Where to go & What to do
In Keswick, Lake District
We have been coming to the Lake District now for 20 years as a family as well with friends and there is not much that we have not done over this time, but every time we revisit we are always amazed at our next adventure.
There are plenty of things to do for all ages, from shopping and sampling the local cafes, restaurants and pubs, to enjoying tennis, bowls and putting in Fitz Park close by. The park also has swings, slides etc for younger children and plenty of green space for football, cricket and such like.
Keswick Leisure Pool is next to the park where one can swim, use the fitness suite or join in an exercise class- 01768-772760
There are a few small museums and art galleries in Keswick also.
Bikes can be hired if you don’t fancy bringing your own bikes, or don’t have one. Keswick Mountain Bike Centre in keswick – 01768-775202 or Cycle Wise in Whinlatter Forest Park - 01768-778711.…
Keswick also boasts a great theatre by the Lake where performances are held throughout the year – 01768-772282 and of course canoes and boats can be hired on the lake.
In and around the area, you can also play golf, go horse riding and there are several activity centres for archery, clay pigeon shooting etc and Go Ape, in Whinlatter Forest Park. Take your pick, but this is not an exhaustive list.
Canoeing:
Derwent Water
We have great memories of canoeing as a family on Derwent Water and fishing off the Boat, visiting the Islands and camping overnight or just visiting the opposite shore for a picnic.
Buttermere
We used take the canoe to a great beach from Gatesgarth end and have a picnic and play on the shoreline when the kids were small, but it’s a great place for all ages, using the canoe allowed us to take all the gear where as the only other way to get there is to walk.
Crummock
Fishing for deepwater Char, over 100 feet down, great tasting fish and then barbecuing them on the shore on a summers evening.
Lowes Water
Great for Pike fishing and picnics in the Woods, stunning views in the summer.
Ullswater
Great to visit the islands again and sunbathe on summer days.
Walking (just a few of my favourites):
The Newlands Round
This must be up there as one of the greatest day walks, one of Wainwrights favourite walks – 4 hours of ridge walking and great views all day.
The Coledale Round
An amazing walk from Braithwaite – good ridge all day, tough day though especially in the summer.
Melbreak from Loweswater
Memories of climbing this one on Boxing Day and having eaten too much of the mother in laws stuffing and feeling it all the way!… what amazing views from the top though – when the lakes are frozen down to -10c for a week.
The High Stile Range
Start and finish at the Bridge Inn at Buttermere and finish off with a pint of Black Sheep or glass of cool wine– we will be there again this summer.
Ladyside Pike from Thackwaite
One of the Lakes best kept secrets, great ridge on the way up and then you can play around on the tops all day of Whiteside and Grasmoor.
Crummock Water
To the Head of Crummock Water from Thackwaite, absolutely stunning on a Summers evening.
Views to die for:
Crummock Water
From the bench at Foulsyke near Loweswater – this is the best view in Lakeland – try it and enjoy- you’ll stay there for ages.
The Solway Firth
View the Isle of Man and Ireland from the top of Mosser Fell on a clear summers evening – once seen never forgotten – the best sunset in Lakeland on the right day.
Obviously there are numerous fantastic views in the Lakes all over the place and in all weathers.
Mountain Biking:
The whole of the Lake District is amazing with some great rides, murderous climbs and screaming descents - try taking the bike up Skiddaw – it is worth for a 2800 feet descent. Whinlatter Forest Park has routes for all abilities from beginners to advanced, and has a great café to enjoy that well deserved drink and cake!
Great Pubs
The Kirkstile Inn
Great food and they also have there own Brewery – what more do you need. (01900-85219)
The Dungeon Gill
The best atmosphere in Lakeland after a good day on the fells. (015394-37272)
There are also several very good restaurants in Keswick to suit traditional tastes to the more exotic – India, Thai and Malaysian.
Hopefully, you will visit some of our favourite places whilst in the Lakes and may well discover places we have yet to find. We have walked in the Himalayas and the Andes, but still class the Lakes as our walking home.
Enjoy,
Chris Goodwin