7 favourite pub walks within driving distance of Keswick

As gorgeous as walking in the Lake District is, sometimes knowing there’s a great pub waiting for you at the end of a long day can be the thing that keeps you going as the miles rack up. Some of the country’s best pubs can be found tucked amongst our valleys and fells – here’s a few of our favourites so you can plan the perfect day out and finish your walk with a well-earned pint or a brew.

Blencathra and The Horse & Farrier

One of the Lake District’s most iconic hills, Blencathra is the long peak that dominates the skyline as you drive from Penrith to Keswick and know you’re finally in the Lake District. Parking in Threlkeld, you’ll have the choice of two routes to the summit, either Halls’ Fell Ridge, which involves a little bit of scrambling, or walking a bit further along to Doddick Fell. If you’re not keen on using your hands to climb over rock on some sections, then maybe skip Hall’s Fell, but if you like to take the adventurous route, then go for it! After that, head west along the top and come down Blease Fell to the Blencathra centre, before coming along the road back to the village and the Horse and Farrier. This traditional inn is exceptionally cosy, the staff are lovely and their ale selection is dependably good. Book ahead if you’d like a meal too.

Causey Pike and The Swinside Inn

One of our favourites, Causey is seen from Keswick as a little crinkle on the skyline and is a great hill to look back on and say – I’ve done that. Park near Stoneycroft ghyll and then start ascending using the path on the southside of the ghyll. From here you can choose the shorter but very steep path up Rowling End, or a more gradual ascent by taking the diversion right. From there follow the path up to the top, a lovely clear summit with gorgeous views, and then continue along Scar Crags to finish the crinkle. You can drop to the valley north after this to follow the path down to finish, with the option to add on the Wainwright summit of Outerside if you fancy the extra wee climb. Once you’re back to the bottom, it’s a short hop along the road to the fantastically located Swinside Inn. There’s a cosy inside in the winter and lots of space in their beer garden in the summer, from which you’ll be able to look back on the summit you just conquered.

The Coledale Horseshoe and The Coledale Inn

One of the Lake District’s classic big days, the Coledale Horseshoe starts and finishes in Braithwaite, which handily means you’ll be able to celebrate your epic day at the Coledale Inn. This 9 mile route is long with some steep ascents, but isn’t too challenging for fit walkers, and it takes in 5 Wainwrights along the way. You’ll likely want to do it anti-clockwise, which gives you a long steep start to the day, but feels nicely rewarding as you’ll get to enjoy walking at height for the rest of the route. If you do find you want to cut it short, you can always drop off Coledale Hause and come back along the valley past Force Crag Mine. The Coledale Inn is a peaceful spot with a cracking beer garden, good portions of hearty pub food and a lovely view to top it all off.

Loughrigg Fell and The Badger Bar

Just a 25 minute drive from Keswick will land you at Rydal, Wordsworth’s old stomping ground. This beautiful stretch of valley containing Grasmere and Rydal water is a fantastic starting place for any number of walks, including the iconic Fairfield Horseshoe, but we reckon an ascent of Loughrigg Fell followed by a few pints at the Badger Bar is one of the best ways to spend your afternoon and evening. Follow the path below Fieldfoot Wood to come round to the summit of the fell, enjoy the surprisingly good views which feature all along the way, then drop down to Rydal water and follow the shore back. This means you’ll pass by Rydal cave, an exciting stop-off with stepping stones to enter which little ones will love. After that head to the Badger Bar, a quaint old pub with local ales, over 30 whiskies and plenty of delightful wonky beams.

Black Moss Pot and The Langstrath Country Inn

A walk from Stonethwaite will give you a delightful wander down an idyllic valley to one of the Lake District’s finest swimming spots. Park along the road before the village and head down the track toward the campsite, and then carry on past to follow the river around to the right. Expansive views of the valley open up as the track leads you down Langstrath. About a kilometre and a half along you’ll find Black Moss Pot, a fabulous swimming spot with a deep pool and a cliff you can jump off. Admire the scenery or have a dip, then either trot back along the valley or, for the more adventurous, make the route into a round by scrambling up Cam Crag Ridge toward Rosthwaite Fell. Arriving back in Stonethwaite you’ll find the Langstrath Country Inn waiting with plenty of pints, outside seating and rustic food with a modern twist.

Mellbreak, Loweswater and The Kirkstile Inn

A 30 minute drive out of Keswick will take you to the Vale of Lorton, a tucked away spot which could often be overlooked if it weren’t for the iconic Kirkstile Inn. There are plenty of route options, such a relaxed walk around Loweswater, but we recommend going up Mellbreak, a stunning fell walk that not a lot of folk do as it stands alone. Park near the pub then head up through the trees to take the path straight up Mellbreak. Take it easy, as there’s scree in places and it’s steep, but once you get past that section, a set of lovely trails will lead to the summit. Enjoy the views as you traverse along the top, then drop back down to come along the valley back to the pub. The pints are excellent with a dependable array of Cumbrian ales on tap, and in the summer their beer garden is hard to beat.

Easedale Tarn and Tweedies

Did you know that one of the best beer selections in the entire Lakes is tucked away in a cosy pub in the quaint little village of Grasmere? Your itinerary for a truly gorgeous day is to park in Grasmere, then ramble up towards Easedale Tarn from the back of the village, a steady path with steps which will take you right up to the shores of the tarn. Stop for a picnic, or even a cheeky swim, and then you can either head back down the path to Grasmere, or head further up the path and come back via Blea Rigg or even Stickle Tarn for a longer day out. Once you’re back in Grasmere, it’s time for Tweedies. On a nice day, sit outside and enjoy one of their many outside tables, or get cosy inside in colder months for a pub peppered with rustic woodwork and traditional beams. You’ll find these beams covered with a host of pump clips from near and far, souvenirs from the many beers that have passed through their pumps. Choose yours and then take a seat, soak in the bustling atmosphere and maybe even tuck into their excellent menu too.