Walks Keswick

Author: Richard Hallewell

Re-walked by: Maggie & Richard Legate

The Covid restrictions had a significant impact on the Keswick rewalk – much as they had on everything else!  We started in November, but had to cut our stay short and complete the check in April.  Not that it is a hardship to visit the delightful market town and its surrounding hills, and it was a pleasure to be walking the routes when they were a little quieter than usual.
These are classic walks, of course, and very well-trodden.  Highlights for us were the climb up Grey Knotts – with its terrific views of Great Gable, High Stile and the rest of the peaks – and the clamber up and over Hay Stacks from the east end of Buttermere.  Also the lower climbs from Rosthwaite to Watendlath Tarn, Latrigg with its fine views over Keswick (see bottom left) and the circuit of Crummock Water.  In fact, one of the great attractions of the area is the variety of walking available.
In addition to the usual minor alterations needed to the write-ups for the routes, erosion had caused problems on a couple of the walks.  The walking/cycling route following the old railway line by the River Greta (Walk 4: Castlerigg Stone Circle) was closed – though work was being carried out, and it should be reopened soon – as was the path by Newlands Beck (Walk 9: Keswick to Newlands Beck).  It is unclear how long this latter path will be closed, but if the signs are still up when you visit then please follow the diversion we suggest via Swinside Inn.
Whether you enjoy high level treks or short, wooded lakeside walks, Keswick is one of the classic outdoor centres in the UK and should be visited by anyone with an interest in walking.

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