Keswick Walk to Bleaberry Fell

Divine views of Derwentwater and the Lakeland fells 

Derwentwater, Keswick and Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance

This straightforward walk from Keswick is a fantastic walk for views.  It starts in the town, so if you are staying in Keswick no driving is required, and then it heads up the east side of Derwentwater to Walla Crag and on to Bleaberry Fell. If the weather is clear the views are wonderful to the west over Derwentwater then to the south as you reach the higher points.

Proceed out of Keswick towards the south.  We were based on Penrith Rd so walked up Chestnut Hill / Castlerigg Brow.  If you are starting in the centre go down St John's St, Ambleside Rd then turn right down Springs Rd.

Both routes are shown below and end up on Rakefoot Lane / Castlerigg (the lane where The Heights and The Hayloft are located).

Follow the lane until just before it ends at a farm gate.  Here there is a footpath to Walla Crag on the right (Walla Crag Trail).  Cross a small bridge over Brockle Beck and head up the hill, keeping the field wall to your right and the beck to the left.

This trail will take you over a stile to Walla Crag with splendid views over Derwentwater and Keswick.  Further away to the right you will see Bassenthwaite Lake if visibility is good.

Looking west from Walla Crag

For a short walk, this could be the high spot and is an excellent place for a picnic. It is possible to return to Keswick by continuing to head south (then west) through the woods (Great Wood) and down to Lake Road before turning north along the road (or lakeside in parts) up to the town.

However, should you wish to continue upwards, the path to Bleaberry Fell is easy to see across the heather covered fell. Cross over the stile away from Walla Crag and head almost straight ahead.

The path from Walla Crag to Bleaberry Fell

The path is occasionally boggy but is mainly firm and the climb up to the summit is aided by stone steps. You will pass by an old sheepfold (on your right) and here the path is clearer.

Steps leading to the summit

Cairn at the top of Bleaberry Fell, looking north east

There are a number of cairns marking the top of the fell and a ring of stones that you can use as a shelter from the wind, another good spot for a picnic.  There are far reaching 360 degree views from the top if the weather is clear.  

Views from the top of Bleaberry Fell

To return you can simply retrace your steps on the way up or you might like to take the route down through Great Wood from Walla Crag as mentioned above.