Walla Crag, Castle Crag and Derwentwater from Keswick
Two contrasting little Wainwrights on one long lap, the airy edge of Walla Crag above Derwentwater and the steep slate cone of Castle Crag deep in Borrowdale.
Effort: Long day out, serious climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
E4·T2 — how we grade routesMostly on runnable ground, but most runners still walk the steepest climbs.
A long 26.2 km circuit from Keswick over Walla Crag (375 m) above Derwentwater and the slate top of Castle Crag (290 m) in Borrowdale, returning along the lake. Two low Wainwrights with 719 m of gentle climbing.
Two contrasting little Wainwrights on one long lap, the airy edge of Walla Crag above Derwentwater and the steep slate cone of Castle Crag deep in Borrowdale.
The route
This 26.2 km circuit is the grand tour of the Derwentwater and Borrowdale valley, taking in two of Lakeland's smallest Wainwrights on a long, low loop from Keswick. With 719 m of ascent spread over the distance it is gentle for its length, which makes it a fine big day for runners who want kilometres rather than steep fell climbing. Footing is good throughout, on a mix of woodland trail, riverside and shoreline path, with two short, sharp climbs to the summits.
From Keswick you climb steadily through Great Wood and onto the lip of Walla Crag (375 m), the first Wainwright, perched directly above the eastern shore. The view from the edge straight down onto Derwentwater, with the Newlands fells beyond, is one of the finest low viewpoints near the town.
Into Borrowdale
The route then heads south, dropping towards the wooded jaws of Borrowdale and following quiet paths past Grange. A short, steep pull up old slate spoil gains the summit of Castle Crag (290 m), the second Wainwright and the only fell in the round Wainwright himself placed entirely below 1,000 feet. Its top is a striking perch above the valley, ringed by quarry remains.
Along the lake
The long return traces the western and northern shores of Derwentwater through Brandelhow and Portinscale, with Skiddaw and Blencathra filling the skyline ahead and the water alongside for most of the way. It is sustained, rhythmic running that eats up the distance.
Why it works
It packs two contrasting Wainwrights, a deep valley and a complete lake into one outing without ever asking for serious height gain. Carry food and water for the distance, and use the Borrowdale bus if you want to cut the loop short. The mix of two crag top summits and long, flowing valley paths makes it a satisfying way to bank serious distance and a pair of Wainwrights without the punishment of a full mountain day.
The edge of Walla Crag is an abrupt drop, so keep back from the rim in wind or wet, and the short slate climb onto Castle Crag is loose underfoot. Low Borrowdale and lakeside paths flood after rain, and the distance is significant for the modest climbing.
Summits on this route
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
Leave No Trace
- Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
- Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
- Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
- Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
- Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
- Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.
Common questions
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