Join me for a really scenic and enjoyable route around the northern end of Borrowdale, taking in
beautiful woodland, a modest Wainwright
summit and an ancient neolithic site.
I have designed this route to appeal to those who enjoy taking in the impressive panorama of the northern Lake District without having to scale any lofty peaks. Or, equally, the walk could also serve a taster of what to expect up in the Lakes for people who are less experienced with walking in this area.
Compared to the majority of fell walking treks available in the Lakes, the terrain throughout this activity is very easy and suitable for anybody with a moderate level of hill fitness and good mobility.
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Please read on below to find out more about the route, which is 16km, or just under 11 miles, and expected to take up to 7 hours to complete.
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The walk will begin at the Lake Road car park on Derwentwater, just outside Keswick town centre. We will head south on a network of easy paths past the view point of Friar's Crag and around some of the isolated bays of the lake.
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Depending on the weather, the lake can be gently lapping away at the
shore or whipping up a fury with dark, surging waves.
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The next stages takes us slightly up the hillside through tranquil woodland where there is an abundance of different bird species. Views really start to open up across the glacial valley as we head south beneath Falcon Crag.
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We will reach the famous Ashness Bridge, and then begin a steep climb up onto the fellside to "bag" the summit of Walla Crag. Here, there are rtule amazing views available across the north western and northern fells, Derwentwater and down into the dramatic valley of Borrowdale below. ​
Barrow Beck at Ashness Bridge
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Gallery of photographs taken from this exact route at different times of the year.​
Once down off the fellside, we will call by Rakefoot and to "The Gallery" café at Castlerigg Hall, which will provide the opportunity to have a little rest. There are toilet facilities here and the café has a nice range of hot and cold drinks and other tasty snacks. There's also beautiful view to enjoy looking west across Derwentwater.
Looking south from Castlerigg stone circle.
The next stage of route then leads northwards over some very different terrain with views to Skiddaw, Blencathra and other mighty fells in the area.
A series of fields and the A591 must be crossed, and we will soon arrive the ancient site of Castlerigg stone circle. A fine location for photography and also a chance to discuss the ceremonial practices of our ancient ancestors.
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The return to Keswick will involce retracing our steps to Rakefoot and then descending back to Lakeside via Springs Wood. One the descent into the woodland, there are nice views south across Derwentwater. A stroll through Castlehead wood and Cockshott Wood will bring us back to Lakeside.
A short video showing the highlights that can be expected along this route (from May 2024).
Please bear in mind that I am a Mountain Leader, NOT a videographer!
This professionally guided activity is limited to
6 PARTICIPANTS at £33.00 per person.
The route is not overly difficult but there is uneven terrain throughout and a consistent uphill section between Ashness Bridge and Walla Crag. A good level of mobility and moderate level of fitness is required to take part in this walk. If you are for any reason unsure of your ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss before making a booking.
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​Our start point is outside the Lakeside pay and display car park at Keswick (CA12 5DG).
There is other parking available around the area but please do not block any access, do respect local residents and businesses when parking. Information is also available online. There are also fantastic and reliable bus services to Keswick. The walk will begin at 09:30 and is likely to take between 6 and 7 hours.
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There is various accommodation in the vicinity of Borrowdale and Keswick,
including camping, hostels and B&B's. It is advisable to book accommodation
well in advance to avoid disappointment. Please ask me if you need any advice on
where to stay, or if you need information about transport links to this area.
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Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on average speeds of clients. The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group. As mentioned, it is necessary to have a moderate level of fitness and the walk will be managed at a steady pace that everybody can manage without over exerting themselves.
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It should be mentioned that weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable at all times
of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple
weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity.
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Unless there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, walks will go always ahead.
Please see my Terms and Conditions for further information on my "poor" and "severe" weather policies.
What to expect when booking a professionally
guided activity with Moors to Mountains.
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​I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing other participants on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time.
Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to engage all participants in interesting conversation and always make a point of providing a friendly and welcoming experience for all my clients.
All Moors to Mountains activities are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or assisting an individual across a section of uneven terrain. My promise is to deliver a high level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.
As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council. I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. Before I received the ML award, I was already active in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting. There are often places of historical or geological interest along the way and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the landscape, history, industry, wildlife and geology.
I also hold current DBS and Outdoor First Aid certificates.
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​Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the
Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.
(please click above to view)​
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Once a place has been booked on any activity...
I will personally contact each client by email with any relevant information to the specific activity.
There will also be a link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where necessary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.​