Thornthwaite Grange

Bed and breakfast

Thornthwaite village
Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5SA

+44 (0) 1768 778 205

Activities in Keswick area

Where do we start? There is so much to do around Keswick; the list below is just a taste of what the Northern Lakes has to offer visitors looking for an active break. Within a short distance of our guest house you'll find:

Walking

There are so many beautiful walks in this area that it would be impossible to list them all here, but we've listed a few of our favourites below, and our guest library has maps and guides to many more

  • Whinlatter Forest: With its fantastic views and many miles of paths and tracks, Whinlatter is a great location for walking. Try one of the 3 strenuous high level walks, or the 8 way marked trails, ranging from easy 1 mile to moderate 4.5 miles routes. Pedestrian access to Whinlatter is just behind Thornthwaite Grange
  • Skiddaw: The Skiddaw mountain range forms the spectacular view from our bedrooms and garden. You can set out across farm fields from Thornthwaite Grange, to make your attempt on the summit of England's 4th highest peak.
  • More walking trails close to Thornthwaite Grange: Classic fell walks such as Blencathra, Scafell Pike, Catbells, Haystacks and Great Gable, are all a short drive from Thornthwaite Grange

We can give you full details of scores more local walks, with route descriptions and maps. Some are nothing more than a stroll through beautiful countryside, while others represent a substantial physical challenge

Road and Mountain biking

  • The Keswick Railway Path offers a gentle introduction to mountain biking, it runs from Keswick to Threlkeld and is surfaced with smooth tarmac over the whole 5km. For the more experienced and energetic, there are numerous rides across the fells. Why not ride The Cumbria Way or the Skiddaw round?
  • Whinlatter Forest England's only true mountain forest, it is home to the 19-kilometre red grade Altura Trail, recently recommended in The Times top 10 locations for Mountain Biking feature. The challenging route rises to an altitude of 500m, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. For intermediate mountain bikers, Whinlatter offers the Quercus Trail as well as many miles of forest trails.
  • C2C The long distance Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Route goes right past our door. This is a wonderful route stretching from Whitehaven /Workington in the west, through the Northern Lakes and over the Pennines to Sunderland / Tynemouth on the North Sea. It is best tackled on a hybrid bike.
  • For the Road cyclist, the Lake District offers the opportunity to cycle on quiet roads and lanes, but be prepared for some stiff climbs!

Rock climbing & abseiling

Rock climbing is a popular sport in the Lakes offering challenges to beginners and experienced rock climbers alike. Climbing within the area ranges from V Diff [Very Difficult] to the more strenuous Extremes Climbs [E+]. One of the Lake's most popular climbing sites is Shepherds Crag at Borrowdale, just 20 minutes' drive away from Thornthwaite. There are also some incredible abseils throughout the Borrowdale Valley, one of the most spectacular is almost 100 feet above the ground at Woden's Face near to the Bowderstone. If you would like to try rock climbing or abseiling whilst in the Lake District, we can put you in touch with local companies offering courses and guided climbs.
If you prefer to climb indoors, then the Kong Adventure Centre offers the chance to try interactive climbing walls, bouldering and a kids hard play area. Instruction is provided and the experience is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Bird watching

The National Nature Reserve of Bassenthwaite Lake is less than a mile from Thornthwaite and is renowned for bird watching opportunities. A pair of breeding Ospreys arrived at the lake in 2001 and continue to nest here - you can find out more about this project on the Lake District Osprey Project website. In addition to the ospreys, over 70 different kinds of birds migrate to Bassenthwaite to breed round the lake each summer.

Water Sports

Derwentwater is an ideal location for water sports including sailing, canoeing and kayaking and is just a 5 minute drive from Thornthwaite village. Several local companies, including Derwentwater Marina offer equipment hire and courses on the lake. Ghyll scrambling or canyoning is an exciting adventure that is guaranteed to get you wet!

Paragliding and Gyrocopter

How about a bird's eye view of the lakes? The Lake District is one of the top flying areas in Britain, due to the hilly and mountainous landscape. If you'd like to try paragliding, there are local companies who can offer courses, tandem flights and taster days. Or fly a gyroplane over the lakes and mountains, with an experienced instructor from Lake District Gyroplanes.

Via Ferrata at Honister Crag

Originating from the Italian Dolomites, Via Ferrata means "Iron Way", it's an amazing journey across the imposing Honister Crag, high in the mountains above Borrowdale. Using fixed iron footholds and handholds, you will cross zip wires and climb sheer cliff faces, it come highly recommended if you have a head for heights! Find out more on the Honister Slate Mine website

Wilderness activities

For those who like to get away from it all, the Keswick Canoe Company provide day courses on bush craft and self-sufficiency.

We'd be happy to give you the names of local adventure companies that can organise activities for you, alternatively you can visit the Keswick Tourism Association website