--- title: "Walks around Keswick | Visit Keswick, Lake District" url: https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes description: "Walking routes from Keswick and the surrounding valleys, with distance, time and directions for each." --- The lakes and mountains surrounding Keswick are one of the best places in the UK for hiking and walking. Skiddaw, Latrigg, Walla Crag, Castlehead, Castlerigg Stone Circle and the walk round Derwentwater can all be started from the town centre. Using the local buses opens up a good deal more — see [getting to Keswick](https://visitkeswick.com/visitor-info/getting-to-keswick) . Before you set off, [safety on the fells](https://visitkeswick.com/visitor-info/safety-on-the-fells) covers what to take and how to check the weather. Walks marked **Car free** can be reached on foot from the market square or by local bus — the ones [KTA list](https://visitkeswick.com/visitor-info/sustainability) , with the bus you need. Others may well be reachable too; these are the ones with a route we can point you at. Loading map… - [A short walk in the Newlands Valley](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/newlands-valley-walk) - [Barrow Fell](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/barrow-fell) - [Bowscale Tarn](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/bowscale-tarn) - [Buttermere and Scale Force](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/buttermere-and-scale-force) - [Castle Crag from Seatoller](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/castle-crag-from-seatoller) - [Castlerigg Stone Circle and Tewet Tarn](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/castlerigg-stone-circle-and-tewet-tarn) - [Castlerigg Stone Circle from Keswick](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/castlerigg-stone-circle) - [Catbells](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/catbells) - [Dodd Wood](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/dodd-wood) - [Dubwath Silver Meadows](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/dubwath-silver-meadows) - [Great Wood and Derwentwater](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/great-wood-and-derwentwater) - [Helvellyn from Thirlmere](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/helvellyn-from-thirlmere) - [High Rigg](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/high-rigg) - [High Spy, Maiden Moor and Catbells](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/high-spy-maiden-moor-and-catbells) - [Keswick to Applethwaite and Millbeck Circular Walk](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/keswick-millbeck-applethwaite-walk) - [Keswick to Calfclose Bay Circular Walk](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/calfclose-bay) - [Keswick to Rosthwaite walk via Ashness Bridge, Surprise View and Watendlath](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/keswick-to-rosthwaite) - [Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/keswick-to-threlkeld-railway-path) - [Langstrath Valley](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/langstrath-valley) - [Latrigg from Keswick](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/latrigg) - [Latrigg via the Railway Path](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/latrigg-via-the-railway-path) - [Lords Seat and Barf from Whinlatter Visitor Centre](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/lords-seat-and-barf-from-whinlatter) - [Loweswater Terrace](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/loweswater-walk) - [Outerside and Stile End from Braithwaite](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/outerside-and-stile-end) - [Rannerdale Knotts and the Valley of the Bluebells](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/rannerdale-knotts) - [Rosthwaite Circular Walk and Millican Dalton's Cave](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/rosthwaite-and-millican-daltons-cave) - [Rosthwaite, Watendlath, Grange in Borrowdale Circular Walk](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/rosthwaite-watendlath-grange-circular-walk) - [Sale Fell](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/sale-fell) - [Skiddaw via Jenkin Hill](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/skiddaw-via-jenkinhill) - [Tewet Tarn from Threlkeld Quarry](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/tewet-tarn-threlkeld-quarry) - [The Coledale Round](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/coledale-round) - [The Derwentwater Walk](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/derwentwater-walk) - [The Newlands Round](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/newlands-round) - [Threlkeld Circular Walk](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/threlkeld-circular-walk) - [Walla Crag](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/walla-crag) - [Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell and High Seat](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/walla-crag-bleaberry-fell-and-high-seat) ## 37 walks A farm track running between bare trees to the little whitewashed Newlands church do ### [A short walk in the Newlands Valley](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/newlands-valley-walk) This may be just a short walk but it takes the walker into a quiet, relatively unknown part of the Newlands valley - with an insight into the mining h 1.5 miles [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/newlands-valley-walk) Derwentwater and the wooded vale seen from high on Barrow under piled cloud ### [Barrow Fell](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/barrow-fell) Although Barrow Fell is of modest height at 455 metres there are excellent 360 degree views from the summit, a great reward for not too much effort. I 3 miles · 2 to 2.5 hours Car free — bus X4 or X5 [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/barrow-fell) A red telephone box against a rendered cottage on a quiet village road ### [Bowscale Tarn](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/bowscale-tarn) A lovely walk up to an isolated tarn and back through the valley. Mosedale is a small village 4 miles off the A66 between Keswick and Penrith. After l 4 miles · 3 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/bowscale-tarn) A walker on the bracken path along the shore of Buttermere below steep fells ### [Buttermere and Scale Force](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/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. The footpaths around [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/buttermere-and-scale-force) The wooded cone of Castle Crag rising above walled fields in the valley ### [Castle Crag from Seatoller](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/castle-crag-from-seatoller) A scenic walk to the summit of the smallest of Wainwright's fells. This route follows the terrace path above the lovely Borrowdale Valley. A short div 5 miles · 3 hours Car free — bus 78 [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/castle-crag-from-seatoller) A shallow tarn in rough pasture with the long green ridge of Blencathra behind ### [Castlerigg Stone Circle and Tewet Tarn](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/castlerigg-stone-circle-and-tewet-tarn) This Lake District walk starts and finishes at Castlerigg Stone Circle just outside Keswick passing the tiny isolated church at St John's in the Vale 3.5 miles · 2.5 hours Car free — on foot [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/castlerigg-stone-circle-and-tewet-tarn) The Castlerigg stones in close-cropped grass with Blencathra rising behind them ### [Castlerigg Stone Circle from Keswick](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/castlerigg-stone-circle) A short walk with fine views to the surrounding fells setting out along the old railway path, going up the lane to the Stone Circle and returning via 4 miles approx · 2 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/castlerigg-stone-circle) A walker on the red bracken ridge of Catbells with Derwentwater spread out below ### [Catbells](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/catbells) Panoramic views over Keswick, Derwentwater and Borrowdale from the start. Allow around three hours for the walk, plus time to stop and enjoy them. ~3.5 miles · ~3 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/catbells) A bench at a forest viewpoint looking down through the trees to the lake in mist ### [Dodd Wood](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/dodd-wood) A few miles north of Keswick is Dodd Wood, an area of woodland managed by the Forestry England, where you'll find a network of waymarked trails throug 3 miles · 2-3 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/dodd-wood) A turf-roofed bird hide at the end of a boardwalk through meadow grass and flowers ### [Dubwath Silver Meadows](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/dubwath-silver-meadows) Dubwath Silver Meadows is a traditional wetland site located near the west end of Bassenthwaite Lake. Maintained by volunteers, it is a peaceful area 2.5 km · ~1 hour [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/dubwath-silver-meadows) People on the grassy lake shore under mature trees with the fells opposite ### [Great Wood and Derwentwater](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/great-wood-and-derwentwater) Enjoy this lovely walk up through Great Wood beneath Walla Crag and back along the lakeshore with fine views over Derwentwater to Catbells. A less str 4.3 miles · 2.5 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/great-wood-and-derwentwater) Two walkers on a stony path high above Thirlmere with the lake far below ### [Helvellyn from Thirlmere](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/helvellyn-from-thirlmere) A sustained climb without Striding Edge. Choose the 4.5-mile out-and-back (3½–4 hours) or the 9-mile circuit (5–6 hours). 4.5 or 9 miles · 3½–6 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/helvellyn-from-thirlmere) The green vale with its farms and walls seen from the ridge with Blencathra beyond ### [High Rigg](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/high-rigg) Although named High Rigg the fell stands at a modest 357m and is only high in comparison to the nearby Low Rigg. An undulating ridge walk there are fi 5.2 miles · 2.5 to 3 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/high-rigg) Derwentwater and the whole vale seen from the high ridge of Maiden Moor ### [High Spy, Maiden Moor and Catbells](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/high-spy-maiden-moor-and-catbells) The western side of Borrowdale is a long undulating ridge occupied by three attractive little peaks, High Spy, Maiden Moor and Cat Bells. Each one of 9 miles (14.6km) · 5 - 6 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/high-spy-maiden-moor-and-catbells) Snow-covered Skiddaw rising above green fields with sheep grazing ### [Keswick to Applethwaite and Millbeck Circular Walk](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/keswick-millbeck-applethwaite-walk) This low level walk takes you via field paths to the villages of Applethwaite and Millbeck just outside Keswick and back along the terrace road linkin 4.5 miles · 2 - 2.5 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/keswick-millbeck-applethwaite-walk) The shingle beach at Calf Close Bay with autumn trees along the shore ### [Keswick to Calfclose Bay Circular Walk](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/calfclose-bay) Follow the woods to Calfclose Bay, then return along Derwentwater’s shore. Allow extra time to stop and enjoy the lakeside views. 3.5 miles · 1½ hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/calfclose-bay) Keswick and Derwentwater laid out below with the far fells beyond ### [Keswick to Rosthwaite walk via Ashness Bridge, Surprise View and Watendlath](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/keswick-to-rosthwaite) A 7.5 mile linear walk, full of interest, starting from Keswick, taking in Walla Crag, Ashness Bridge and Surprise View, with its fantastic vantage po 7.5 miles · 4 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/keswick-to-rosthwaite) The path running through an old stone railway tunnel into green light beyond ### [Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/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 a [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/keswick-to-threlkeld-railway-path) A beck running clear over rocks down the wide floor of the Langstrath valley ### [Langstrath Valley](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/langstrath-valley) A low-level walk from Rosthwaite through contrasting valley scenery and striking river features. Allow about 3½ hours’ walking for the full route. ~5.5 miles · ~3½ hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/langstrath-valley) A wooden gate at the summit path with Keswick and the lake laid out below ### [Latrigg from Keswick](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/latrigg) Latrigg is Keswick's own fell and one for the 'must-do' list for your visit to Keswick. The views from the summit over Keswick town, Derwentwater and [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/latrigg) A wide grassy path curving off Latrigg with Keswick and the whole vale below ### [Latrigg via the Railway Path](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/latrigg-via-the-railway-path) This circular route takes you along the railway path and then via Brundholme Woods up to the summit of Latrigg before dropping back down into Keswick. c. 6.5 miles · 2.5 – 3 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/latrigg-via-the-railway-path) A gravel path curving through heather with a wind-shaped pine beside it ### [Lords Seat and Barf from Whinlatter Visitor Centre](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/lords-seat-and-barf-from-whinlatter) Starting this walk from Whinlatter Visitor Centre gives you a leg up to reach the summits of Lord's Seat and Barf where you are rewarded with magnific 5 miles · 2.5 hours Car free — bus 77 or 77A [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/lords-seat-and-barf-from-whinlatter) An adult and child walking a grassy path down towards Loweswater and the fells ### [Loweswater Terrace](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/loweswater-walk) This route takes you along the terrace path above Loweswater returning with a gentle stroll back along the lakeshore. You can do the walk either way r 5.5 miles · 2.5 - 3 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/loweswater-walk) A stony path climbing through heather and rough grass towards the tops ### [Outerside and Stile End from Braithwaite](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/outerside-and-stile-end) Starting from the village of Braithwaite this 6-mile route takes in the summits of Stile End and Outerside before dropping down to Force Crag, the las 6 miles · 3 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/outerside-and-stile-end) The floor of the Rannerdale valley carpeted blue with wild bluebells under a lone tree ### [Rannerdale Knotts and the Valley of the Bluebells](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/rannerdale-knotts) A walk up into the Rannerdale Valley, round the base and then up the fairly short but quite steep Rannerdale Knotts, along the ridge with lovely views 4.5 miles · 2.5 - 3 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/rannerdale-knotts) A line of flat stepping stones crossing a wide shallow river between wooded banks ### [Rosthwaite Circular Walk and Millican Dalton's Cave](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/rosthwaite-and-millican-daltons-cave) A lovely circular walk from Rosthwaite, to the base of Castle Crag (with the option of climbing to the summit), onto Millican Dalton's Cave and then r 3.5 miles · 2.5 - 3 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/rosthwaite-and-millican-daltons-cave) Wind on the surface of Watendlath Tarn with its shingle shore in the foreground ### [Rosthwaite, Watendlath, Grange in Borrowdale Circular Walk](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/rosthwaite-watendlath-grange-circular-walk) A circular walk starting from the village of Rosthwaite in the Borrowdale Valley near Keswick. The route heads up and over to the hamlet of Watendlath 7.5 miles · 4 - 4.5 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/rosthwaite-watendlath-grange-circular-walk) Bassenthwaite Lake laid out below the grassy slopes of Sale Fell ### [Sale Fell](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/sale-fell) Sale is one of the lesser known fells and is situated in a quiet area above Wythop some 8 miles from Keswick. It is definitely an area to put on your 3.5 miles · 1.5 to 2 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/sale-fell) A footpath running across open fields towards the bulk of Skiddaw ### [Skiddaw via Jenkin Hill](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/skiddaw-via-jenkinhill) The mighty Skiddaw and its neighbouring peaks provide a magnificent backdrop for Keswick. Skiddaw, at 931m, 3054'), is the fourth highest mountain in 10 miles · 5 - 6 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/skiddaw-via-jenkinhill) A stony track climbing between a drystone wall and bracken with walkers ahead ### [Tewet Tarn from Threlkeld Quarry](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/tewet-tarn-threlkeld-quarry) A low-level circular walk through peaceful St John's in the Vale starting from Threlkeld Quarry and visiting the very photogenic Tewet Tarn, with Blen 6.5 miles · 3 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/tewet-tarn-threlkeld-quarry) A thin waterfall falling down the bare scree slopes of a high fell ### [The Coledale Round](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/coledale-round) From Keswick the peaks surrounding Coledale are an intriguing sight and many are linked at a high level making them ideal for a skyline walk that gain 11 miles (17.5km) · 7 - 8 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/coledale-round) A white suspension footbridge crossing the river Derwent between wooded banks ### [The Cumbria Way](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/the-cumbria-way) This 112km route passes right through Keswick and was devised by local Ramblers Association members in the 1970's. The entire route is way marked than [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/the-cumbria-way) A boardwalk curving through marsh grass between silver birches with fells beyond ### [The Derwentwater Walk](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/derwentwater-walk) Follow the waymarked lakeshore circuit at a leisurely pace over a full day. For a shorter walk, use a bus or the launch’s landing stages. 10 miles · Full day [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/derwentwater-walk) The ridge of Causey Pike rising above the farms and fields of the Newlands valley ### [The Newlands Round](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/newlands-round) The Newlands Valley nestles within the fells on the western side of Derwentwater. Only a stones throw from Keswick it encompasses an amazing array of 8 miles (13km) · 5-6 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/newlands-round) A wooden stile below a thin waterfall running down a rough grassy fellside ### [Threlkeld Circular Walk](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/threlkeld-circular-walk) A circular walk from the village of Threlkeld near Keswick taking you over the fields to Wescoe with fine views of Blencathra, Clough Head and Latrigg just under 4 miles · 2 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/threlkeld-circular-walk) Keswick spread out below with Skiddaw filling the skyline behind it ### [Walla Crag](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/walla-crag) Climb Walla Crag from Keswick for outstanding views over Derwentwater to the fells beyond. This route then takes you down to Ashness Bridge and return 6 miles · 3-4 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/walla-crag) A peaty path crossing open moorland towards a rocky summit ### [Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell and High Seat](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/walla-crag-bleaberry-fell-and-high-seat) Enjoy fantastic views from the three Wainwright summits of Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell and High Seat before dropping down to the much-photographed Ashn 9.5 miles · 5 hours [See the route](https://visitkeswick.com/do/walking-routes/walla-crag-bleaberry-fell-and-high-seat) ## Start your trip here Plan your perfect escape with our Keswick guide. 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