Keswick and the Great Outdoors

Overlooked by Skiddaw, the fourth highest mountain in England , Keswick is the gateway to high places where many people find the emptiness of the high fells fulfilling. Nearer sea level John Ruskin described Keswick as ‘a town almost too beautiful to live in’. The town undoubtedly is a climbing centre, but also a vantage point to look at the great open spaces. “Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are naught without prudence and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning, think what may be the end.” Edward Whymper 1860

Throughout the year Keswick is busy, catering for all types, tastes and appetites. Of all the locations to stay within the Lake District National Park , Keswick alone provides year long interest, even the tourist launches on the lake operate services year round! Whilst this website mainly concentrates on outdoor activities, Keswick provides much interest for those who prefer their leisure inside, or who are looking for a focus for those wet days. The ‘Theatre by the Lake ’ ( Lake Road ) opens most days of the year and offers productions in the most dramatic of settings. It also offers a delightful area for refreshment. The Puzzling Place ( Museum Square ) enables you to shake hands with yourself and solve many differing puzzles. May is the month when Keswick hosts its renowned Jazz Festival. July & August hosts Keswick’s Religious Convention and at Christmas time there is a Victorian Fayre held in the Market Place. Keswick Leisure Centre ( Station Avenue ) has a gymnasium, cafeteria and Swimming pool with wave machine and flume. The town centre provides a wealth of quality shopping. The Victorian building that is Keswick Museum ( Station Road ) also houses the Art Gallery . An interest in the history of the area and its geology, or an interest in art, will lead to a visit to ‘The Pencil Museum’ ( Southey Lane ).

The Great Outdoors

Whilst fell walking is probably the most popular reason for visitors to Lakeland , there are other activities based around Keswick that are available for those who enjoy the Great Outdoors. Golf, Canoeing, Cricket, Bowls, Mini Golf and sailing are all provided nearby. There are Golf Courses at Keswick (at Threkeld, with great views of the surrounding hills on a course with only one bunker), at Cockermouth, Maryport, Workington and at St Bees, the westernmost point of the famous Coast to Coast walk. There are also courses at Kendal and Windermere, Penrith and Appleby, as well as many along the coast. Outdoor bowling, tennis and putting are found at Fitz Park , whilst Hope Park caters for miniature golf enthusiasts. Derwentwater provides facilities for sailing, canoeing and rowing.

Fell walking

Fell walking close to Keswick on Skiddaw or Blencathera provides the more adventurous with a challenge, whereas the Borrowdale and Newlands Valleys provide for more leisurely and reflective walking. A walk through wooded upland brings you to a small hill called Castlehead. (Further details on the walks page) From the top the views are exceptional, revealing the entire three-mile length of Derwentwater and a vista of Borrowdale that allows you to look into its distant jaws. Apart from devising your own walks, the Tourist Information Office (017687 72645) have leaflets and information showing walks which afford good exercise and splendid views. When walking on the hills, planning and great care must be employed. Whilst objects of great beauty, the weather can make the hills dangerous places. A leaflet is available throughout the National Park, entitled ‘Enjoy the Hills in Safety’. Telephone 08700 550575 to use the National Park Authority’s 24-hour ‘Weather Service’.

Cycling

Keswick is well known for its great cycling terrain. Hiring a bike and travelling the lanes, bridleways and forest tracks provide great exercise and a swift, quiet way to see the countryside. For example, going up into the quiet Newlands Valley using minor roads, is a great experience. The road winds its way to the top of the valley, passing a spectacular waterfall on the way. The route can be steep but is rewarding and the ride back exhilarating. The best mountain bike route in the Lake District is considered to be around the bridleways of Skiddaw. For the less ambitious there is a ten-mile circuit of Derwentwater all on minor roads, providing an easy passage for all ages. Other facilities that are provided in the area and which cater for outdoor activities include equestrian centres, and rock climbing tuition is available at Keswick’s indoor climbing wall. Within easy reach of the town there are many other outdoor centres, details of which are available from the TIC at The Moot Hall in the Market Place.