the Area Around Whitbarrow

The mountains surrounding Keswick are a major attraction, and it's easy to get to the top of them. Skiddaw has a wide footpath to the top, and every day of the year, whatever the weather, you'll find someone making the ascent. The fells beyond Skiddaw, to the north, (known as "Back O' Skidda") offer peace and adventure, yet many visitors have never considered an ascent of Great Cockup or Calva. The villages around these parts too have charm and fascination. Caldbeck, home of John Peel, and the resting place of Mary, the Beatuty of Buttermere, has a surprising industrial history, though you would never guess it, whilst along the road, pretty Hesket Newmarket even has its own brewery. Don't overlook Uldale or Bassenthwaite either, both offer countryside walks with fell access and good pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Keswick itself is a vibrant, bustling market town on the edge of Derwentwater. A tourist town surrounded by picture book villages, protected by awesome mountain passes, and wild places where you can spend a day and see no one. Even on the busiest days in high summer, a trip on the Keswick launch will take you to beautiful bays where you will be free to explore and enjoy quiet countryside. If you crave company, you'll love Keswick's splendid array of shops, restaurants, entertainments and cultural attractions.