Among the giants - a valley walk in the Lakes
A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) in national park Lake District starting and finishing in Cumbria, England, about 15.40km (9.57 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 5:30h. It is suitable for families with children, but unsuitable for prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
378m (1240ft)
Descent
398m (1305ft)
Max. Elevation
680m (2230ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
776m (2545ft)
Start
Castle Inn Hotel
End
Keswick, Cumbria, England
Distance
15.40km
(9.57mi)
(9.57mi)
Duration
~5:30h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
Created by Anonymous Walker on 06 Feb 2012
If you don't fancy climbing the northern Lake District peaks of Blencathra and Skiddaw, then why not admire them from below? This route from Bassenthwaite Lake to Keswick follows the Cumbria Way through the valleys in between these fells. An overnight stop at Skiddaw House is an option as well.
Walk Functions
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid NY215326
Stagecoach buses between Keswick and Carlisle call at the Castle Inn Hotel; check with the driver, though, as some go a different route.
OS Grid NY230321
Follow the road to Bassenthwaite. Some bus services also call here, but connections are tricky from Keswick.
About 1.64 km (~1.02 miles) from 
OS Grid NY249323
Follow the bridleway to Peter's House Farm, on the western edge of the Caldbeck Fells.
About 1.87 km (~1.16 miles) from 
OS Grid NY269312
Just beyond the farm, pick up the Cumbria Way.
About 2.28 km (~1.42 miles) from 
OS Grid NY283303
Skiddaw is slog to climb, but there's no denying it's an impressive sight when seen from the valley that separates it from the Calva twins.
About 1.62 km (~1.01 miles) from 
OS Grid NY287290
Pass by one of England's most scenic Youth Hostels, Skiddaw House. A good option is to split the walk over two days, with a night here - and possibly a midnight trip up Great Calva if the moon is out.
http://skiddawhouse.co.uk/
About 1.34 km (~0.83 miles) from 
OS Grid NY292279
South of Skiddaw House and you really are among the giants - Skiddaw to the west and Blencathra to the east. Even Lonscale Fell looks big from down here.
About 1.26 km (~0.78 miles) from 
OS Grid NY282259
The Cumbria Way gains some height as you skirt the slopes of Lonscale Fell.
About 2.20 km (~1.37 miles) from 
OS Grid NY274249
Small by comparison, Latrigg is an optional side trip for great views over Keswick to Derwent Water.
About 1.29 km (~0.8 miles) from 
KeswickOS Grid NY267235
Finish up in Keswick, a fine Lakeland town.
About 1.54 km (~0.96 miles) from 
