Keswick Railway Path
A stunning walk through the River Greta gorge.
OS Explorer Map OL4
Route for all. 10km distance.
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Distance
5.6km / 3.48miles
Decking and handrail replacement works underway
To improve the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail for future generations, we’re renewing two bridge decks along the route with a new bespoke design using 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.
The bridges are approximately 4km upstream from Keswick, or 1km downstream from the Threlkeld end of the trail at grid references NY304245 and NY306245. Works will be taking place between now and mid-August.
The River Greta is a sensitive habitat, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). To remove the risk of pollution, all manufacturing work is being done off-site, with the components being brought to site and re-assembled.
While work is underway, a temporary walkway along the side of the bridge allows users to continue on the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail. This temporary walkway is more narrow than the former path, at around 75cm, and may not be accessible for most trampers and electric powered disability vehicles, some double (two abreast) prams and buggies, most tricycles, some cycle trailers, and anything wider than a standard wheelchair.
Please be aware that the width of 75cm does not allow adequate space for users of standard wheelchairs to extend their arms out to push themselves across the bridge, and there is a danger of fingers getting trapped. This also applies to children putting their arms and hands out of bike trailers.
Please contact us if you have any questions. Please follow the signage in place for your safety.
Thank you for your patience while we complete work on this bridge.
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.
Please note that mobility scooters must be class 2 or 3 on the route.
View the full trail route on our ride-through video
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.
