Local Walks
Looking to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors? Our collection of local walks highlights the best routes in the area – perfect for a quick stroll, a weekend wander, or a scenic picnic. There’s something here for everyone, from gentle paths to more adventurous trails.
Derwentwater Lakeshore
The Derwent Water Lake Shore Walk is a gentle yet scenic loop around one of the Lake District’s most beautiful lakes, just south of Keswick. The full route is around 10 miles, offering ever-changing views of the surrounding fells, tranquil woodlands, and the water itself.
Highlights along the way include Friar’s Crag, a peaceful viewpoint loved by John Ruskin; the picturesque Chinese Bridge; and quiet bays like Calfclose and Brandelhow. You’ll also pass close to Lodore Falls and several inviting picnic spots. The trail is mostly flat and well-marked, making it suitable for all abilities, though some parts can be muddy or uneven. You can walk the full loop or shorten it by hopping on and off the Keswick Launch boats, which stop at several points along the shore. It’s a perfect day walk for those wanting to soak up the natural charm of the Lakes without tackling a summit.
Catbells Loop
This scenic loop from Portinscale blends everything that makes the Lake District special – gentle lake paths, a rewarding fell climb, sweeping views, and a choice of two beautiful routes back. From the quiet village lanes, you follow a charming path alongside Derwent Water, gradually drawing closer to the rising spine of Catbells.
The ascent from Hawes End is short and steep in places, with a few hands-on scrambles, but it’s well worth the effort. From the summit (451m), you’re treated to a stunning panorama – lake and woodland below, with Skiddaw, Blencathra, and the Newlands Valley all unfolding around you.
From here, you have two return options: the airy Catbells Terrace, a high-level contour path with constant lake views; or the quieter lakeshore trail, winding through woodland and past peaceful bays like Brandelhow and Victoria Bay. Both bring you full circle, back to Portinscale, making this a wonderfully varied half-day walk that captures both the drama and tranquility of the Lakes.
Low Brandlehow Jetty Loop
This gentle and charming loop walk from Portinscale takes you along the western shores of Derwent Water, combining tranquil lakeside paths, woodland glades, and open views across the water. It’s perfect for a relaxed half-day stroll, with the option to break it up by using the Keswick Launch boats at Hawes End or Low Brandlehow.
The walk begins on a peaceful footpath leaving Portinscale and winding toward Hawes End Jetty, offering glimpses of the lake framed by trees and fells. From here, the trail continues south through lovely stretches of mixed woodland, passing bays and hidden clearings. The route is dotted with benches and viewpoints—perfect for a pause to take in the stillness of the water and the backdrop of Skiddaw and Walla Crag.
At Low Brandlehow Jetty, you can catch the boat back or complete the loop on foot, returning via the same lakeside path or detouring slightly inland to vary the scenery. The paths are mostly flat and well-maintained, making this an easy and scenic outing suitable for all ages.
Difficulty: Easy
Grisedale Pike – Sail Loop from Braithwaite
This dramatic high-level loop from Braithwaite takes in two striking Lakeland fells – Grisedale Pike and Sail – offering a satisfying mix of steep ridges, airy summits, and sweeping views across the northwestern Lake District.
The walk begins with a steady climb from Braithwaite up the sharp ridge to Grisedale Pike (791m), offering increasingly expansive views over Bassenthwaite Lake, Skiddaw, and the Coledale Valley. The summit feels wild and exposed, with a real sense of height.
From there, the route follows the ridge to Hopegill Head, then curves around the head of the valley to Sail (773m), ascending via its signature zig-zag path. The descent leads through Barrow Door, with a gentle return over the grassy slopes of Barrow or Stile End, easing you back into Braithwaite.
Walla Crag Loop from Keswick
This scenic loop from Keswick offers a varied and rewarding walk, combining peaceful woodland, open fellside, and wide views over Derwent Water and the surrounding fells. It’s a manageable route that gives a real sense of the Lake District landscape without the need for a long or difficult climb.
The route begins through Castlehead and Great Wood, steadily rising to the rocky summit of Walla Crag. After soaking in views over Derwent Water and the surrounding fells, the path descends via Rakefoot Farm and returns to town on peaceful lanes and grassy tracks.
Difficulty: Easy
Skiddaw loop from Keswick
This stunning loop is a classic full-day trek from Keswick, taking you up Skiddaw—one of England’s highest and most imposing fells—and back via a broad ridge and scenic descent. Expect panoramic views over the northern Lakes, including Bassenthwaite, the Solway Firth, and the rugged high fells beyond.
The route starts on Jubilee Memorial Hill, climbing under Latrigg before entering the steep Skiddaw forest track. Soon you’re up on the ridge, ascending to Skiddaw summit (931m), where the atmosphere is alpine in character. Continuing north, the path traverses Long Side and Carl Side, offering endless expanses of Lakeland vista. The descent back to Keswick is via the Latrigg ridge, completing a spectacular horseshoe loop.
For more information on these local walks why not take a look at Keswick Tourism’s website, Lake District National park Miles without stiles or Komoot for detailed route guides for local walks in the lake district.
If you are heading into the mountains it is important to make sure that you are prepared & have the right equipment. For a check list visit the Lake District National Park website.