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Latrigg Fell, Keswick

Latrigg Fell is a popular fell with both locals and visitors alike. It’s a lovely gentle walk with an increasing incline and therefore suitable for most family members or those who are new to fell walking. It’s one of the lowest fells in the Lake District and also a great opportunity to ‘bag a Wainwright’! Upon reaching the summit, walkers are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding fells, Derwentwater and the picturesque town of Keswick.
What did Wainwright say? “Latrigg is to Keswick what Loughrigg is to Ambleside and Helm Crag to Grasmere: a small hill, an excellent viewpoint, a great favourite of local folk and visitors. Latrigg is pastoral and parkland in charater, not rough fell, and the summit is the easiest of promenades, so that this is not a climb calling for old clothes and heavy boots: ‘Sunday Best’ is quite appropriate dress.” (A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells – The Northern Fells, Book Five, A.Wainwright 2003)
Here are some directions, however, although this is a short, well pathed route, as with any walk, please take a map and compass. Our weather is so changeable that even on the smallest of fells, you can lose visibility causing disorientation.

  1. From Moot Hall, leave the market square between the Royal Oak pub and Greggs bakery. Turn left and head uphill on Station Road. Upon reaching the crossroads, continue straight over following the sign for ‘Fitz Park, Museum & Art Gallery and Leisure Pool’. (This is still Station Road)
  2. Just after you cross the river, you will reach Fitz Park. Turn left through the metal gates and follow the path along the River Greta. Take the first right. At the opposite corner of the park from which you entered, follow the path uphill past the bike track. In about 300m leave the path through a gate on your right and turn right onto Brundholme Road.
  3. After about 200m, turn left up Spooney Green Lane. It is signposted for Skiddaw. Follow the public bridleway over the bridge and through a gate. Continue on this path ignoring any paths to your right.
  4. The path climbs steadily through Latrigg Woods, and eventually becomes less steep as it opens out. Look to your left for fantastic views of Keswick below.
  5. Continue on this path through a gate leaving Latrigg Woods behind you. From the gate, look back and on a clear day you may be able to see Scafell Pike in the distance above the trees.
  6. Carry on the same track, ignoring the entrance to Gale Ghyll Woods on your left. To the left you will see the vastness of Skiddaw massif. The summit is usually covered in cloud, but hopefully the weather is kind and allows for a good photo opportunity.
  7. Continue on until you see a signpost for Latrigg Fell summit on your right – 3/4 miles from here. Turn right and follow the path as it zigzags up the slopes of Mallen Dodd.
  8. At a gill you will note a signpost and will see the limited mobility path on your left. Ignore this path and continue along the summit ridge towards the summit itself.
  9. Pass a wooden bench on your right (or take a well earned rest!) and continue to the highest point – welcome to the summit of Latrigg Fell!
  10. Return the same way.

What can I see from the summit? Behind you is the formidable Skiddaw massif – including Carl Side, Long Side, Skiddaw and Skiddaw Little Man. Below sits Keswick and Derwentwater looking towards the Newlands Valley. To the right side of the water you will see the famous ‘humps’ of Catbells.
Did you know…Latrigg Fell is one of the many ‘Miles without Stiles‘ routes created by the National Park Authority. There are currently 48 routes across the National Park offering wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and the visually impaired a wonderful opportunity to explore different areas without hindrance. The path to Latrigg Fell summit starts from the car park at the head of Gale Road and is signposted.
Hints/tips: Where to start? – If you don’t fancy walking from Keswick town centre, there is a small car park at the head of Gale Road, above Applethwaite, with a couple of shorter paths to the summit. Perfect if you are pressed for time or just fancy a leg stretch. The car park can get very busy as it is also used by walkers heading up Skiddaw. Alternatively, you can park along Brundholme Road from where the path to the summit starts, or, you can start in Keswick town centre and walk through delightful Fitz Park as directed above. There are usually a lot of sheep around so as with anywhere, please keep dogs on a lead. Take some snacks from Keswick plus your camera!

Why we love it: Even on a murky day, this is a fabulous and easily accessible little walk that everyone can enjoy.

Image credit: Keswick Tourism Association www.keswick.org