Keswick
Geographically, Keswick is approximately level with Penrith, and about 26km (16m) west. It is not geographically the centre of the lake district because it is somewhat too far north, but in terms of access to the lakes it is central.
Keswick lies at the head of Derwentwater on a reasonably flat area surrounded by the magnificent mountains of Skiddaw and Blencathra.
Access to Keswick is relatively good when compared to other lake district towns. Straight up the M6 to junction 40 (Penrith), then almost due west along the A66. Parking in the town is not adequate, and double yellow lines festoon most of the narrow streets. It seems that no attempt has been made to improve vehicular access or provide relief or bypass roads. This undoubledly contributes to the congestion within the town.
This part of the A66 is good, with many stretches of dual carriageway. You can make good time along it passing superb views of Blencathra on your right. Little and Great Mell are the rather rounded hills on your left. They have a volcanic shape rising from the rolling countryside.
As with many lake district towns the roads get suddenly worse once you leave the A class roads. Keswick was built in a time before cars, planning regulations with severe enforcement mean that in busy periods it is best avoided unless you have no choice.
A great place for walking, giving access to many fells, my favourite around here being Cat Bells. On the other side of the lake is Walla Crags, the most unfortunate thing about that being the parking, your only option being to park your car in the National Trust's car park at the Great Wood, the charge is several pounds and is out of all proportion to the value you receive. You may detect that the National Trust is not my favourite organisation although I was once a member. I now view the organisation in a different light.