We Have Put Together Some Ideas for Walks in the Lake District

Borrowdale and Castle Cragg

This route starts and finishes in Rosthwaite. Castle Cragg can be quite steep and has lots of the remains of slate mining. Once at the top there is a war memorial and some fantastic views along Derwentwater.

The walk is about 3.7 miles long and takes about 2 hours.

Bowder Stone and Watendlath

This walk starts from Brandelhow Landing stage (or you can start from Skiddaw Croft B&B) and takes you through Grange and Rosthwaite before heading up to Watendlath.

The walk is about 8.5 miles long and takes between 4 & 5 hours (add another 40 minutes if walking from the B&B).

Cat Bells - Terrace walk

This is an alternative walk to climbing to the top of Cat Bells and give you some great views across Derwentwater and Newlands Valley.

You can start from Skiddaw Croft B&B, or from Keswick you can catch the launch to Hawes End.

This walk is about 4 miles long and takes between 2.5 & 3 hours (add another 40 minutes if walking from the B&B).

coledale round

Coledale is a classic U shaped valley, typical of the Lake District. It has no habitation which gives a pleasant wild feel to the surrounding peaks and ridges.

A good start and finish point is the Coledale Inn where you can get some good refreshments after your walk.

This is a more difficult walk which is about 7 to 8 hours long and about 11 miles.

Derwentwater Walk

This is a 10 mile leisurely stroll around the Lake District’s 3rd largest lake, Derwentwater. This walk is full of wildlife and can be started from the front door of Skiddaw Croft B&B.

If you go anti-clockwise you will be in the ideal place for a lunch at Mary Mount Hotel.

wainwrights

Skiddaw Croft is an ideal base from which to start your conquest of the Wainwrights that are around Keswick.

There are 21 Wainwrights near our B&B and Keswick. All can be started from Skiddaw Croft.

However, the Lake District is so compact that any one or more of the Wainwright fells could be reached and climbed within a day from us.

There are 214 Wainwright fells and mountains to walk if you want to complete the Wainwright challenge. Will you complete all 214?

Why not bag 3 Wainwrights in one go:

Catbells, Maiden Moor and High Spy (681m elevation gain)
Take the route along the ridge from Catbells, across Maiden Moor and on to High Spy, before dropping down to Dale Head Tarn and the long but beautiful trek back beside Newlands Beck.
Robinson, Hindscarth, and Dale Head
This is the second half of the Newlands Horseshoe.

Or, if you are feeling really energetic you could walk the entire Newlands Horseshoe and complete 6 Wainwrights in one day.

SOME LOWER LEVEL WALKS

If you want a day off from walking up the Fells, why not try some less strenuous walks from the B&B that take in some beautiful scenery?

All can be started from our front door, or you can take a bus to the start of most of these walks or even the launch from Nichol End Marine.

SUGGESTIONS

Railway Walk - Keswick to Threlkeld. Re-opened in 2020 after the damage caused by Storm Desmond (2015). This walk now includes a path through the original railway tunnel that was excavated and brought back to life during the repairs. Starting from Keswick (at the old train station) you will cross the River Greta a number of times as you progress along the route and end up in the little village of Threlkeld where you can relax in a tea shop or have a peaceful meal in one of the pubs.

Ashness Bridge and Surprise View - on the eastern side of Derwentwater. Take your camera as the views at both of these points are very picturesque. It is said that Ashness Bridge is the most photographed bridge in the county.

Terrace Walk Catbells - get some great views of Derwentwater on one side and Newlands Valley the other, without the climb.

Castlerigg Stones - This ancient monument is one of the earliest stone circles in Britain and dates from about 3,000 BC, during the Neolithic period. It has some really spectacular panoramic views around it and sits in the shadow of Blencathra to its north and looks out at Helvellyn and High Seat towards the South. Take your camera.