Applethwaite, Keswick

Applethwaite is just over one mile from Keswick. The village, which has just a few dozen houses, is quiet and unspoilt and nestles at the foot of the sunny south-facing slope of Skiddaw, which rises to over 3000ft. Road signs in the village warn drivers to watch out for the red squirrels which can still be seen on the wooded lower slopes of the fell. 

Most walkers will know Applethwaite as the starting point for the walk up Skiddaw. Wainwright says “ if I were asked by a stranger to the district to recommend a single climb that would give him a superb panorama I would send him up Skiddaw” and he describes the view from Skiddaw Little Man reached en route to Skiddaw as “the most beautiful and comprehensive view of the Lake District”.

There is however no need to climb Skiddaw or its lesser summit to enjoy such a view. The quiet terrace road linking Applethwaite with Millbeck affords a glorious view across the grey slated buildings of Keswick right down to the head of Derwentwater encircled by the Borrowdale fells together with the distant Helvellyn range and the crest of Grizedale Pike and the north western fells. Applethwaite offers a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of Keswick but with all the facilities of the town on hand.

For walking routes click here.