Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path: An Accessible Family Walk

The Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the countryside around Keswick. Following the route of the former railway beside the River Greta, it combines beautiful scenery, railway history and wildlife with an accessible, family-friendly trail.

The route runs for around 5km between Keswick and Threlkeld, making a return journey of approximately 10km. However, there is no need to walk the whole distance. You can simply turn around whenever you wish.

With a good surface and gentle gradients, the trail is particularly popular with families, cyclists and people using mobility aids. It is also a great choice when you want to enjoy the Lake District without climbing a fell.

Walking the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path

The route starts close to the former Keswick railway station and follows the old railway east towards Threlkeld.

Almost immediately, the bustle of Keswick begins to disappear. Trees surround the path, while the River Greta twists through the gorge below. Along the way, the trail crosses several impressive railway bridges and passes through a tunnel before eventually emerging towards Threlkeld.

The combination of woodland, river and railway heritage makes this much more interesting than a simple surfaced path. There is something different around almost every bend.

Allow around 2½ hours for the complete return walk, although families and those stopping for refreshments or photographs may want to take longer.

An Accessible Lake District Walk

One of the biggest attractions of the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path is its accessibility.

Following major restoration work, the trail was designed with gentle gradients and a surface suitable for a wide range of visitors. It forms part of the Lake District National Park’s Miles Without Stiles network.

This makes it particularly suitable for:

• wheelchair and mobility scooter users
• families with pushchairs
• young children
• family cycling
• visitors looking for a gentler Lake District walk
• multi-generational family outings

There are also seats and information panels along the route.

As with any outdoor trail, conditions can change. Anyone with specific accessibility requirements should therefore check the latest Lake District National Park information before setting out.

A Walk Along an Old Lake District Railway

It is difficult to imagine today, but trains once travelled through this peaceful valley.

The path follows part of the former Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway, which connected Keswick with Penrith and the national railway network.

Keswick’s railway eventually closed, with the final passenger train leaving the town in March 1972. Nature gradually reclaimed much of the old line, but its railway origins are still easy to spot.

Today you can walk and cycle across original Victorian railway bridges while following the same route once used by steam and diesel trains.

It gives the walk an extra dimension, particularly for anyone interested in the history of the Lake District.

Wildlife Along the River Greta

Although Keswick is never far away, parts of the railway path can feel surprisingly wild.

The trail follows the wooded valley of the River Greta, creating good habitat for birds and other wildlife. Herons and dippers can be spotted around the fast-flowing river, while the surrounding woodland provides opportunities to see a variety of woodland birds.

Red squirrels also live in this part of the Lake District, so it is always worth keeping an eye on the trees.

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, of course. However, walking quietly and taking your time gives you the best chance of seeing something.

The changing seasons also make this a route worth walking more than once. Spring brings fresh woodland growth, summer provides plenty of shade, while autumn can be particularly attractive as the leaves begin to change colour.

What Happened During Storm Desmond?

The railway path has an extraordinary recent history.

In December 2015, Storm Desmond caused devastating flooding across Cumbria. The River Greta rose dramatically and large sections of the Keswick to Threlkeld trail were destroyed.

Bridges and sections of path were badly damaged, leaving the route severed.

What followed was a major engineering and restoration project. Bridges were rebuilt or strengthened, riverbanks stabilised and damaged sections of trail reconstructed. The project also brought the old railway tunnel back into use.

Five years after Storm Desmond, the restored trail officially reopened in December 2020.

The result is not simply a repaired path. The work created a more accessible and resilient route that can now be enjoyed by a much wider range of people.

Castlerigg Hall and the Railway Path Restoration

We are particularly pleased to have a connection with the restoration of this much-loved route.

Through our visitor donation scheme at Castlerigg Hall, our guests have helped support conservation and access projects across the Lake District through the Lake District Foundation.

It is a simple idea: small voluntary donations from individual holidays combine to make a much bigger difference.

The Keswick to Threlkeld trail is a wonderful example of why protecting and improving access to the Lake District matters. It allows thousands of people to enjoy the landscape while leaving their cars behind.

Is the Railway Path Good for Children?

Yes. In fact, we think this is one of the best family-friendly walks around Keswick.

There are no big mountain climbs, and the old railway line provides plenty to keep younger walkers interested. Bridges, woodland, wildlife, the tunnel and the River Greta all add variety along the way.

It is also a popular family cycling route.

Best of all, you don’t have to complete the entire 10km return journey. Simply choose a distance that suits your family and turn around when little legs have had enough.

Walking the Railway Path from Castlerigg Hall

Guests staying at Castlerigg Hall Caravan, Camping and Glamping Park are ideally placed to explore the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path.

You don’t even need to take the car.

From the park, you can walk down towards Penrith Road and join the route near Keswick. This makes it possible to enjoy a great day out directly from your pitch, pod or holiday caravan.

Alternatively, head into Keswick first and begin the walk from the official western end of the trail.

It’s another reason why Castlerigg Hall makes such a good base for a walking holiday in the Lake District. From our elevated location above Derwentwater, you can enjoy walks directly from the park as well as easy access to Keswick, Walla Crag, Great Wood and the surrounding fells.

After your walk, return to Castlerigg Hall, put your feet up and enjoy those wonderful views across Derwentwater towards the mountains.

Plan Your Lake District Holiday at Castlerigg Hall

If you are looking for somewhere to stay near Keswick, Castlerigg Hall Caravan, Camping and Glamping Park offers an award-winning base in the heart of the Lake District.

Our family-run park enjoys spectacular views across Derwentwater and the surrounding fells, yet Keswick is within easy reach.

Choose from touring and camping pitches, glamping pods and self-catering accommodation, then explore some of the best walking and cycling routes in the Lake District straight from your doorstep.

Whether your perfect day involves an accessible riverside trail, a walk into Keswick or a climb onto the surrounding fells, Castlerigg Hall puts you in an ideal place to start exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path?

The main trail is approximately 5km each way, giving a return walk of around 10km. You can turn around at any point if you would prefer a shorter walk.

How long does it take to walk from Keswick to Threlkeld?

Allow roughly 1¼ hours each way at a comfortable walking pace. Families and visitors stopping to enjoy the scenery may want to allow longer.

Is the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path suitable for wheelchairs?

The main railway trail is designed as an accessible Miles Without Stiles route and is suitable for many wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Check the latest Lake District National Park accessibility information before travelling, particularly if you have specific requirements.

Can you cycle the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path?

Yes. The trail is popular with cyclists and is particularly good for families looking for a relatively level cycle ride near Keswick. Cyclists should take care around walkers and other trail users.

Is the Threlkeld Railway Path suitable for pushchairs?

Yes. Its surfaced route and gentle gradients make it one of the more pushchair-friendly walks around Keswick.

Are there toilets on the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path?

There are no public toilets directly on the trail. Public facilities are available in Keswick, while toilets are also available in Threlkeld.

Can I get refreshments in Threlkeld?

Yes. Threlkeld has a coffee shop and pubs, so it makes a good refreshment stop before returning towards Keswick.

Can I walk to the railway path from Castlerigg Hall?

Yes. Guests at Castlerigg Hall can walk from the park towards Penrith Road and join the route near Keswick, allowing you to leave your vehicle behind.

Is the railway path suitable for dogs?

The route makes an enjoyable dog walk. However, it is a shared trail used by walkers, cyclists, families and people using mobility aids, so dogs should be kept under close control.

Where can I stay near the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path?

Castlerigg Hall Caravan, Camping and Glamping Park is conveniently located above Keswick, with easy access to the railway path as well as numerous other walks around Derwentwater and the surrounding Lake District fells.