The Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail begins in the car park of the swimming pool at Keswick and continues along the trackbed of the old Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway - an easy ride through the beautiful tree-clad Greta Gorge which is ideal for traffic-free family rides and walks.
Bridges engineered by Thomas Bouch, designer of the ill-fated Tay Bridge, take the route across the river Greta, along with two new constructions following reopening in December 2020. Part of the route runs along a wooden boardwalk installed when the path was renovated in 2000.
Keswick lies at the west end of the path, sandwiched between Derwentwater and the Skiddaw Massif. A locally important market town, it now doubles as a thriving centre for outdoor activities.
If the surrounding fells and lakes are not attraction enough, it also boasts the Cumberland Pencil Museum, the Theatre-by-the-Lake and Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Threlkeld, at the eastern end, is a village in the shadow of the Blencathra mountain with a quarry and mining museum. The more adventurous might like to continue on a round trip back to Keswick via Castlerigg Stone Circle.
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Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.
To make sure everyone gets the most out of their time by the water, please ensure you follow the Towpath Code.