Keswick
Keswick is a traditional Lake District town, nestled within some of England's highest mountains, and deepest lakes. It is a paradise for hiking, water sports, climbing, trail running and mountain biking. The town is most easily accessed by public transport along the X4/X5 bus route from the nearest train station in Penrith, but is also the end stop on the 555 bus route which runs from Lancaster and Kendal through the central Lakes (see The Lake District Central guide for more on this!).
Where to stay:
Accommodation is available for all budgets:
Budget:
- YHA Youth Hostel
- Denton House Hostel
- There are three campsites all within 15 minutes walk of the town centre.
Mid-price:
- Check out one of the hundreds of guest houses in the town centre. Prices range upwards of about £60 per night per room.
- Premier Inn has recently opened on the edge of town.
Top-end:
- There are a number of five-star hotels including Keswick Country House, and Grange Country House.
Hiking & Running trails:
Long:
Skiddaw
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England's fourth highest mountain, Skiddaw, is walkable straight from town and offers some of the best view of the surrounding fells. Be sure to grab a map (available from the tourist information centre) before heading out!
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Blencathra
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Catch the X4/X5 bus from next to Booths Supermarket to Threlkeld Village where you can start the accent of Blencathra. Be sure to make a route plan and grab a map (available from the tourist information centre) before heading out!
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Catbells
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A family favourite, this picturesque little hill can be climbed directly from Keswick. Be sure to make a route plan and grab a map (available from the tourist information centre) before heading out!
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Short:
Latrigg
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Head straight from town up the steep slopes of Latrigg to be rewarded with some of the best views of Derwentwater Lake. Be sure to make a route plan and grab a map (available from the tourist information centre) before heading out!
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Castlerigg Stone Circle
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Check out the local history and see some impressive views from Castlerigg Stone Circle. Be sure to make a route plan and grab a map (available from the tourist information centre) before heading out!
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National Trust - Bowder Stone
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Catch the 78/77 bus up Borrowdale Valley to Grange Bridge and explore the woods and marvel at the famous Bowder Stone. Be sure to make a route plan and grab a map (available from the tourist information centre) before heading out!
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Other outdoor activities:
Watersports at Derwent Water Marina
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Hire a paddle board, canoe and much more and head out to explore the lake.
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Adrenaline at Honister Slate Mine
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Explore the old slate mines at Honister pass on Climb the Mine, or challenge yourself to scale the rock face on their Via Ferrata. The mine is located on the top of Honister Pass which is accessible on the 77/77a bus route
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Whinlatter Visitor Centre
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Hit the mountain bike trails, try out a segway, or climb through the treetops at GoApe, Whinlatter has it all! All this is just 15 minutes from Keswick on the 77 bus route.
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