventure for all the family. Click the ‘View Walk Blog Post‘ button below to see a detailed write up with photos of what to expect on thsi walk.

WALK OVERVIEW:

DISTANCE: 3.69 miles
TIME: 2.23 hours
TOTAL ASCENT: 1498ft
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

4

BLENCATHRA WALK VIA SHARP EDGE

blencathra shape edge walk

The Blencathra walk via Sharp Edge ridge is one of the most exhilarating and challenging routes in the Lake District, perfect for adventurous hikers seeking a thrilling ascent near Keswick. Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, is the iconic mountain and Sharp Edge is a narrow, rocky ridge that provides an adrenaline-pumping scramble to the summit. This route demands a good head for heights and confidence in scrambling, as the ridge is exposed, with steep drops on either side, and can be treacherous in wet or windy conditions. Despite the difficulty, the rewards are immense, with breathtaking views and a sense of achievement that comes with conquering one of the area’s most iconic climbs. The Blencathra walk via Sharp Edge is a true adventure, offering a mix of dramatic landscapes, physical challenge, and stunning natural beauty.

WALK OVERVIEW:

DISTANCE: 4.2 miles
TIME: 3 hours
TOTAL ASCENT: 2051ft
DIFFICULTY: HARD

5

SCAFELL PIKE VIA THE CORRIDOR ROUTE

scafell pike walk best route corridor lake district map

Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route is the best way to walk to Englands highest summit offering both challenge and variety. Starting from Seathwaite in the Borrowdale Valley, at the opposite end of Derwent Water to Keswick, the Corridor Route is renowned for its rugged terrain and stunning views, making it a favorite among experienced hikers. The Corridor Route is celebrated for its combination of varied terrain, dramatic landscapes, differing views and the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching the top of England’s highest mountain.

WALK OVERVIEW:

DISTANCE: 8.62 miles
TIME: 6 hours
TOTAL ASCENT: 3293ft
DIFFICULTY: HARD

BLOG POST BY STUART HODGSON

THE HIKING PHOTOGRAPHER

I hope you've found this info useful and it helps in planning your own adventures! I share my stuff simply to help others enjoy the great outdoors, see stunning scenery and reap the many physical & mental health benefits of being outside.

I have an email newsletter I send every few months to share my latest walks, outdoor adventures, photos & exclusive stuff that isn't on the blog if you are interested. Subscribe below:

FOLLOW ME

Not all my adventures & photos end up on this blog -
Give me a follow on social media to see what else I've been up to: 

I'm may be preaching to the converted - but please respect the outdoors and don't leave any mess behind to spoil it for everyone else #leavenotrace

I’m hopeful that being outdoors makes us appreciate our natural world more and makes us want to look after it and live more sustainably. Environmental challenges can see overwhelming - but I think if we each can do our little bit, added together, it spreads like ripples through a pond, and eventually changes the world.

FOUND THIS USEFUL? GOT ANY EXTRA TIPS?

I’m always interested to know if people find my info useful – so any feedback is welcome. Or if you have any extra tips to help others – share them below too! Cheers

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.