Keswick is a thriving little market town and caters for visitors all year round - it never has the "closed up" feel of a seaside resort after the summer months - there is always plenty going on whatever the weather or season. Hazelmere is usually fully booked at weekends throughout the year so please always book early to avoid disappointment.
Keswick has won awards in Britain in Bloom many times over the past few years; it obviously has a head start with such a superb location. The town offers a wide range of places to eat out and has an attractive shopping centre, of course the outdoor clothing industry is a speciality here! Our market day is Saturday but Farmers Markets are arranged during the week throughout the year with, among other things, the opportunity to buy local craft work, photographs and so on.
Keswick is a great base from which to explore the Lakes, learn the literary past of Coleridge, Wordsworth, Southey and of course Beatrix Potter, visit stately homes and gardens or go further a field - Hadrian’s Wall is easily explored from here and is a popular destination for foreign visitors in particular. It has lovely parks, museums, tennis courts, bowling greens, pitch and put, an excellent theatre, cinema, a climbing wall, leisure pool and mountain bike hire for the more energetic. Water sports can be arranged from several venues on Derwentwater and there are numerous other organisations who will take you on the fells, any thing from an easy walk to rock climbing or paragliding. There are several good golf courses in the area.
Seasons
The natural rhythm of life in this lovely town across the seasons is something like this:
Spring: Lambs in the fields, snowdrops are replaced with Wordsworth’s daffodils the hedges begin to burst, birds sing and walking the fells is a pleasure without summer heat. Crisp, clear high pressure days are a bonus for photographers and lengthening days mean more time exploring the fells and enjoying the spectacular views.
February brings the Film Festival (
www.keswickfilmclub.org) and the film club has an interesting selection of guest films showing on Sundays throughout the year.
The Theatre by the Lake stages their annual festival of Words by the Water (
www.wayswithwords.co.uk) in March and Keswick’s Half Marathon takes place usually on the Sunday of the first May bank Holiday.
Summer: Mid May is always a wonderful time in the woods. Bluebells carpet the floor, a walk around Rydal is a special treat and there are rhododendrons out in gardens and roadsides bringing patches colour to the scenery. The ospreys return from Africa and can be viewed at Dodd Wood and on live link at Whinlatter Forest Centre (
www.ospreywatch.co.uk). The Siskins Café at the Whinlatter Visitor Centre is a great place for lunch!
We have a 4 day annual Jazz Festival in the middle of May which is great fun and brings guests from all over the world (
www.theatrebythelake.co.uk).
Keswick’s Annual Beer Festival is held in early June (
www.keswickbeerfestival.co.uk) and from mid July the 3 week Keswick Religious Convention takes place (
www.keswickministries.org). The Keswick Show is held on the August Bank Holiday Monday and there are many other agricultural shows, fell races, sheep dog trials and hound trails held throughout the area.
Autumn: Early September brings blackberries in the hedgerows, the colour of rowan berries in the woods, the bracken and leaves begin to turn so each fell side glows golden and red as the sun slants lower each day. The autumn colours are breathtakingly beautiful and walks on the fells over the early morning mist of the valleys are a wonderful experience. There are plenty of cosy pubs with open fires to enjoy the longer nights and several pubs run quiz nights which are a pleasant way to end a day.
New for 2006 on 8th & 9th September is Keswick Live: a range of popular music will be provided (
www.keswicklive.net)
Winter: Keswick looks amazing with the Christmas lights up, we defy anyone to find a prettier town! The Annual Victorian Fayre is usually held on the first Sunday in December. It is lovely to relax with a cup of hot punch and wander about the stalls selling homemade produce and gifts for Christmas whilst making money for local charities. Keswick is a great place for Christmas shopping!
The Theatre by The Lake always puts on an excellent pantomime and there are many other productions organised for all tastes.
Although the days are much shorter we still get some fantastic days for walking, clear crisp skies and, with the leaves of the trees removed, you can appreciate the massive crags of the fells as the bones of the land are laid bare. Paths are less busy and lakeshore walks on frosty days are a perfect way to relax and work up the appetite for a huge pub meal by a roaring fire.
For more photographs to give a taste of the area please visit a local lady, Ann Bowker’s site (
www.keswick.u-net.com) and try George Fisher’s web cam to check the view of the weather conditions on the fells live (
www.georgefisher.co.uk)
Fell Walking
Many people visit the Lakes inspired by Wainwright’s walks, and
Julia Bradbury’s TV programmes have made these routes more popular. Visitors can take up the challenge of “Walking the Wainwright’s” or can plan walks from sites like
Walking Britain. A lot of our guests will already know the area and have come with the intention of walking the high fells but we also have extra information available to help first-time visitors and those who would like some "local tips" to make the most of their stay.
We keep a file in the hall where we have tried to provide a comprehensive range of information on places to eat out with sample menus where available. Keswick has a wide variety of places to eat : there are various Italian/Chinese/Indian and Fish & Chip Take-Aways, lots of lovely warm, friendly, traditional pubs with generous helpings of food, cafes and restaurants in the town and some very attractive hotels in the valleys and villages around. A variety which should suit every taste - and every wallet!
We have a collection of walking books, maps etc. which guests may borrow for the day and we are always happy to give advice on places to go and things to do. Lynne’s field of expertise is low level walks (and coffee shops!) but Andy is in the Mountain Rescue Team and can give suggestions on routes walking the high fells. As it rains here from time to time we have a drying room so that we can get your gear ready for another day.
We supply walkers route cards to fill out on the hall table.
We politely request that guests use them and don’t deviate from their plans - and please let us know when you get back!! Many a time the Rescue Team have been alerted for a search when walkers are several hours overdue only to discover that they were down safely and in the pub, unaware of the trouble they had caused!
There are local guided walks from the Moot Hall. The Mountain Goat mini-bus service also do very good tours of the area so if you want to leave your car behind and relax for a day consider one of their tours. The Borrowdale Bus Service is also very useful for walking locally and you may take the Keswick Launch to any landing stage on Derwentwater and explore the valley, returning by a later launch, or just walking back to town. Timetables are also in the hall file.
Latrigg (367m or 1174ft) is our nearest fell, climbing the fairly steep paths you gain a wonderful panoramic view of Keswick, Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite.
For the energetic you may walk from Hazelmere, it will take 1-2 hours. Turn left on leaving Hazelmere and go as far as the road which turns right past the Cottage Hospital (there is a path along the side of this road) and into Briar Rigg Estate. Take the signed track on left, up Spooney Green Lane. The main track makes it way up to the top of Gale Road, which is often used as a car park for those venturing onto Skiddaw (931m, 3054 feet), the highest point in view. There are several paths branching off from Spooney Green Lane, all of which can be clearly seen (not signed) and will take you up the steep, grassy slopes to the large open summit where you get lovely views of Derwentwater, the mighty Blencathra to the East and Bassenthwaite to the West. You can leave the top of Latrigg and walk east towards Threlkeld close to Lonscale Farm. Threlkeld is a thriving village with a couple of good pubs for a lunch time snack. You could return to Keswick via the old railway line footpath, a lovely walk amidst natural woodland with the river. It is a lovely place to be as the sun sets. If you have walked far enough, there is a regular bus service through the village returning to Keswick.
For the less active Latrigg does have a road which climbs up almost to the summit so the final walk to the top is not too strenuous, a great idea for an evening stroll!
The Railway Line Walk to Threlkeld a mostly level stroll, the old railway line passes through the leafy canopy of the Low Briery woods and the River Greta winds back and forth below.
Turn left out of Hazelmere, cross the road and take the footpath that runs along the side of the river towards the park. Walk around the edge of the park alongside Station Road and leave the park by the old museum building, heading up the right side of the Leisure Pool and turn right onto the old station platform. From here it is a straightforward walk through the woods. At the far end of the railway footpath you can come up onto the A66 and head into Threlkeld to find a pub for lunch, returning the way you came, or going back through the woods or over Latrigg. Alternatively you can cross the A66 and take in Castlerigg Stone Circle – a super place to visit which has a special atmosphere, especially on clear, still evenings.
Around Derwentwater
The whole route around the lake is approximately 9 miles and can take about 5 hours. You can vary it by taking the Keswick Launch part of the way and walking back.
Turn right from Hazelmere and head to Keswick’s Market Square taking the road to the right of the Moot Hall and turning right again at George Fishers. Walk through the park; turn right to pass the Theatre by the Lake, the boat landings and Derwent Isle Cottages and onto Friars Crag for a superb view of Derwentwater surrounded by the Borrowdale fells and the highest point in England – Sca Fell Pike Retrace your steps a short distance and a track on the left leads you past a monument to John Ruskin and then down to the lake shore path. Follow this path into Ings Wood (known locally as Mucky Wood – find out why at your peril!!) and when you leave the wood turn right to fairly quickly rejoin the lake. Follow the shore, in places close to the road until you must leave the lakeside at Kettlewell Car Park. The path continues on the other side of the road through the woods for a short distance, coming back out onto the road for a while as you pass the Mary Mount and Lodore falls Hotels. Take the signed path to the right across open marshy fields and over duck boards across the end of the lake. (This should be avoided if there has been a considerable amount of rain as it is then advisable to go to Grange and cross over the river, following the road around to the far side of the lake).
The path continues along the lake shore through Brandlehow Woods and comes back up towards Portinscale via Hawes End Centre and through Lingholm Woods. Once in Portinscale Village take the turning right by Harney Peak which takes you over the river on a small suspension bridge. Keep straight ahead, ignoring the path over “The Howrah’s” to Keswick, and go right as you come to the road. The path leas you back to the Crosthwaite end of Keswick and to Hazelmere.
Walla Crag and Ashness
A steep climb up to Walla Crag gives stunning views of Derwentwater.
Turn right from Hazelmere and head to Keswick’s Market Square, walk to the left of the Moot Hall and go straight up St John’s Street past the Cinema and continue on until you find Springs Road on the right. Walk along Springs Road and take the path at the end of the road up through the farm yard and woods. When the path splits turn right and follow this path past the TV mast. At the next path junction go straight ahead and when this meets a road turn right. At the end of the road cross the beck and follow the path uphill and then to the right along the course of the dry stone wall. Use one of several stiles or gates to cross the wall and follow the path to the summit. TAKE CARE, you are now at the top of Walla Crag and the paths on this side of the wall are suddenly close to very steep ground and large drops. From the summit paths take you back to the Lakeshore through the woods or you can continue on to Ashness Bridge to enjoy this classic Lakeland view, returning to Keswick either by the lakeshore path to Friar’s Crag or through Great Wood below Walla Crag. Alternatively you can take the launch back to Keswick from the Ashness Road junction.
Castlehead and Cockshot Wood
A small crag with lovely views. The woods are particularly lovely in May when the bluebells are out.
Turn right from Hazelmere and head to Keswick’s Market Square, walk to the left of the Moot Hall and go straight up St John’s Street past the Cinema and continue on until you find Springs Road on the right. Walk along Springs Road and take the path on the right in between the fields just 300 yards along and climb up through the woods to the top of Castlehead (162m, 531’) for a lovely view of Derwentwater.
Use the paths on either side of the summit to descend to the Borrowdale road, the road taking the path towards Cockshot Wood which lies behind the Theatre by the Lake. You may either leave Cockshot Wood at the far end and stroll back around to Friar’s Crag via the lakeshore path or go through the wood and back through the park by the Boat Landings.
Cat Bells
A favourite ridge walk rising up to 445m (1424 feet) with a clear path giving stunning views of Derwentwater on one side and the magnificent Newlands Valley on the other.
Turn right from Hazelmere and right by the Catholic Church, crossing the road and following it around the field at the bend and taking the road to the left which leads to the suspension foot bridge over the river. Cross the river and walk through Portinscale taking the footpath from Nichol End Marine through Lingholm Woods to Hawes End. Follow the track signed for "Cat Bells" a short distance uphill onto the road from where you can see Cat Bells rising in front of you. If you are less energetic you can park here! Take the obvious footpath; the views are lovely almost from the start. This walk can be part of a round the lake walk – or you can take one of the paths on the side to the lakeshore and return to Keswick by the launch.
Car Tour - Around Derwentwater
We know we are biased but Derwentwater is a lovely valley, the best. If you choose to explore it by car we would suggest that you drive along the north shore, perhaps stopping to stroll by the Lakeshore at Great Wood (a favourite walk when the bluebells are out in Walla Crag Woods). Take time to go up to Ashness Bridge, turn left when you reach the section where the road is beside the lakeshore, immediately before Barrow House Youth Hostel. The road is narrow and steep in places. Ashness Bridge has a car park just beyond; the view from the bridge towards Keswick is a classic one and can be found on many postcards. A little further up the road there is another car park by Surprise View, again well worth a stop. The view is magnificent as you stand on a cliff top over the Lodore Woods looking out over Derwentwater and towards Bassenthwaite in the West.
Keep on driving up through the woods (where some massive ant hills can be found in the summer months) and the land opens out again into the lovely valley of Watendlath. At the far end of the valley there is a lovely little tarn from which you can walk on up into the hills or just relax in the tea gardens where, on sunny days, you can sit outside and share delicious home baked rock cakes with a variety of small birds who will feed from the table, and sometimes from your hand. We love coming up here in the evenings when you can often see deer in the fields near the road.
Returning back down to the road continue your journey along the lake shore, possibly stopping at Kettlewell Car Park to walk to the Lodore Falls – awesome after heavy rain. Continue past the village of Grange on through the “Jaws of Borrowdale” stopping next at the car park at Quayfoot on the left of the road. Just a few hundred yards from this car park is the Bowder Stone a huge boulder weighing about 1,300 tons and laid to rest balanced precariously on its edge. It too is the subject of local postcards and countless people make their way to see it and climb the small ladder to stand on its top.
Back on the main road keep heading down to the end of the valley where the small hamlets of Stonethwaite and Seathwaite lie amongst the great hills. You may leave your car at either location and could easily spend an entire day enjoying these tributary valleys. At Stonethwaite to explore the lovely Langstrath Valley with its twisting beck, small waterfalls and deep pools, from Seathwaite perhaps to tackle Scaffell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
Making you way once more towards Keswick turn over the pack horse bridges at Grange, a small village with several cafes. As you go through the village you can turn left beside the café towards Hollows Farm and spend time exploring the woods with the river winding through - a great place for a picnic or climb the scree path up Castle Crag to admire the view.
Back on the road through the village you continue round onto the other side of Derwentwater, the road running higher here along the side of Catbells, the views are lovely. Again there are places to stop and enjoy the woods, walk down to the Lakeshore or climb up the spine of Catbells for a wonderful view of Derwentwater and Newlands Valley on the other side.
The road returns to Keswick via Portinscale and the A66.
Car Tour - The Buttermere Round
This drive of just under 30 miles takes in spectacular passes and wonderful lake views. Several walks are suggested for this day out.
Leave Keswick on the A66 and turn left into Braithwaite, then 1st left and left again which brings you onto the Newlands Valley road. Follow this road over the Pass (you can stop at the top to see the views or to wander a short distance up the fells on either side) down he other side to Buttermere and Crummock Water. There is a public car park (pay the attendant in the wooden hut) behind the Fish Inn (which does very good meals) and walk the short distance to Falls, or do the low level walk all the way around Buttermere, a distance of some 5 miles and a good 2-3 hours. To walk the circumference of Crummock Water is a considerably longer walk of and the far side can be quite boggy and slippery in places in cold or wet weather.
Back at the Fish Hotel you can return to Keswick by turning right and driving along the side of Buttermere and over Honister Pass. The road drops steeply at the far side and a beck flows down in a pretty gorge to Seathwaite and on towards Derwentwater.
Car Tour - The North Lakes
A longer drive : around 60 miles - which takes in 6 lakes/tarns and the spectacular Kirkstone Pass.
Leave Hazelmere and head towards Keswick following the road east along Penrith Road, at the junction take the right fork signed to Windermere. (At this point you could decide to take a detour to visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, always worth a visit!). Stay on the A591 as it winds past the great Thirlmere reservoir, over the top of Dunmail Raise (with the mighty mass of Helvellyn on your left). As you drop down from Dunmail see if you can make out the "Lion and the Lamb", this ifs the craggy summit of Helm Crag which, at one point in your descent looks just like a lion with a lamb in its paws.
The village of Grasmere is well worth a visit and if you feel like a short walk there is little better than a stroll around Rydal, a small jewel of a lake amidst these great fells.
Ambleside is a busy tourist town, famous as much these days for Hayes Garden World, a must for keen gardeners. Leave Ambleside and continue on past Waterhead and turn first left to Troutbeck. Continue through the village and take the A592 which goes over Kirkstone Pass with its amazing views and head past Brothers Water and down into Glenridding.
The road then takes you alongside Ullswater and through Pooley Bridge and back to the A66 at the Rheged Centre or you can shorten the journey and turn off near Aira Force (a super waterfall within easy walking distance of the road) and head back to Keswick via another hamlet also called Troutbeck.
