Looking for an easy and (mostly flat) walk to try around Keswick? The walk from Keswick to Threlkeld along the old railway line and the River Greta gorge is one of the National Park’s ‘Miles Without Stiles’ routes, making it accessible for pushchairs, wheelchairs and cyclists and also makes a great family walk for children of all ages.
The walk is a linear one, spanning 3.2 miles each way. Alternatively, you can enjoy small sections and walk back (the beauty of a linear walk!) or use the public bus to return to Keswick or Threlkeld if you wish to walk one way only.
When I first moved to the Lake District in 2019, the path was still being restored. It’s incredible to see the results and have a path with scenic views of the nearby hills of Blencathra and Latrigg that many people can enjoy – it’s one of my favourite, easily accessible walks in the Lake District.
Following the complete washaway of sections of the old railway line footpath by Storm Desmond in 2015, the footpath was rebuilt, resurfaced, and reopened in December 2020.
A series of informative boards tells the story of the old railway line, the natural habitat of the River Greta and the devastating effect of the 2015 storm.
The walk begins next to the old Keswick station, now a hotel. The railway was opened in 1865 and ran between Cockermouth, Keswick, and Penrith, operating regularly until it was closed in 1972.
Along the route, a number of the old railway bridges have been restored or completely rebuilt. The Bobbin Mill bridge was buried under the construction of the Greta Bridge in the 1970s and has now been restored – a quirky little feature to the walk!
As the path meanders alongside the river, there are numerous benches, seating areas, and picnic tables, where you can stop and take in the view. I love how the route changes through the seasons – from the fresh new green leaves of spring to the wildflowers of summer and the golden leaves of autumn. It’s a walk that’s stunning no matter the season and can also be enjoyed in autumn and winter.
At the end of the route, as you head towards Threlkeld, a slight uphill section has been made gentler by introducing a zig-zagged path, which takes you up to the main A66 road.
You can follow a footpath in the village of Threlkeld (0.75km from the end of the walk) or return along the same route you can. Alternatively, you can catch the X4/5 bus back to Keswick.
The village hall in Threlkeld has a lovely small cafe serving refreshments, plus a toilet. There are also two pubs which serve food.
You can download the full route map for the Keswick to Threlkeld walk here.
FAQs on the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Walk
How long is the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Walk? The walk is 3.2 miles each way and 6.4 miles there and back.
Where does the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway route start from? The walk starts from just behind the leisure centre in Keswick (only the gym is currently in use). Follow the path to the right until you see the signposts that signal the start of the walk, located next to the rear entrance of the Keswick Country Hotel.
Alternatively, you can also start the walk from Threlkeld, a short distance west of the village just off the A66 road.
Where can I park to do the Keswick to Threlkeld walk? In Keswick, there is a variety of pay and display car parks, including one located next to the start of the walk, which can be accessed from Brundholme Road. You can find more about car parking in Keswick here.
Can I use public transport to get to the Keswick to Threlkeld walk? Yes, the X4/5 bus that runs between Penrith, Keswick and Workington stops in Threlkeld.
What kind of footwear do I need to walk the Keswick to Threlkeld path?
As the path has recently been restored, it is now well sealed and tarmacked, so ordinary trainers or sandals are suitable for wearing on the route.
Can I extend the route? Yes, there is an offshoot path into Brundholme Woods that you can choose to summit all the way to the summit of Latrigg. You can find the details for this walk here
Are there refreshments available during the walk? There are plenty of cafes to choose from in Keswick – one of my personal favourites is Yonder in the centre of town. In Threlkeld, there is a cafe with limited opening hours in the village hall, plus the Horse and Farrier pub, where you can get refreshments.
Explore more easy walks in the Lake District
Easy Walks in the Lake District: A circular walk on Buttermere
Tiny Walks: Ambleside Bridge House to Low Sweden Bridge
Easy walks in the Lake District: Newby Bridge to Lakeside along the West Windermere Way
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