Keswick Railway Footpath

Location : Keswick / Threlkeld
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 270239 [Keswick Station]

Photo by Ann Bowker, 10 Mar 2004

The four mile long footpath was created by the Lake District National Park Authority following acquisition of part of the former Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway, which had closed to traffic in 1972. The 18 miles of the route between Penrith and Keswick included 78 bridges, of which 8 cross the River Greta over the railway's 3 mile length between Threlkeld and Keswick.

Though much of the track was obliterated by improvements to the A66, the section between Keswick and Threlkeld through the Greta Gorge remains largely untouched by roadworks, leaving a series of impressive bridges to provide the framework for a scenic footpath. Well maintained and mostly level, apart from a short stretch underneath the A66 viaduct where the line used to go through a tunnel, this easy trail through lovely countryside combines a wide variety of natural and man-made features into an attractive and stimulating walk with something of interest for everyone.

Photo by Ann Bowker, 15 Aug 2003

At various points along the path are information plaques by the Lake District National Park authority telling about the railway's history, the River Greta, the bobbin industry at Low Briery, and the natural history of the area.

Photo by Ann Bowker, 2 May 2003

A leaflet describing the walk is available from the Tourist Information Centre. Hunter Davies has written the book 'A Walk Along the Tracks', in which one chapter covers the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway. It tells of the author's explorations, the people he met and the places he passed through. The definitive history of the line is 'Rails through Lakeland' by H.D. Bowtell, published 1989 by Silver Link Publishing Ltd.

The old Keswick Railway Station, now part of the Hotel nearby.

All above photos by Ann Bowker

Information panel showing the route.