Keswick to Langwathby
Directions and route choices
There are two ways out of Keswick. The most popular - and by far the easier - is the one that follows the old Keswick- Penrith railway line and the river Greta as far as Threlkeld. It is a beautiful and leafy stretch. You get to it down Station Road and Brundholme Road, bearing left at the swimming pool and heading in front of the old station.
The alternative takes you up into the hills above the town, but is only for the fit and even then watch the weather reports before taking to the upper slopes. Both routes assume the same start, unless you want to go out of Keswick along the old Penrith road.
Up hill and up dale
If you're feeling energetic and (seriously) fit, try the Old Coach Road over the hills. It branches from the railway route, just before the track goes under the A66 viaduct, and goes up the steep slope to Castlerigg Stone Circle. Press on through St John's in the Vale, Matterdale End and down to Greystoke via Hutton John.
The Coach Road (what coach could possibly have tackled this?) is a seriously rough off-road alternative and very exposed. Check the weather before tackling it and don't do it if you're not certain of your capabilities.
There is accommodation where the route crosses the A5091 at Matterdale (see Troutbeck, and further along, just off the A66, Penruddock & Motherby) before the route rejoins the alternative at Greystoke.
The middle way
Start along the toughest route described above but after stopping to admire the Castlerigg circle, bear left down the hill and rejoin the more sedate option. The main route This takes you fairly effortlessly alongside the River Greta, all the way to Threlkeld.
Beautiful Borrowdale is on your doorstep at Keswick
Accommodation
| The Highland Drove Inn & Kyloes Restaurant, Great Salkeld, Langwathby, Penrith, CA11 9NA | |
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A real country pub with open fires, real ale, quality wines and beer garden. Good range of bar food with separate 'Kyloes' restaurant serving eclectic and award winning cuisine. Winner of Cumbria Dining Pub of the Year plus CAMRA's Real Ale Pub of the Year. Also in the Michelin 'inns with restaurants' guide. Top spot with well chosen wine list with a new pub, the Cross Keys, recently opened on the edge of Penrith on the A686 near the rugby ground. |
Run by: Donald Newton 
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Tel : 01768 898349 Email : highlanddrove@kyloes.co.uk |
Rooms : 3D, 2T
B&B : £35-£65 Evening meal : Bar: 2-courses £12. Restaurant 2-courses £18-£20
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Bank House Farm, Little Salkeld, Langwathby, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 1NN | |
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B & B and self-catering, camping in converted barns and farm cottages for individuals, families and larger groups. Secure cycle storage. A warm welcome awaits. Static 39-foot caravan accommodation now available so can take large groups. |
Run by: Nancy & Ray Atkinson 
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tel : 01768 881257 or 07878 536892 e-mail: bankhouseequ@aol.com |
rooms : lots of accommodation possibilities for individuals and groups. months open : all year
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Bradley Foot, Ousby, nr Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1QA | |
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18th century farmhouse on outskirts of quiet fellside village, relaxing and peaceful with excellent views. Ideally situated for touring Lakes, Pennines and Northern Dales. Locked building for bikes. Drying facilities available. Full english breakfast with locally produced ingredients. Alternative route three miles from the famous Hartside climb. |
Run by: Meryl Durdy |
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tel/fax : 01768 881778 |
rooms : 2D, 1S (1 en-suite) |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Langstanes, Culgaith Road, Langwathby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1NA | |
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A comfortable sandstone house on the route. Colour TV, Tea/Coffee making facilities, drying room. |
Run by: Clive Gravett |
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tel : 01768 881004 |
rooms : 2D, 1T - all en-suite |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| The Black Swan, Culgaith, Penrith CA10 1QW | |
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The Black Swan is three miles outside Langwathby on the B6412 but has a keen following on account of its lovely setting and excellent food. Ingredients are local and Richard the chef/owner also has a smokehouse. He also makes his own Cumberland sausages and meat is sourced within a 10 mile radius. The menu is adventurous and on when the weather warrants it (much of the time) a roaring log fire welcomes guests, as does some excellent beer. |
Run by: Joanne Fenn 
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Telephone : 01768 88223 |
Rooms : 7 S/D/T |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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