MARK Walks Near Keswick
Keswick sits at the northern heart of the Lake District — surrounded by ridges, lakeshore loops, and big mountain days all within a short walk or drive of town.
These are the best walks near Keswick, curated for how easy they are to start, the views they deliver, and how well they suit different walkers.
Best Walks Near Keswick
Catbells & Maiden Moor
~10 km · ~600 m ascent · start Hawes End (10 mins from Keswick). The most iconic “Keswick walk” — ideal for families and first-timers.
Walla Crag
~8 km · ~300 m ascent · start Great Wood car park. Easy access from Keswick, huge views over Derwentwater, and a finish at the iconic Ashness Bridge.
Latrigg
~4 km · ~200 m ascent · start Keswick or Spooney Green Lane. Keswick’s local viewpoint — short, friendly, and perfect at sunset, with an accessible option from Gale Road.
Skiddaw
~10.5 km · ~900 m ascent · start Keswick. One of the most-walked fells in the Lakes — a big, broad mountain straight above the town.
Borrowdale Valley Loop
~6–10 km · start Rosthwaite (15 mins from Keswick). A gentle valley walk with rivers, woodland, and quiet scenery — a perfect low-level option.
Parking & Getting Around Keswick
- Parking: Lakeside car park (best for Derwentwater walks), central Keswick car parks (Latrigg & Skiddaw), Great Wood car park (Walla Crag), Hawes End (Catbells — limited, arrive early).
- Buses: The 77/77A Honister Rambler serves Catbells and Borrowdale; the X4/X5 runs Penrith → Keswick → Cockermouth.
- Keswick Launch: the Derwentwater launch gives lakeshore access to Catbells, Hawes End, and High Brandelhow.
- Facilities: toilets at Lakeside, cafés and pubs throughout Keswick, and outdoor shops for last-minute gear.
MX Summary: Keswick is one of the best bases in the Lake District — ridge walks, lakeshore loops, and big mountain days all within minutes of town. These curated routes are easy to choose, easy to start, and link straight into the full MX route guides.