Keswick Walks: Keswick to Threlkeld

I had been wanting to do this walk for ages (honestly, years), and this weekend we finally made it! Here’s how we did it.

Where is the Keswick to Threlkeld Walk?

This walk leads, as the name suggests, from Keswick all the way to Threlkeld on what was the old Cockermouth to Penrith railway track. The track had been closed in 1972, and made into a footpath in 1974. Storm Desmond in 2015 destroyed much of the path, and so it was closed while it was restored and strengthened. It finally opened in it’s current form in 2020, and this is the path that is there today.

Where to Park for the Keswick to Threlkeld Walk

Parking is pretty easy, and we found even on a bank holiday there was plenty of space. Parking is in the Better Leisure Car Park, or just through that car park you’ll find the Keswick Country House Hotel car park.

We parked in the hotel car park as it was better value, at £4 for 8 hours.

Note: All these car parks are cash only, and you can’t pay with an app. We were caught out, and ended up running around various receptions to try to sort change out!.

The Keswick to Threlkeld Walk

1. From the car park, the direction of the walk is well signposted, and when we were there lots of people were heading in the same direction. Follow the signed path out of the car park.

2. Now, simply follow this path all the way to Threlkeld! This is the most straightforward walk we have ever done. While you’re walking look out for:

• Distance Markers: Not all of our group were super enthusiastic about this walk, and the distance markers helped massively! There are markers in miles and km (my favourite as they count down more quickly!) to help motivate and get a sense of where you’re up to.

• Information posts: Dotted right the way along the path are information posts about the history of the train track, and the nature in the area. I had no idea about the history and the bobbin industry here so it was fun to read.

• Play areas: I’ll be honest, there isn’t that much opportunity for play along the path (although my kids invented some kind of push-along-sit-down-on-a-scooter-game to pass a few km). There are however, a couple of areas next to bridges where you can walk down to the river. One is a kind of rocky riverbank and the other is more of a pebbly beach, both are fun for throwing stones in and having a little explore.

• A super exciting tunnel: this is a great tunnel to go through! It looks fab and is especially fun if you’re on wheels.

• Lots of bridges: The path passes over plenty of bridges, crossing the River Greta several times. There are a few different types of bridges, giving a bit of variety to the walk.

• Benches. There are loads of benches and different seats all the way along the path. You’re never too far way from somewhere to stop and have a rest and a snack.

• The amazing nature all around! This is a beautiful walk, and it moves through wide open spaces, between cliffs and through trees. It is just lovely.

3. Once you reach the end of the path, here’s the bit I think is important. You’ve walked 5km/3 miles and the sign tells you you’re at the end, but the end of the path doesn’t bring you out in Threlkeld. I was totally expecting to land in the middle of Threlkeld Village, but nope.

At the end of the path, you zig-zag up to the pavement next to the A66. Then you walk along a little to the Threlkeld turn off (this is all really obvious when you’re there). The sign into Threlkeld says that the toilets are another 600m along, so if you want to use the loos then from the end of the path to the toilets it’s approx another 1km altogether! Then to get back to the path it’s another 1km, so, adding on a toilet stop in Threlkeld means another 2km on this 10km walk.

If you do decide to stop in Threlkeld, the toiets are really easy to find, and they’re right next to the Threlkeld Coffee Shop, which sells all kinds of lovely cakes and treats.

4. The return journey. There is an option, at this point, to catch the bus back to Keswick if you want to. The 509 runs between Penrith and Keswick frequently, the timetable is online here.

If you’re walking back (we did), the distance markers continue on the way back, which is helpful! It’s a really easy, almost flat, super obvious path, and yiu simply make your way back the way you came.

So what did we think?

This was a walk I had been wanting to do for a few years now, and it was quite honestly, lovely. I was worried that it would be crazy busy on a bank holiday, and while the first short section was packed, most people left the trail early as they were headed elsewhere.

However, my children find flat out and backs a bit tedious, and this one definitely felt like a bit of a slog. It’s hard when you get somewhere knowing you have to go all the way back!

So, my recommendation would be definitely do this trail, but kids will find it much more enjoyable on scooters or bikes. We had one scooter between 3 kids and they all lived to regret not bringing one each! We also have adult scooters in our house, and I definitely wished I had brought mine.

We are already planning doing it again, but on bikes, and specifically going for breakfast afterwards (my 8 year old’s plan!).

If you do try it then let us know – what did you think?

You might also like to read:

12 Things to do in Keswick in the Rain just in case the weather does it’s Lake District thing

Lake District Waterfalls: Aira Force for another lovely activity close to Keswick

Mirehouse and Gardens for a great place to visit not too far away.