Easy walks near Keswick

If you are looking for easy walks near Keswick then I have 8 suggestions for you that are easy and enjoyable walks. Keswick is a beautiful town in the Northern Lake District. Some of these walks can be done straight from Keswick town centre and some are a short drive away. Find more Family walks Lake District here.

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Derwent Water shoreline to Friars Cragg

The full circuit around Derwent water is about 10 miles and we’ve never completed it. For an easier option (and one we do each time we visit), start from Keswick and head towards Friar’s Crag, a popular spot with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding fells. The path is mostly flat, making it ideal for families with younger children or less experienced walkers.

The route is dotted with picnic spots, perfect for a break while soaking in the stunning views. Along the way, you’ll pass wooded areas, small beaches, and quiet bays, keeping the walk varied and interesting.

Sweeping path fthrough a field with a lake and then mountains in the background

Keswick to Threkeld railway trail

The Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail is a favourite of ours, combining history with stunning scenery. The trail follows the old railway line, which was brought back to life in recent years after being damaged in storm Desmond back in 2015.

Now fully restored, it’s a smooth, flat path, perfect for walkers, cyclists, and even wheelchairs. It’s one of the most accessible walks in the Lakes that I know of.

Wide footpath with green steel bridge in the distance

The route is around 6 miles out and back, but you can shorten it to suit your time or energy. Simply turn around when you feel you need to. You could also walk from Keswick to Threlkeld and then catch the x4/x5 bus back to Keswick

It follows the River Greta, offering lovely views of the water and the fells beyond. Along the way, you’ll pass through old railway bridges and tunnels, adding a sense of adventure to this otherwise easy walk. My kids love it.

There are benches at intervals, so you can pause to enjoy the surroundings.

Find our full guide here – Keswick to Threlkeld railway trail

Walk around Fitz park

You can’t get much easier than walking around Fitz park. It’s flat and has well surfaced paths. There’s even a fantastic play area that the kids will love.

Fitz park is a really short walk from Keswick town centre so you can combine it with a wander around the shops or a visit to one of the many cafes.

Path with trees on one side and a playground on the other. damp autumn weather

Take the short route to Latrigg Summit

The full walk from Keswick to Latrigg summit is 6 miles. It is a climb but there are no scrambles so it is a great family hike. however if you want a shorter walk then there is a car park (on Gale road) just 1 mile from the summit!

Find full details of all different route options to Latrigg summit in our guide here – Latrigg from Keswick walk. The views from the top, over Keswick and Derwent water are stunning on a clear day.

Path up a steep hill with more mountains and a lake in the distance

Whinlatter forest

Whinlatter forest is a mountain forest so this one isn’t a flat or low level walk but it is still a great place for an easy walk if you are happy with some uphill walking.

There are lots of different trails to choose from which range in length. There are some really short walks including some that are perfect for families. These include the play trail which is under a mile long but packed with fun play equipment for kids of all ages.

There is also a Gruffalo and friends sculpture trail which isn’t marked but if you ask in the visitors centre they will point you in the right direction. On our last visit this trail was also the trail for the latest Julia Donaldson trail so it was easy to follow.

Find our full Whinlatter forest walks guide here.

Path in the woods with a large playground below

Mirehouse & Gardens

Mirehouse and gardens is just a 10 minute drive from Keswick. You do need to pay for parking at Dodd wood and it is a ticket walk. At the time of writing, access to the gardens only is £5.50 per adult and £2 for children over 4.

There is a really fun children’s play ground in the woods, with areas for different ages. There are also gardens to explore and woodland and lakeside walks.

It is worth noting that the house and gardens is only open April to October.

Full details here – Mirehouse Keswick

Garden with paths around it. Autumn weather

Buttermere circular

Buttermere is one of the smaller Lakes in the Lake District. Walking all the way around is a fairly easy walk (but not completley flat paths, see photos). It’s low level and flat and just 7km or 4.5 miles all the way around.

Don’t be put off by the fact it is smaller. It is a lovely walk and the area is stunning. There’s even a waterfall!

Find the full route here – Buttermere Walk

Walkers on a footpath with a lake on the left

gate in a dry stone wall with mountains ahead of a family of walkers

The Bowder Stone

Have you heard of the Bowder Stone? This is a 2000 tonne rock which is 30 feet high, 30 feet across and 90 feet in circumference! Yet somehow it balances on it’s own.

In 2019 a metal ladder was added and wow climbing it to the top of the rock is something special. It’s only a 10 minute walk (half a mile) and there isn’t anyway to extend it that we could find on our visit but it’s still well worth a stop. You can always combine it with moving on to a different walk.

The car park is National Trust so members can park free and there is also a bus stop. It’s an easy walk from the car park or bus stop to the stone (you need the 78 bus).