Keswick
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 then 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.
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 really is busy.
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 things 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 not see the organisation in a different light.
Local business directory
Tea Rooms, coffee shops
Betty Barker's
7 Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria
Tel: 01768 780 006
email
Hotels
Lairbeck Hotel
Vicarage Hill, Keswick, Cumbria
CA12 5QB
Tel: 017687 73373
Fax: 017687 73144
e-mail: info@lairbeck.demon.co.uk
On the outskirts of Keswick, yet less than 10 minutes walk from the centre, Lairbeck is a 2-Star, family-run hotel built in 1875 of Lakeland stone, within a secluded garden setting.
All 14 bedrooms are en-suite, non-smoking. The atmosphere is welcoming and informal. Featured on "Wish You Were Here?", Lairbeck offers excellent home-cooking. Licensed bar, log fires and spacious parking.
Visit our website for further information: www.lairbeck.demon.co.uk
Derwentwater Hotel
Portiscale, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5RE
Tel: 017687 72538
fax: 017687 71002
email: derwentwater.hotel@dial.pipex.com
Self catering
Derwent Manor
Portiscale, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5RE
Tel: 017687 72538
fax: 017687 71002
email: derwentwater.hotel@dial.pipex.com
Lakeland Cottage Holidays
3 The Heads, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5ES
Tel: 017687 71071
fax: 017687 75036
email: info@lakelandcottages.co.uk
The Ghyll, Applethwaite, Keswick
Clark Scott-Harden
52, King Street, Penrith CA11 7AY
Tel: 01768 868989
fax: 01768 865578
e-mail: post.penrith@csh.co.uk
Oak Apple House, Keswick
Clark Scott-Harden
52, King Street, Penrith CA11 7AY
Tel: 01768 868989
fax: 01768 865578
e-mail: post.penrith@csh.co.uk
Skiddaw and Borrowdale Flats, Lingholm
Clark Scott-Harden
52, King Street, Penrith CA11 7AY
Tel: 01768 868989
fax: 01768 865578
e-mail: post.penrith@csh.co.uk
Accommodation
Field Studies Council
Blencathra Centre, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4SG
Tel: 017687 79601
Fax: 017687 79264
e-mail: fsc.blencathra.ukonline.co.uk
Delightful cottage in Keswick, Cumbria
4 Rydal Mount, Knutsford Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire
Tel: +44 161 869 2695
e-mail: stephen_r_collins@yahoo.com
Guest houses
Abacourt Guest House
26, Stranger Street, Keswick
Tel: 017687 72967
e-mail: abacourt@aol.com
The Cartwheel Guest House
5 Blencathra Street,
Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4HW
Tel: 017687 73182
email: cartwheel@lake-district.net
Holiday villages
Low Briery Riverside Holiday Village
Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RN
Tel: 017687 72044
email: enquiries@fir-trees.com