The best walks and hikes around Keswick

Yes, Keswick is excellent for families. For a gentle walk with fantastic views of the town and Derwentwater, the path up Latrigg is a popular choice. Another great option is the Carter Overlook via Saunders-Monticello Trail — Charlottesville, a relatively short and accessible route that's perfect for a quick outing with children.

Keswick offers numerous circular routes. For a classic experience with rewarding views over Derwentwater, the walk up Walla Crag from the town is a great moderate option. For something easier, the Jason Stevens Loop Trail — Charlottesville provides a pleasant circuit through wooded areas.

Absolutely. Many of the best hikes, including trails up Latrigg, Walla Crag, and along the shores of Derwentwater, can be started directly from the town centre. For destinations further afield, the local bus services provide good access to trailheads in Borrowdale, Buttermere, and the surrounding fells.

Keswick is very dog-friendly. Most trails, including the walk around Derwentwater and the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway path, are great for walking with dogs. However, when crossing farmland, especially during lambing season (spring), it's crucial to keep your dog on a lead and under close control.

You're spoilt for choice. Friar's Crag offers a classic, easily accessible viewpoint across Derwentwater. For a more elevated panoramic view of the lake and surrounding fells, the summit of Walla Crag is a local favourite. The short climb up Catbells also provides iconic vistas down the Borrowdale valley.

For experienced hikers, Keswick is a gateway to some of the Lake District's most famous peaks. The ascent of Skiddaw is a classic full-day mountain walk offering extensive views. Nearby, Blencathra presents several challenging routes, including the famous knife-edge scramble along Sharp Edge for those with a head for heights.

Yes, many routes can be planned to include a pub. The Borrowdale and Newlands valleys, both accessible from Keswick, have several traditional pubs that are popular with walkers. A walk around the western side of Derwentwater or into the Newlands Valley could easily incorporate a stop at a pub in Portinscale or Grange.

While you can walk from Keswick, the most direct starting point is the National Trust Great Wood car park. From here, a popular route ascends via Cat Gill, which is steep and rocky in places. Be aware that this car park can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during holidays.

Catbells is significantly less demanding than Skiddaw. It's a much shorter hill walk with a few sections of easy scrambling near the top, making it achievable for most fit walkers in a few hours. Skiddaw is one of England's highest mountains, requiring a long, sustained ascent that demands a high level of fitness and a full day to complete.

Yes, a popular walk is to the Castlerigg Stone Circle, an ancient Neolithic monument located just east of Keswick. The site offers a unique atmosphere and stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding fells, including Helvellyn and High Rigg. You can incorporate it into a longer circular walk from the town.

The trails around Keswick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers frequently praise the incredible variety, from gentle lakeside paths like the Rivanna River Trail — Charlottesville to the dramatic mountain ridges. The accessibility of trails directly from town is another commonly highlighted benefit.