Next up on our list was Latrigg.
About Latrigg
Latrigg is one of the lowest fells in the Lake District (368m or 1,207ft), but is a popular climb due to its convenient location overlooking the town of Keswick and the beautiful views down the valley of Borrowdale from the summit.
It is the least mountainous of the Skiddaw fells, the summit being almost entirely devoid of rock.
The slopes of Latrigg are partially wooded, and logging work is currently being undertaken.
One lone tree just south of the summit is prominently viewed in silhouette when approaching Keswick from the west along the A66.
The view northward is of the high grassy flanks of Skiddaw and Blencathra, impressive but lacking detail.
To the south the contrast is total. Looking out over Keswick and down the full length of Derwentwater, the eye is drawn to Borrowdale and the high fells of Central Lakeland.
Wainwright was moved to describe Latrigg as follows:
A panorama of crowded detail, all of it of great beauty: indeed this scene is one of the gems of the district…The far horizon is a jumbled upheaval of peaks, with many dear old friends standing up proudly
The walk
We start at the disused Keswick to Threlkeld railway and the route takes you over some bridges and into the countryside.
We passed some lovely views of River Greta along flat paths up to the point at which you start your ascent.
Along the route, this tunnel is part of the old railway line, and was something just asking to be photographed.
There are gaps in the wall where workers used to be able to stand back in to allow the train to pass.
On first sight, it’s hard to believe this tunnel is big enough for a train but the concreted over railway track has clearly increased the level the lower part of the tunnel.
Once you reach the turn off for the ascent, you climb up a steep road and then into fields to begin the climb, where the views are spectacular.
I took the following image as it shows Skiddaw in the background.
As you reach the top, you start to see views of Keswick and Derwent Water down below, with Catbells in the distance.
There were a few sheep on the path at the top, and some lively lambs. I tried to capture them when on occasion they leapt up in the air, but couldn’t grab a shot in focus.
As you reach the main viewpoint with a single bench, you get the full view over Keswick and Derwent Water.
A view a little more right from the view was displaying sun rays over some of the fells which I had to capture.
And that was a wrap.
We walked back down the winding track to descend back down to the road and back to our car.
We really enjoyed this walk and explore, and it is one we would gladly do again – highly recommended.
Onwards and upwards…