Walla Crag - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Derwentwater, at 3 miles long, 1 mile wide, and 72 feet deep, is just a short stroll from Keswick town along well-maintained footpaths. The lake is very much a landscape of moods, varying from the dramatic waves splashing against Friar’s Crag when driven by southerly gales, to the absolute mirror-calm of early mornings. One of the iconic locations where you can spend some time and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Keswick Museum and Art Gallery in the Fitz Park was built at the turn of the century for ‘the inhabitants of Keswick and the visitors thereto. The local history collection stretches back to Roman times and includes such items as the famous 700-year-old cat, a penny-farthing cycle, and a man trap. One of the prime exhibits is a set of musical stones, variously termed the stone dulcimer, the rock harmonica or the geological piano.

Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric and dramatically sited of all British stone circles, with panoramic views and the mountains of Helvellyn and High Seat as a backdrop. It is not just its location that makes this one of the most important British stone circles. Thought to have been constructed about 3000 BC, it is potentially one of the earliest in the country. Taken into guardianship in 1883, it was also one of the first monuments in the country to be recommended for preservation by th

Derwent Pencil Museum is the home of the first pencil, and the Cumberland Pencil Company, manufacturers of Derwent pencil perfection since 1832. It is home to one of the biggest colouring pencils in the world, the idea of technical manager Barbara Murray. It is particularly popular with visitors from the county of Yorkshire, due to the importance of pencil production for the local economy during the 1930s.

Lodore Falls are located behind the Lodore Falls Hotel near the Grange end of Derwentwater. The waterfall, a must for Victorian tourists staying at Keswick, is formed by the beck from Watendlath Tarn cascading over huge boulders for a distance of some 100 feet. Although it is spectacular in the rainy season, it can dry to a trickle in the summer.

Latrigg is Keswick's own fell and one for the 'must-do' list for your visit to Keswick. The views from the summit over Keswick town, Derwentwater and the surrounding fells are breath-taking and really help you to orientate yourself. An easy up and down route via Spooney Green Lane from Keswick with a circular route round the summit. The slopes of Latrigg are partially wooded, and logging work is currently being undertaken.