Catbells and Derwentwater above Keswick, Lake District
Northern Lakes · 8 hand-picked walks

Keswick Walks

The walking capital of the northern Lakes — a level lakeshore stroll to a famous viewpoint, low fells with huge views, the nation's favourite "first fell" on Catbells, and a 5,000-year-old stone circle. Distances, parking and dog info for all eight.

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A hand-picked guide

The best walks from Keswick

Keswick is the walking capital of the northern Lakes: Derwentwater's skyline fells, lakeshore classics and viewpoints all sit within a short hop of the town. This is a hand-picked guide to the eight best walks from Keswick, with distance, time, ascent, parking, start points and dog-friendly info for each. Begin with the level Friars Crag lakeshore walk, the walk out to Castlerigg Stone Circle and the photogenic Ashness Bridge and Surprise View; step up to famous Catbells, quieter Walla Crag and easy-win Latrigg; then take on Castle Crag in Borrowdale when you want a short-but-proper fell. For a swim, see the wild swimming guide.

Showing all 8 walks.

Easy

Easy walks from Keswick

The view from Friars Crag over Derwentwater, Keswick, Lake District
The level lakeshore path to Friars Crag headland near Keswick, Lake District

Friars Crag

The classic lakeshore viewpoint · Miles Without Stiles

Easy

Distance

~1.25 km out-and-back

Time

20–40 min

Ascent

Level

Terrain

Level lakeshore path

The classic short lakeshore walk from Keswick to a rocky headland on Derwentwater — Ruskin called the view from here one of his earliest memories and one of the finest in Europe, and a slate memorial to him sits on the crag. It's a level out-and-back of about 1.25km (or a gentle circular through Cockshott Wood), graded Miles Without Stiles, so it's buggy-friendly and accessible. A sunrise, sunset and photography favourite, and one of the easiest big rewards near the town. There's safe swimming nearby off the Derwentwater shore — see the wild swimming guide. Family-friendly and dog-friendly.

Accessible & free. A level Miles Without Stiles path — buggy- and wheelchair-friendly to the viewpoint.

Start: Keswick foreshore by the Theatre by the Lake, following the level lakeshore path south

Parking: Lakeside (Lake Road) car park, Keswick — pay & display, a few minutes' level walk from the crag

Find it: Search "Friars Crag, Keswick" in Google Maps · walkable from town

Nearest pub / refuel

Nearest pub: to confirm — added in the pub-research pass.

Dog-friendly Lake views Miles Without Stiles Not a Wainwright
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Castlerigg Stone Circle in its fell amphitheatre near Keswick, Lake District
The field-path walk from Keswick to Castlerigg Stone Circle, Lake District

Castlerigg Stone Circle walk

The walk to a 5,000-year-old circle · field paths

Easy

Distance

~3 mi circular

Time

1.5–2 hrs

Ascent

Gentle

Terrain

Field paths, quiet lanes

Most people just drive up and park — but the loveliest way to reach Castlerigg is on foot from Keswick, an easy circular of about three miles on field paths and quiet lanes to one of Britain's most atmospheric prehistoric sites. The 5,000-year-old stone circle sits in a natural amphitheatre of fells, ringed by Skiddaw, Blencathra and the Helvellyn range — and arriving on foot, the way people have for millennia, is the angle most visitors miss. For the monument's history and the drive-up details, see the Keswick hub; this card is the walk. Dog-friendly on a lead near livestock.

Start: Keswick town centre, out via the field paths off Springs Road / Eleventrees towards Castlerigg

Parking: Keswick town car parks (walk out); a small free roadside layby sits beside the circle if driving

Find it: Search "Castlerigg Stone Circle" in Google Maps

Nearest pub / refuel

Nearest pub: to confirm — added in the pub-research pass.

Dog-friendly (lead) Prehistoric site Circular Not a Wainwright
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Ashness Bridge packhorse bridge above Derwentwater near Keswick, Lake District
The Surprise View over Derwentwater on the Borrowdale road near Keswick, Lake District

Surprise View & Ashness Bridge

The most-photographed bridge in the Lakes · two viewpoints

Easy

Distance

Short walks · combinable

Time

30 min – 1 hr

Ascent

Short uphill path

Terrain

Path & woodland

Two of the best short viewpoints near Keswick, on the eastern Borrowdale road. Ashness Bridge is the most-photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes, with Skiddaw framed beyond it; a little higher up, the dramatic Surprise View opens out over the full length of Derwentwater from the crags above. The two can easily be combined — a short uphill path links Ashness Bridge to Surprise View through the woods — making a lovely, low-effort outing with huge reward. For the wider hub take on these spots as attractions, see the Keswick hub. Dog-friendly.

Start: Off the B5289 Borrowdale road on the east side of Derwentwater — Ashness Bridge then up to Surprise View

Parking: NT Ashness Bridge car park (CA12 5UN) or NT Surprise View car park (CA12 5UU) — small, fill early

Find it: Search "Ashness Bridge car park" in Google Maps

Nearest pub / refuel

Nearest pub: to confirm — added in the pub-research pass.

Dog-friendly Lake views Photo hotspots Not a Wainwright
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Moderate

Moderate walks from Keswick

The Catbells ridge above Derwentwater near Keswick, Lake District
The view from the Catbells summit over Derwentwater and Keswick, Lake District

Catbells

The Lakes' most famous "first fell" · a Wainwright

Moderate

Distance

3.5–4 mi circular

Time

2–3 hrs

Summit

451 m

Terrain

Ridge, easy scrambly steps

The Lake District's most famous "first fell" — 451 metres, a short but proper little mountain with a clear ridge and huge views over Derwentwater, nominated one of the nation's favourite walks. It's about 3.5–4 miles round, with a couple of easy hands-on scrambly steps and a circular descent via Hause Gate. Can a beginner do it? Yes — it's the classic taster fell, family-friendly and well-trodden, great with kids and dogs; just bring proper footwear rather than trainers for the rocky bits. The iconic approach is by boat, bus or boots: the easiest plan is to park in Keswick and take the launch across to Hawes End. It IS a Wainwright. For the next valley over, Borrowdale and Buttermere make a great follow-on.

Boat, bus or boots: Best option — park in Keswick (Lakeside Long Stay, 250+ spaces) and take the Keswick Launch to Hawes End (~10 min), avoiding the parking scramble

Parking: Limited free roadside parking near Hawes End / Skelgill (grid NY 245 211) — fills very early, narrow lanes. Summit grid NY 243 198

Find it: Search "Hawes End, Catbells" in Google Maps

Nearest pub / refuel

Nearest pub: to confirm — added in the pub-research pass.

Dog-friendly Lake views Circular (Hause Gate) Wainwright
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The Derwentwater panorama from Walla Crag near Keswick, Lake District
The path up Walla Crag from Great Wood near Keswick, Lake District

Walla Crag

The quieter viewpoint fell · a Wainwright

Moderate

Distance

4–5 mi circular

Time

2.5–3 hrs

Summit

379 m

Terrain

Fell paths (no scramble)

The craggy viewpoint fell on Derwentwater's eastern side — 379 metres, with a superb lake panorama and, for many walkers, the equal of Catbells for views with a fraction of the crowds. It's usually done as a circular of 4–5 miles from Keswick or Great Wood, climbing through woodland to the airy edge above the lake. Walla Crag or Catbells? Both are excellent: Catbells is the more famous ridge, but Walla Crag is quieter, slightly easier underfoot and not a scramble — so if you want the big Derwentwater view without the queues, this is the pick. It IS a Wainwright. Dog-friendly on a lead near stock.

Start: Great Wood (off the B5289 Borrowdale road), or walk in from Keswick via Springs Wood

Parking: NT Great Wood car park (off the Borrowdale road) — pay & display

Find it: Search "Great Wood car park, Keswick" in Google Maps

Nearest pub / refuel

Nearest pub: to confirm — added in the pub-research pass.

Dog-friendly Lake views Circular Wainwright
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The view over Keswick and Derwentwater from Latrigg, Lake District
The gentle path up Latrigg from the Gale Road start near Keswick, Lake District

Latrigg

The easiest big view in the Lakes · a Wainwright

Easy–Mod

Distance

2–3 mi

Time

1–1.5 hrs

Summit

368 m

Terrain

Gentle fell path

The little fell directly behind Keswick — 368 metres and, from the high start, possibly the easiest big view in the whole Lake District. From the Gale Road / Underscar car park, high on the flank of Skiddaw, a gentle path leads up in a mile or so to a panorama over Keswick, the full sweep of Derwentwater and the Skiddaw massif for minimal effort. It's the perfect short walk when you want a proper summit view without a fell day, ideal for families and first-timers. It IS a Wainwright — the "easiest fell" answer for the Keswick side. Dog-friendly throughout.

Start: Gale Road / Underscar high car park (above Keswick, near the Skiddaw path) — the easy high start

Parking: Gale Road car park (free, fills early); or walk up from Keswick town for a longer round

Find it: Search "Latrigg, Gale Road car park" in Google Maps

Nearest pub / refuel

Nearest pub: to confirm — added in the pub-research pass.

Dog-friendly Lake views Loop possible Wainwright
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Waymarked forest trails at Whinlatter Forest near Keswick, Lake District
The view from the Whinlatter Forest walking trails above Bassenthwaite near Keswick, Lake District

Whinlatter Forest

England's only true mountain forest · waymarked trails

Moderate

Distance

Waymarked trails (varies)

Time

1–3 hrs

Ascent

Moderate (trail-dependent)

Terrain

Forest tracks & paths

England's only true mountain forest, on the hills west of Keswick — a network of waymarked walking trails climbing through the trees to fine views over Bassenthwaite and the Skiddaw fells. It's a brilliant all-weather, family option, with red squirrels in the woods and a visitor centre at the heart of it. This card is about the walking trails; for Go Ape, the bike trails and the wider attraction, see the Keswick hub. Dog-friendly on the forest paths.

Start: Whinlatter Forest visitor centre, on the B5292 west of Keswick (above Braithwaite)

Parking: Whinlatter visitor centre car park (charged)

Find it: Search "Whinlatter Forest" in Google Maps

Nearest pub / refuel

Nearest pub: to confirm — added in the pub-research pass.

Dog-friendly Forest & squirrels Circular trails Not a Wainwright
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Difficult

Difficult fells & mountain days from Keswick

The dramatic little summit of Castle Crag in Borrowdale near Keswick, Lake District
The steep slate-spoil climb up Castle Crag from Grange-in-Borrowdale near Keswick, Lake District

Castle Crag

Small but mighty · the only Wainwright under 1,000ft

Difficult

Distance

~5 mi from Grange

Time

2.5–3.5 hrs

Summit

Under 1,000 ft

Terrain

Steep, loose slate near top

The small but mighty Borrowdale fell — the only Wainwright under 1,000 feet, and one of the most rewarding short climbs in the Lakes. A walk of about five miles from Grange-in-Borrowdale leads up a steep, dramatic slate-spoil path to a tiny rocky summit crowned with a WWI memorial, with huge views down Borrowdale and over to the Derwentwater fells. The final pull is steep on loose slate, so it earns its difficult grading despite the modest height — but it's a genuinely big-feeling little mountain. Keswick's true big fells, Skiddaw and Blencathra, are serious full mountain days needing proper kit and a weather check. Dog-OK with care on the slate.

Steep, loose ground near the top. The final slate-spoil pull is steep and loose — boots, care on the descent, and a weather check before you set off.

Start: Grange-in-Borrowdale, along the river towards the Bowder Stone, then up the slate path to the summit

Parking: Grange village, or the NT Bowder Stone car park (CA12 5XA) — both small, fill early

Find it: Search "Castle Crag, Borrowdale" in Google Maps

Nearest pub / refuel

Nearest pub: to confirm — added in the pub-research pass.

Dog-OK (care) WWI memorial summit Circular (Borrowdale) Wainwright
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Keep exploring

More walks & nearby guides

Keswick connects to the best of the northern Lakes — Derwentwater swims, the town's attractions and the wider walking guide.

The town

Things to do in Keswick

Castlerigg, Whinlatter, Ashness Bridge and the rest of the town's attractions.

Keswick hub
Cool off

Wild swimming

Derwentwater off Friars Crag and the best swims near Keswick.

Wild swimming guide
Underground

Lake District caves

Slate caverns and old mine workings across the region.

Caves guide
The full guide

All Lake District walks

Browse the best walks across the region by difficulty, type and area.

Lake District walks hub

Plan your whole Keswick day around a walk

Free, no sign-up. Tell the planner which walk you fancy, your transport and the weather — it builds a timed day around it, with parking, lunch and bus times sorted.

Open the free Lakes Planner

Common questions

Keswick walks, answered

What are the best walks in Keswick?
Keswick is the walking capital of the northern Lakes. The standout walks are Catbells (the famous beginner's ridge fell above Derwentwater), Friars Crag (the classic short lakeshore viewpoint), Walla Crag (a craggy panorama on the lake's east side) and Latrigg (the easiest big view in the Lakes). Castle Crag in Borrowdale is the short-but-mighty option for stronger walkers.
Can a beginner climb Catbells?
Yes — Catbells (451m) is the classic first fell of the Lake District: family-friendly, well-trodden and a short but proper little mountain. There are a couple of easy hands-on scrambly steps, so proper footwear is better than trainers, but it's great with kids and dogs and is one of the nation's favourite walks.
Walla Crag or Catbells — which is better?
Both give superb Derwentwater views. Catbells is the more famous ridge and the bigger-name fell, but it gets busy. Walla Crag (379m, east side of the lake) is quieter, slightly easier underfoot and not a scramble — so if you want the views without the crowds, Walla Crag is the pick.
What's the easiest fell near Keswick?
Latrigg (368m), directly behind Keswick, is probably the easiest big view in the Lakes. From the high Gale Road / Underscar start the path is gentle, and the reward is a panorama over Keswick, Derwentwater and the Skiddaw massif for minimal effort.
How do you get to Catbells from Keswick?
The iconic approach is by boat, bus or boots. The easiest option is to park in Keswick (Lakeside Long Stay) and take the Keswick Launch across Derwentwater to Hawes End (about 10 minutes), which avoids the parking scramble. There is limited free roadside parking near Hawes End / Skelgill (grid NY 245 211) but it fills very early and the lanes are narrow.
Where do you park for Walla Crag?
The usual start is the National Trust Great Wood car park off the Borrowdale road, which gives a direct circular up to the summit and back via Rakefoot. You can also walk it from Keswick itself.
Are there easy lakeshore walks near Keswick?
Yes — Friars Crag is the classic, a short level lakeshore walk to a headland viewpoint over Derwentwater that's Miles Without Stiles accessible and buggy-friendly. The wider Derwentwater shore offers easy, mostly level walking with plenty of swimming spots along the way.