The Lake District is well known as a hikers’ paradise, and for good reason. We have lakeside strolls and woodland wanders, exhilarating climbs and ridgeline scrambles, all within easy reach of our hotels.
Whilst we might not have the mountain-top coffee shops and cable cars of bigger mountain ranges, the joy of the Lake District is that its summits are accessible in all but the most inclement weather.
One of the best hikes from Keswick, across a fell we’ve fondly claimed as our own, this route goes straight from the door of Fellpack Skiddaw.
A brief walk toward Applethwaite quickly transforms into a relentless climb up Carlside's steep lower slopes. The incline flattens slightly at Carlside Tarn, arguably more of a puddle than a proper dipping spot, before the final push up and onto Skiddaw’s moonscape summit.
A genuine challenge, the views are magnificent and the return home (which can be done via the same route or longer routes via Dodd Wood or Latrigg) ends, mercifully, back at the bar.
Ring the bell and reward your efforts with a pint on us (as long as you can prove you were at the top!).
Hankering for a day high above the valleys? One of the best walks near Keswick, the Coledale Horseshoe is the route that keeps on giving. Starting in Braithwaite village, the first climb up Grisedale Pike will definitely blow away any post-breakfast cobwebs.
From the pike’s aesthetically pleasing triangle peak, the summits come thick and fast. The classic route bends southeast towards Crag Hill (take the easier route via Coledale Hause or scramble up Eel Crag). From there, the fellside drops away along Scar Crag’s ridge, before giving you the choice of continuing to Causey Pike or turning back north to descend to the Stoneycroft track and home via little fells Outerside, Stile End and Barrow.
Choose all of the above if you’re still feeling spritely! End your walk at the Coledale Inn; its beer garden is perfect on a sunny day, or shelter by the fire if you’ve battled the elements.
Not every hike needs to take in the heights. For a change of scene, head south of Keswick to start in Grange at the far south end of Derwentwater. From there, pick up the Cumbria Way before taking the sharp left up to Castle Crag. Stand in the famed Jaws of Borrowdale and look back towards Keswick and Skiddaw beyond.
The best way back is along the valley floor alongside the River Derwent. This area is one of Britain’s largest remaining temperate rainforests and is a verdant haven of mosses and oaks.
Be prepared for whatever the peak throws at you with our handy mountain kit list.
Located at the foot of the mighty Skiddaw and in the heart of Keswick, close to some of the UK’s best walks, Fellpack Hotels offer the perfect base for Lake District hiking breaks.
Please get in touch with us if you would like our help planning an unforgettable walking holiday in the Lake District.