In the Spotlight... Keswick

Breathtaking scenery

Keswick sits right next to Derwentwater, and has views across the water to Borrowdale, Cat Bells and Skiddaw – one of the highest peaks in the UK. I’ve lived here all my life and walking to work every day in the shadow of Skiddaw and Latrigg still takes my breath away. I’ve travelled all over the world, but there’s nothing to beat the Lakes.

Start your journey on foot

To get a real feel for the area, walk from Keswick to Castlehead. After a gentle climb, you’re rewarded with an amazing panoramic view. Children love it. A walk up Latrigg is also a great way to enjoy the fantastic views and get your bearings. This fell is really easy to find and it’s a much easier climb than nearby Skiddaw.

Derwentwater is magical

It’s a ten-minute walk to Derwentwater from town. This beautiful lake has got something for everyone. Walk the full eight-mile circuit or just enjoy a little bit of it – and don’t forget to try some locally made ice cream when you’re finished. Nearby Crow Park is a great place for a barbecue in the evenings – the views across the lake are magical and it’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down.

An adventure at every jetty

Take a cruise round the lake on one of the Keswick Launches. Hop off at Ashness Pier and then head up to Ashness Bridge. From here you can enjoy the famous ‘Surprise View’ of the whole lake and beyond. It’s a really popular spot, but worth it. The launch also stops off at the Lingholm Estate. Beatrix Potter spent many summers here, and these days there are some new residents to meet: alpacas! Try a guided walk with the alpacas round the beautiful estate – you can even take them for a paddle in the lake!

Swallows, Amazons and paddleboards

Head to Nichol End Marine for a great range of kayaks, canoes and other small boats available to hire. Derwentwater is also the perfect place for stand-up paddle boarding. Never tried it? It’s easier than you think! It’s my favourite way to get out on the water – on a calm day you can go out for miles. For a real taste of the Lakes, moor your boat on St Herbert’s Island. It’s the biggest of the islands on Derwentwater and it’s a beautiful spot to relax and channel your inner Swallow or Amazon.

Make sure you’ve got the right gear

Whether you’re climbing up steep mountains or doing a bit of pleasure boating, you need to make sure you’ve got the right kit. I mostly live in jeans and hoodies all year round and I’m never without a pair of flip-flops and my trusty raincoat! I want an outfit that’ll keep me cosy, warm and dry whether I’m up at four in the morning to see the sunrise at Dale Head or having a beer by the lake after work.

Proper pubs

You’ll never go hungry or thirsty in Keswick! We have lots of quirky little cafés and tea rooms, and the town is full of dog-friendly pubs with a homely vibe. Just recently, we’ve all discovered the the Fell Pack which is the perfect Keswick pub with local ales and food – it’s the perfect walker’s retreat.

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