Keswick Railway Path
Route for all, 10km distance
A stunning walk through the River Greta gorge.
Our Miles Without Stiles routes are graded. What is a route for all? Please note that mobility scooters must be class 2 or 3 on the route.
OS Explorer Map OL4
Current restricted access and upcoming partial route closure
We are investing in the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail and renewing the decks and guard rails on some of the river bridges.
Restrictions until 14 September 2026
Until the 14 September 2026 the whole of the trail is open, but with a restricted width of about 1.2 metres near the little tunnel about 1km from the Threlkeld end (see the map). The replacement of the bridge deck is now complete and we have opened half of the width of the bridge to the public pending the removal of the scaffold. Once the scaffold has been removed, later in September, the bridge will fully re-open. Please take care.
Please assess the route and access point carefully and make your own judgement as to its suitability.
Closures from 14 September 2026
From about the 14 September 2026 the width restriction will be removed and the newly re-decked pair of bridges at the little tunnel will re-open to the public. We will then begin work on a third bridge – the river bridge at the western end of the trail (see the map). The installation of the new deck and guard rails on that bridge is expected to take up to eight weeks. During this time the bridge will be completely CLOSED to the public.
During September and October you can continue to enjoy the trail east of the closed bridge all the way through to Threlkeld. To the east of the bridge the trail can be joined via a ramp up from the footpath behind the filling station on Penrith Road. This can be accessed from the public footpath that runs between Latrigg Close and St Herbert’s Primary School on Trinity Way, off Windebrowe Road.
The new decks are constructed from steel and recycled materials, complementing the architecture of the Victorian bridges. Once complete, the new deck will be much stronger and allow you and future generations to continue to enjoy the route.
Please contact us if you have any questions and follow the signage in place for your safety. Thank you for your patience while we complete these works.
Please see the map below for route closure and access point information. You can also download a PDF of the access options map during the bridge closure.
Please assess the route and access point carefully and make your own judgement as to its suitability
Route
Further works are currently being planned for this route. Read more here: Keswick to Threlkeld link.
Since the reopening in December 2020 the trail is now accessible for all – all gradients and surface have been designed for all levels of mobility.
The trail (5km each way) follows the route of the old Keswick to Penrith Railway, and weaves its way over the River Greta on some of the original Victorian railway bridges and some rebuilt following Storm Desmond. This fast-flowing river is home to herons and dippers.
From the car park, the former railway station is on the right. The last train left Keswick station on 4 March 1972. After 1 km pass under the A66 road bridge through the Bobbin Mill tunnel, re-opened in 2020 after being buried following the construction of the Greta Bridge in the mid-1970s. The path leads to a shelter and seats, with information panels.
Beyond this, a railway bridge takes you on the final push to Threlkeld. Access on to the pavement via the zigzags next to the A66 and continue to the village for 0.75 km for refreshments in two pubs and a coffee shop and toilets in the village hall. Alternatively, turn right before the last bridge to follow permitted paths to Threlkeld Quarry for farm shop and museum (1.2km, not suitable for all wheelchair users).
There are no toilets along this route. The nearest public toilets are next to Bell Close car park in Keswick, approximately 10 minute’s walk from the trail start. There are further public toilets in Keswick town and at cafes in the local parks if you are using their services. In Threlkeld the toilets in Threlkeld Village Hall and Coffee Shop are open to the public, in the middle of the village 300m from the trail end.
Download the route map for the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail at the top of this page.
Details
Start point
Public car park opposite old station building.
Postcode: CA12 4NP
Grid reference: NY 270238
W3W: ///longingly.scouting.resides
Turning point
Grid reference: NY 314248
W3W: ///behalf.enforced.cook
Facilities
Car parking and refreshments are all available at the start. Coffee Shop and pubs in Threlkeld.
Getting there
Bus: services to Keswick from many destinations, visit traveline for details of timetables. The nearest bus stop is at County Corner on Penrith Road. Buses run regularly between Keswick and Threlkeld, service X4/5 Stagecoach, meaning you can make this a one-way linear walk. Car: follow the signs for the Leisure Pool where public parking is available, including disabled bays.
