Castlerigg Stone Circle – Keswick loop from Cumbria

Bike touring routes & trails

Castlerigg Stone Circle – Keswick loop from Cumbria

Hard

4.8

(10)

riders

Castlerigg Stone Circle – Keswick loop from Cumbria

03:08

39.9km

700m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 14.9 km for 180 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

14.9 km

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Highlight • Monument

The actual purpose of these megalithic standing stones is hotly debated, with many theories being thrown out. There are 38 of them (but do try counting), and some of them are 10 feet (3m) tall. The origins go back some 4,000 to 5,000 years and it was classified as a protected site way back in 1888. Now it belongs to the National Trust but fortunately it is still free to visit.

There's a 360-degree view from the site so definitely worth admiring.

(Please take your rubbish home with you!)

Tip by

16.2 km

Garth Wood

Forest

18.4 km

Keswick

Highlight • Settlement

Found a few miles from the banks of Derwentwater Lake, Keswick is one of the most famous towns in the Lake District. Here, you will find a huge number of cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops.

A market town since 1276, Keswick hosts a market on Saturday and Thursdays near Moot Hall, the Tourist Information Centre. Keswick also has many cultural attractions such as the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, the Theatre by the Lake and various festivals. You can find more information about the town, here: keswick.org

Tip by

19.2 km

View from Friar's Crag

Highlight • Viewpoint

Jutting into Derwentwater, Friar's Crag has clear views over Derwent Isle and across Derwentwater. On clear days, you can see across the lake to the National Trust owned property Brandlehow Woods. Friars Crag was once described by prominent Victorian art critic John Ruskin as one of the most beautiful places in Europe. There is a monument to the famous thinker at the Crag.

Tip by

21.0 km

Leisure Centre Car Park

Highlight • Rest Area

A big pay and display car park around the back of the Leisure Centre- space for unloading bikes and parking all day. Perfect place to start the Keswick to Threlkeld Cycle Route or for visiting the Keswick Pump Track.
Park Run starts here at 9am every Saturday morning- so avoid between 9 and 10 if youre not there for park run!

Tip by

21.0 km

Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Reopened in December 2020 following major repair to damage caused by Storm Desmond in December 2015.

Very smooth tarmac suitable for all users but road cyclists and other riders need to be careful in wet and slippy conditions.

It also gets very busy at weekends, but even then not busy there are always walkers, runners and dogs off leads.

Just take your time, but if it is too busy, better to take the alternative route via Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Tip by

26.4 km

River Greta

Highlight • Natural

A tributary of the River Derwent, River Greta is a pretty river that flows through Cumbria, passing trough Keswick on its way. Its name comes from the Old Norse "Griota" which means stony stream. The pretty river is home to many species of wildlife such as otters, water voles, trout and hedge hogs. Along the river, you will find many idyllic campsites and cafes.

Tip by

27.3 km

Threlkeld Village Hall Coffee Shop

Highlight • Rest Area

A lovely village cafe, Open 10am to 5pm during the summer and 9:30am to 4pm from 11th September, closing only for Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Days. Walkers, cyclists and dogs welcome.

Tip by

39.9 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types