Castlehead

Castlehead is a low wooded hill close to Keswick town centre, only 162 metres high, and it is the best way to get your bearings. From the top you can see the full length of Derwentwater ringed by mountains, a bird’s-eye view over the town, and Bassenthwaite Lake beyond. A dial at the summit names thirty fells.

It is a good route for families — there is a real sense of accomplishment in getting to the top, and a scrambly bit just before it that adds to the fun. The whole thing from the Market Square takes less than an hour and finishes with a walk down to the lake and back through Hope Park.

Start from the Moot Hall in the Market Square (what3words: definite.boot.obviously).

1. Head between Greg’s Bakery and The Royal Oak into St John’s Street.
2. Carry on past the George Hotel. After St John’s Church, take the second turning on your right into Springs Road.
3. After about 200 metres, turn right onto the footpath, through the gate and into the woods.
4. Climb a few stone steps, then take the path to the right and keep going uphill.
5. Continue to the summit. The plan on the top names the surrounding peaks: Derwentwater directly in front ringed by mountains with Walla Crag to the left; the head of Borrowdale to the south and the Scafell range beyond it, the highest land in England; Hindscarth, Causey Pike, Grisedale Pike and Bassenthwaite to the north-west; Skiddaw to the north.
6. Retrace your steps about 200 metres, then turn left on the path downhill past a wooden bench.
7. Cross Borrowdale Road and take the footpath towards the lakeshore. From there you can stroll back into Keswick through the gardens of Hope Park.