Best Walks in the Lake District
Walkers, hikers and ramblers alike will be captivated by the breathtaking fells, rolling hills and awe-inspiring scenery that define the Lake District. Renowned for its diverse range of walking routes, from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain climbs. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful wander through ancient woodlands or a more adventurous trek across rugged peaks, there’s something here for every level of ability and interest.
To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve selected some of the finest walking trails situated near the 4 star Lake District Castle Inn Hotel in Bassenthwaite.
Seasonal Highlights & Tips
Winter is a magical time to explore the Lake District, with crisp air, quieter paths, and, on the right day, snow-tipped fells. However, shorter daylight hours and icy conditions mean a bit of extra preparation is essential. Follow these tips to enjoy safe and memorable winter walks:
• Dress in warm, breathable layers and bring waterproofs
• Check the weather forecast and be aware of shorter daylight hours
• Stick to well-marked, lower-level routes in icy or poor conditions
• Wear sturdy, grippy footwear – paths can be muddy or slippery
• Bring a charged phone, water, snacks and a small torch if you’re out late
• If walking with children or dogs, choose shorter, safer valley or lakeside routes
Pro Tip: Staying at the Castle Inn Hotel in Bassenthwaite puts you close to some of the best winter walking routes in the Lake District, making it easy to explore safely while enjoying the season’s stunning scenery.
Our Favourite Walks Near the Hotel
Mirehouse & Gardens
7 Minute Drive
Immediately immerse yourself in tranquillity and peace at Mirehouse and Gardens. Perfect for a leisurely stroll, this short loop brings you past wildflower meadows, a terraced garden and collections of Rhododendrons. As well as the gardens, there is lakeshore and woodland playgrounds open for visitors to enjoy whatever the weather.
Keswick, CA12 4QE
Fitz Park, Keswick
14 Minute Drive
Just a few minutes stroll from Keswick Market Square, Fitz Park has a 1.5 mile route and is rated as easy. A riverside setting with glorious open views towards Skiddaw and Latrigg. The park has a large open recreational area, cricket pavilion and fantastic children's playground aswell as a multi use games area and BMX track.
Keswick, CA12 4NF
Lingholm Walled Garden
18 Minute Drive
Green fingered gardeners will love Lingholm Walled Garden where the skilled team cultivate fresh organic produce for the estate and their café. There is an outdoor gallery featuring the work of Beatrix Potter sharing her connection with the surrounding area. You can also take part in wonderful alpaca walks around the stunning grounds of the Lingholm Estate.
Keswick, CA12 5TZ
Friars Crag
17 Minute Drive
A beautiful and varied walk to a stunning viewpoint. This is a pleasant route along the shore of Derwentwater on a smooth multi-use trail. This popular spot offers stunning views of the lake, as well as Lakeland fells including Cat Bells, Walla Crag, Maiden Moor and on a clear day the “teeth” of Castle Crag too.
Keswick, CA12 5DJ
Cockermouth River Walk
15 Minute Drive
You can start at Memorial Gardens car park, on the north side of River Derwent. This walk focuses on the two rivers the Cocker and the Derwent. As well as the rivers, the walk takes in Jennings Brewery, a view of the castle, a disused railway, Cockermouth Cemetery, Harris Park and Wordsworth House, where the poet William Wordsworth was born.
Cockermouth, CA13 0HS
Family Hike
Dodd Wood
6 Minute Drive
Well signposted ‘Dodd Summit Trail’ and good gravel paths. This circular hike is great for the family, bringing you all uphill through the forest, over wooden bridges and rewarding you with views across the fells. You might even spot a red squirrel. The Old Sawmill Tearoom is conveniently located beside the car park.
Keswick, CA12 4QE
Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path
14 Minute Drive
If you’ve packed the bicycles and scooters then this easy and scenic trail is for you. It follows the River Greta through beautiful Lake District countryside. Pay and display car parking available at Keswick Leisure Pool.
Keswick, CA12 4NE
Whinlatter Forest
17 Minute Drive
Whinlatter is home to stunning views and fantastic walks with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Whinlatter Forest is England's only true mountain forest, with an unrivalled landscape. So lace up your hiking boots and discover the natural beauty and adventure that Whinlatter Forest has to offer.
Keswick, CA12 5TW
Ramblers
Bassenthwaite Lake
6 Minute Drive
Starting at the Old Sawmill Tea Room, take a walk around Mirehouse & Gardens, through woodland, past St Beg’s Church and on towards the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake along signposted paths. Stout shoes or boots recommended for some paths after heavy rain.
Keswick, CA12 4RG
Keswick to Skiddaw
14 Minute Drive
Skiddaw, 3rd highest mountain in England, challenging, circular walk and is a popular climb with hill walkers. Climbing Skiddaw from Keswick is the most popular route up the mountain. It is a straightforward walk on good tracks. Pay and display car parking available at Keswick Leisure Pool.
Keswick, CA12 4NE
Wainwright Bagging
Latrigg
15 Minute Drive
One of our favourites, we’d recommend bagging Latrigg as your first Wainwright. Located just outside Keswick, you can start in the town or park halfway up for an easier climb. There’s a circular route with breathtaking views.
Keswick, CA12 4PH
Catbells
27 Minute Drive
Catbells is a fell situated on the western shore of Derwentwater. From the moment you step on the fell you can start to enjoy sensational panoramic views over Keswick, Derwentwater and Borrowdale. To the West the views of Newlands Valley and the Western Fells make this walk unrivalled in spectacular views. Alpacaly Ever After can also offer guided Llama treks for you as you hike Catbells.
Keswick, CA12 5TU
Sale Fell
13 Minute Drive
Sale Fell is one of the lesser known fells and is situated in a quiet area above Wythop. There are numerous paths around the fell and surrounding woods. A pleasant short climb brings you to superb views over Bassenthwaite Lake towards the Skiddaw range, over the Vale of Embleton towards Cockermouth and beyond the Solway Firth to Scotland. There is lay-by parking by Wythop Church.
Keswick, CA13 9YW
Longer Walking Routes
The Cumbria Way
5 Day Long Distance Walk
The Cumbria Way is a linear 112-kilometre (71-mile) long-distance footpath in Cumbria, England. Much of the route lies inside the boundaries of the Lake District National Park. Linking the two historic Cumbrian towns of Ulverston and Carlisle and passes through the towns of Coniston and Keswick. The route is a primarily low-level route, however there are a few high-level exposed sections.
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*Copyright – Images used with permission from Cumbria Tourism*
Walking can be dangerous and all walkers must take personal responsibility for their own safety. You should always carry a backup means of navigation and not rely on a single phone, app or map.