A Stunning Circular Walk from Castlerigg Hall: Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell & High Seat
If you’re staying at Castlerigg Hall Caravan, Camping & Glamping Park in the heart of the Lake District, you’re perfectly placed to step straight out onto some of the most rewarding walking routes in Cumbria. One of our favourites is this circular walk that takes in Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell and High Seat, combining breathtaking views, fascinating history, and the natural beauty that makes the Lake District a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This walk is part of our ‘Walks from Castlerigg Hall’ series, designed to help guests discover the beauty, history, and wildlife of the Keswick area without ever needing the car. Explore them all and find your perfect Lake District adventure.”
Stunning views on this circular walk from Castlerigg Hall
Starting Out: Castlerigg Gallery to Rakefoot
Leaving Castlerigg Hall, your walk begins gently as you pass the charming Castlerigg Gallery, known for its exhibitions of local and landscape-inspired art. From here, follow the lane toward Rakefoot, where you’ll cross the babbling waters of Brockle Beck – a picturesque introduction to the varied scenery you’ll encounter.
The footbridge at Rakefoot over Brockle Beck -the start of your adventure
Arriving at the fell gate to ascend Walla Crag
Climbing to Walla Crag
The path continues upwards to Walla Crag (379m), a popular Lakeland viewpoint with a dramatic cliff edge overlooking Derwentwater and the market town of Keswick below. This is a brilliant spot to pause and take in the panorama – on clear days, you can even spot Criffel Fell in Scotland which lies beyond Bassenthwaite Lake to the north.
Walla Crag is formed mainly of Borrowdale Volcanic Group rocks, tough lava that dates back over 450 million years. Interestingly, the geological boundary between the Borrowdale Volcanic rock and the softer Skiddaw Slate lies close to Walla Crag. This transition helps explain the contrast between the rugged, craggy cliffs of the central fells and the smoother, rounded outlines of the northern Skiddaw range.
Differing seasons will present different scenes. In the spring, within Great Wood – below Walla Crag – you will see bluebells while in late summer as approach the summit of Walla Crag the bilberries have ripened, the heather is in full bloom and the bracken turning a golden brown, while peregrine falcons and buzzards soar overhead.
The view from Walla Crag – a classic Lake District walk
The Heather Path to Bleaberry Fell
From Walla Crag, the route continues upwards toward Bleaberry Fell (590m). Keep an eye out for the old sheepfold on your right – once used by farmers to gather their flocks, though some suggest it may have had a more ancient origin.
As you climb, you’ll pass through a purple carpet of flowering heather, alive with insects in late summer. The pitched stone path makes the ascent easier, and at the summit you’ll find a substantial cairn. Here, the views truly open up: across to Helvellyn and the Dodds, the Western Fells, and the mighty Skiddaw and Blencathra to the north.
The view over Castlerigg Fell with Blencathra in the distance
Ruby discovers the sheep fold near Bleaberry Fell -was this on an ancient route…?
The cairn on the approach to Bleaberry Fell
Across the Tops: High Seat and Thirlmere Views
Heading south, the path takes you on to High Seat (608m) – one of the central Lake District’s most prominent fells. Its distinctive trig point marks the summit, from which you’ll glimpse Thirlmere Reservoir to the east. Although the path has been improved in recent years, you’ll still need to negotiate some famously boggy stretches – part of the fun and character of this mid-level route!
The stile on the High Seat walk
The recently improved path -Bleaberry Fell behind
From High Seat views of Skiddaw, Blencathra and Clough Head
The trig point on High Seat
Descending to Ashness Bridge
From High Seat, descend via the path heading west towards the much-photographed Ashness Bridge, one of the Lake District’s most iconic stone bridges. Before you reach it, cross the smaller bridge over Ashness Beck and take the stile that leads you back uphill toward Falcon Crag.
If you decide to detour down to Ashness Bridge you enter an area rich in oak woodland and birch, with bluebells in spring and red squirrels often spotted darting among the trees – one of the Lake District’s most treasured species.
As you climb up the path it begins to level out and you are rewarded with some lovely views over Derwentwater. Don’t forget to turn around as the stunning views of the Borrowdale Valley and the Central fells is now right behind you. You also have the perfect view of Catbells, one of the most popular walks in the Lakes and featured in our Catbells walking blog. You begin to appreciate why this circular walk from Castlerigg Hall is one of the best Lake District walks near Keswick.
The recently improved path heading down to Ashness Bridge
The perfect lunch spot
Some of the best Lake District viewpoints near Derwentwater
The bridge over Ashness beck and the return to Castlerigg Hall
The last climb with views of Borrowdale
Completing the Circuit via Walla Crag
You have now completed most of the uphill sections. The return route takes you past the dramatic ravine of Cat Gill, a steep wooded valley that drops sharply down towards Derwentwater. From here, the path brings you back to Walla Crag, completing the circuit before you descend gently towards Castlerigg Hall.
The views above Cat Gill
The return to Castlerigg Hall and completion of this wonderful walk
Walk Essentials
- Distance: Approx. 9 miles (14.5 km)
- Time: 4.5 – 6 hours depending on pace
- Terrain: A mix of pitched paths, fellside tracks, and boggy stretches
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging – a rewarding day walk
Why We Love This Walk
This circular walk from Castlerigg Hall Camping & Glamping Park perfectly blends the drama of Lakeland crags, the quiet beauty of heather-clad fells, and the history woven into the landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned fell walker or simply want to explore directly from your tent, caravan, or glamping pod, this route offers a true taste of the Lake District at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children manage this walk?
The route includes steep ascents and boggy ground, so it’s better suited to older children or teenagers used to longer walks. Families with younger children might prefer a shorter route to Walla Crag only.
What wildlife might I see?
Keep an eye out for red squirrels, buzzards, and even peregrine falcons. In summer, the heather attracts pollinators, while autumn brings spectacular colours across the bracken.
Is Ashness Bridge worth a detour?
Absolutely – it’s one of the most photographed spots in the Lake District and a must-see for visitors. On a clear day, you’ll get classic postcard views over Derwentwater towards Skiddaw.
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