Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path

Location

 of Keswick Leisure Cente.

Direction to Start

Either at Keswick Leisure Centre GR 270237 (pay and display car park) or on road to Threlkeld just off A66 at GR 315248 (on-road parking) or in village of Threlkeld itself.

Preference would be to ski west to east and return

Route

4.5km each way.

Follows the old Keswick to Penrith railway line. Replaces the previous stone-track route and elevated wooden walkway which was washed away by Storm Desmond in 2015. The route, which was only opened at the beginning of December 2020, uses the old railway tunnel – re-opened for the first time in decades.

Best avoided in very high season (July/August) when there will be a lot of foot and cycle traffic, and in autumn because of leaves on the track.

Surface/ Designation

Very smooth tarmac cycle path for most part.

The track crosses a number of bridges which are surfaced with grooved planks. These cannot be skied (unless you want to dislodge all your fillings) – but can be walked on skis provided you hang onto the handrail.

Several tunnels - illuminated.

Suitable for classic and skate

Safety Details

No challenging hills when skied from west to east (Keswick to Threlkeld), but two hills on the return (east to west):
- A set of zig-zags very close to the Threlkeld end when the track drops down to the river from the A66
- A long-steep downhill at the Keswick end after the long tunnel

Bridges see 'Surface/Designation' above. These can be slippery when wet (which is often in these parts). It’s anticipated these may be surfaced in due course for this reason.

Facilites

Toilets in Keswick

Extensive refreshments in Keswick; coffee shop in Threlkeld.

Details by LCCSC
Last updated 30-12-2020