Keswick Railway Path
A stunning walk through the River Greta gorge.
OS Explorer Map OL4
Route for all. 10km distance.
MWS Grade
For all
Duration
2.5 hours
Distance
5.6km / 3.48miles
Partial route closure and restricted access
The Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail will be partially closed for essential bridge repair work from September 7 for eight weeks between grid references NY 27212 23760 and NY 27364 23741, or What3Words locations ///saving.thousands.weds and ///riddle.quilt.provide.
During this time you can continue to enjoy 4.5km of the trail starting from east of the closed bridge all the way through to the 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.
Other bridge repair work has been ongoing elsewhere on the trail to renew two bridge decks with bespoke design. Work has already been completed on one bridge and works are underway at another bridge at grid reference NY306245, or approximately 4km upstream from Keswick, or 1km downstream from the Threlkeld end of the trail.
These works are scheduled to end at the beginning of September and there is limited access for some users, with a temporary footway erected that may not be wide enough for all trail users to pass through, having a maximum width of 75cm. This 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.
These works use 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.
Read more about the essential repair work, which will futureproof the bridge for 30 years: Bridge on Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail to close for essential works – Lake District National Park
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.
