We have finished at Braithwaite nine times in the past, the most recent was in 2023 when we walked from Cockermouth to Braithwaite. Although it's been nine times this is the first time we have started from around Keswick.  With Braithwaite and Keswick seperated by the Newlands Valley and only about two miles apart the three routes criss-cross over each other as they make their way across the valley. 
 
The three routes all start quite close to each other with the 8.5-mile route starting first on the edge of Keswick.  This route heads towards Portinscale and then along the Cumbria Way before climbing Cat Bells. At the top of Cat Bells the route turns west and comes down from Cat Bells and walks along the base of the hill north to Skelgill. The route then heads north-west across the Newlands Valley and comes around the side of the hill called Barrow and into Braithwaite. 

There are two 8-mile routes to choose from, the first to start is on a short stretch of minor road between Keswick and Braithwaite. This route also goes through Portinscale and along the Cumbria Way but instead of climbing Cat Bells the route passes Skelgill and crosses the Newlands Valley towards the Outdoor Center close to Newlands Beck. From there the route follows a footpath west alongside Stoneycroft Gill and then turns north-east to climb Barrow hill. From the top of Barrow there is an easy descent down to Braithwaite Lodge and into Braithwaite. 

The second 8-mile route starts along the same stretch of minor road, but to start with the route heads into Braithwaite and then heads along the edge of Barrow going further south into the Newlands Valley as far as Little Town. From there the route turns north back up the valley, heading towards Skelgill and the Cumbria Way. Just outside of Portinscale the route turns south to Ullock and then north-west alongside Newlands Beck and into Braithwaite. 

Although all three routes are walking quite close together, each route is taking an entirely different way from one side of the Newlands Valley to the other. The 8.5-mile route has a climb up Cat Bells and one of the 8-mile routes has a climb over Barrow. The other 8-mile route has no major climbs but has some great views as it crosses the valley in both directions.

This is our last time that we go across to the Lake District this year so if fancy doing one of these routes you can get in touch with us from our Contact Page, you can also download the walk descriptions here and the GPS route here.

The image for this post was taken in May of this year when we walked from Scales to Keswick. The picture was taken at the top of Latrigg but Braithwaite is on the picture on the right hand side.