MARK Walla Crag
Walla Crag is one of Keswick's classic viewpoint walks — a short, scenic ridge above Derwentwater with huge views toward Borrowdale, Catbells, and the central fells. It's a perfect half-day outing: structured, atmospheric, and accessible for most walkers. The route via Great Wood and Ashness Bridge is the definitive line.
The full route breakdown — stats, the line in stages, what it really feels like, and the practical detail you need to plan the day.
At a Glance
- Grade: Easy–moderate walk
- Terrain: Woodland paths, rocky viewpoints, stepped sections
The Route
🏔️ Route Character
Walla Crag is a compact viewpoint ridge — gentle woodland trails leading to a rocky summit with superb views over Derwentwater. It's ideal for families, casual walkers, Keswick visitors, sunrise and sunset outings, and low-level days with big scenery.
One of the most accessible and rewarding short walks near Keswick.
🧰 Route Breakdown
- 1. Great Wood → Cat Gill Path — Start at Great Wood car park on the east side of Derwentwater and follow the signed path toward Cat Gill — shaded woodland, gentle gradients, and occasional rocky patches.
- 2. Cat Gill → Walla Crag Ridge — The path steepens as you climb out of the woodland — stepped rocky sections and short steep pulls as views begin to open toward Keswick. A safe, structured ascent that's never technical.
- 3. Walla Crag Summit — A rocky viewpoint perched above Derwentwater, with the Catbells ridge, the Borrowdale valley, Skiddaw and Blencathra, and the central fells on clear days. One of the best viewpoints in the northern Lakes for minimal effort.
- 4. Walla Crag → Ashness Bridge — Descend south along the ridge toward Ashness Bridge — one of the most photographed spots in the Lake District. Gentle ridge walking, rolling terrain, and superb views throughout.
- 5. Ashness Bridge → Great Wood (Return Loop) — Follow the quiet lane or woodland path back toward Great Wood — an easy, gentle descent with occasional roadside viewpoints and shaded woodland sections, completing the loop cleanly.
Practical
⚠️ Difficulty & Hazards
- Steep sections: Short steeper pulls on the Cat Gill climb.
- Terrain: Uneven rock; slick in wet weather.
- Crowds: Busy in peak season.
- Exposure: Minor exposure on the summit viewpoint.
🌠️ Who This Route Suits
- Families
- Casual walkers
- Keswick visitors
- Photographers
- Anyone wanting a scenic half-day walk
Not ideal for
- Very wet days — rock becomes slick
- People wanting a big fell day — choose Skiddaw or Blencathra
📱 Parking & Logistics
- Parking: Great Wood car park — the best start. Keswick Lakeside car park is a 15–20 minute walk away.
- Facilities: Toilets at Lakeside; cafés and pubs in Keswick.
- Transport: 77/77A Honister Rambler stops near Great Wood; X4/X5 to Keswick; seasonal Keswick Launch.
🧰 GPX & Map Notes
On OS Explorer OL4. The line is clear in good visibility; a GPX helps on the Ashness Bridge return if you take the lane variation.
⭐ MX Summary: Walla Crag is one of Keswick's essential viewpoint walks — a short, scenic ridge with huge views over Derwentwater, Catbells, and Borrowdale. Maximum scenery for minimal effort.