Latrigg from Keswick
The classic Keswick viewpoint reached on a quick loop, with the whole sweep of Derwentwater and the Borrowdale fells laid out from a friendly grassy summit.
Effort: Moderate distance, manageable climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
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Mostly on runnable ground, but most runners still walk the steepest climbs.
A short 8.3 km out-and-back from Keswick onto Latrigg (368 m), the little Wainwright that overlooks the town. 288 m of climbing to one of the best low summit views in the Lakes.
The classic Keswick viewpoint reached on a quick loop, with the whole sweep of Derwentwater and the Borrowdale fells laid out from a friendly grassy summit.
The route
Latrigg is the green, rounded fell that sits directly above Keswick, and at 368 m it is a Wainwright with a view far bigger than its size suggests. This 8.3 km out-and-back climbs it from the town with 288 m of ascent, making it an ideal short outing, an evening run, or a confidence building first fell. The paths are clear and the gradients kind.
From Keswick you cross above the A66 and pick up the well graded path that zigzags up Latrigg's southern flank. The climbing is steady and entirely runnable for most, easing onto the broad grassy summit ridge.
The summit
The top of Latrigg is one of the great low viewpoints in Lakeland. Derwentwater stretches south into Borrowdale, Keswick sits directly below, and the great bulk of Skiddaw rises immediately behind to the north. A bench near the summit marks the spot, and on a clear evening it is hard to leave.
The return
The return descends broadly the way you came, back towards Keswick, with the option to extend along the old railway path beside the river if you want a few more easy kilometres. The whole route is straightforward to follow in any reasonable weather.
Why it works
It delivers a genuine summit and a huge view for very little effort or risk, which makes it perfect when time is short or as a gentle introduction to the fells. It also pairs naturally with the longer Skiddaw routes that share its lower slopes. Parking, cafes and toilets are all in Keswick at the start. On a summer evening the low sun over Derwentwater makes the short climb more than worth it, and the descent is quick and forgiving on tired legs after a longer day out.
The summit ridge is open and exposed to wind despite the modest height, and the grassy descent is slippery when wet. Take care crossing above the A66 near the start.
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
Run by us· last checked July 2026
Jason Millward has run this route and written it up from the ground. How we check routes
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