Walla Crag
Walla Crag
5
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Lookouts • Hiking Trails
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2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
186 reviews
Excellent
154
Very good
31
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Barbs25
Staffordshire, UK2,494 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
I read a lot of reviews saying this is an easy walk, so if you’re after that make sure you go up the left side path and back the same way!
We walked from lakeside car park, around the lake for a short while before coming up to Walla Crag from the right side (as you’re facing it). This path is very steep, very rocky through the woods. We enjoyed it as relatively experienced walkers but it’s definitely not an easy way up. We then came down the opposite side which is a very easy (but steep in places) grassy bank. Great loop for us, took 2.5hrs including 30min stop at the top. The views are amazing over the lake and long the Valley.
Overall would suggest our route for the loop, wouldn’t fancy coming down the rocky side. Or for the easiest option come up and down the left side.
We walked from lakeside car park, around the lake for a short while before coming up to Walla Crag from the right side (as you’re facing it). This path is very steep, very rocky through the woods. We enjoyed it as relatively experienced walkers but it’s definitely not an easy way up. We then came down the opposite side which is a very easy (but steep in places) grassy bank. Great loop for us, took 2.5hrs including 30min stop at the top. The views are amazing over the lake and long the Valley.
Overall would suggest our route for the loop, wouldn’t fancy coming down the rocky side. Or for the easiest option come up and down the left side.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TonyPaz
Ashford, UK117 contributions
Sep 2021
There are several ways to walk up to Walla Crag but we believe the best way is to start at Keswick. Starting near the cinema walk out of town past the church. After 400yards turn right along a quiet road (houses on your left. fields on the right), this is a dead end road. Walk to the end and follow the track through the farm/ice cream coffee shop. You slowly climb (keeping the large antenna mast on your right). As you are climbing you will have views over Keswick, Derwent Water, Cat Bells. As you come out of the trees the space opens up and you are on the final steep climb to the top. Once near the top there are two gates to Walla Crag, the first takes you around the crag giving lovely views but can be slippery under foot when wet. The furthest gate leads you a short distance from the top. Sit on the rocks, have a drink and snack and admire the fabulous views over Derwent water, Keswick, Newlands Round, Cat Bells, Castle Crag. Well worth the walk, little effort for such get rewarding views. Walk takes approx. one hour. You can continue your walk and climb Bleaberry Fell, or walk further on to Ashness Bridge and Surprise view (returning either by walking alongside the lake or catch a bus). Other options are to walk straight down to the car parks below Walla Crag, although the descend is steep and due to the woods you lose the views or return the way you climbed.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
machinmad
Yaxley, UK2,263 contributions
Aug 2020
This walk starts by the lakeshore, climbs to Ashridge Bridge, then up higher to Walla Craig, giving commanding views in all directions, particularly over the Derwent valley and Buttermere. This walk is varied throughout and while their are a few steep climbs, it’s doable for most able bodied people. Takes about 3.5hrs.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rae_E
Bristol, UK48 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We followed the National Trust walk to ease our legs back into walking after a trip up Helvellyn. The walk is fairly easy with no scrambling involved and affords marvellous views of the whole of Derwentwater. It is boggy in parts and waterproof shoes are a must.
Perhaps it was our tired legs or perhaps it was the stop for lunch and photos, but we thought the NT estimate of 2 hours was a little short (2.5 hours might be a better estimate).
Perhaps it was our tired legs or perhaps it was the stop for lunch and photos, but we thought the NT estimate of 2 hours was a little short (2.5 hours might be a better estimate).
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
domtheone
Nottingham, UK74 contributions
Dec 2020 • Solo
Hiked to the top of Walla straight from my B&B in Keswick. Those that are fairly fit can do it in approx an hour. Lovely views over the Derwent nad back down to Keswick with Skiddaw looming large above.
Well worth a couple of hours.
Well worth a couple of hours.
Written January 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AlanW6
Barton-on-Sea, UK67 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We walked along Springs Road before joining the path beyond the coffee shop. Steady climb through woodland and eventually onto the open fell, rough grassland. We reached the top roughly the same time as the rain. We then continued behind Falcon Crag and down to Ashness Bridge where we found a little shelter from the steady rainfall and had our sandwiches. Down to the lake and walked back along the shore to Keswick wet but happy. An excellent walk with magnificent views even through the rain. Our ages ranged from 14 to 74 (me!)
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alisdair t
Workington, UK6,188 contributions
Jun 2021
One of the finest Lakeland views.. I started from Castlerigg campsite road, there is only parking for a few cars, The walk up to Walla crag is very easy for the fit, and ok for everyone else, only grass, no rocky bits, and will take about 30 mins. The view from the edge of the crag overlooking Derwent water is outstanding. You can walk up from Ashness, Its a bit longer, but fairly easy, or up Cat Gill, very steep. You can also head up on to other fells from here
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
robertmU5328DU
Carlisle, UK255 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
This was a lovely climb with two dogs. Set off through the woods from the National Trust car park. There are a number of signs indicating the different routes as you progress along the trail. We took the direct route which was a steep trail up Cat Gill. Fantastic scenery, waterfalls and Derwentwater as you climb. At the top there is a short walk to Walla Crag with great views. On the way back we took the circular route via Ashness Bridge. This is a highly recommended trip out.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JLM68635
Preston, UK254 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
A great walk with amazing views from the top. Car park at the bottom with a relatively straight forward route to the top. We were up and down within 2 and a half hours, including a stop for lunch. A great walk for kids and dogs to join in with too.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Oxford ex-pat.
5 contributions
Jul 2020
Choice of routes: Cat Gill is shorter, steeper ascent, but rewarded with views of the gill and waterfalls; longer route via Ashness bridge which is famous but unremarkable.
Decend in a loop back through Great Wood.
Easy to follow defined paths all the way.
Decend in a loop back through Great Wood.
Easy to follow defined paths all the way.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jenny T
5 contributions
Where is the best place to park to do this walk? We will have our dog with us so don’t really like walking on narrow roads to get to a place.
Jenny T
5 contributions
Where is the best place to park to do this walk? We will have our dog with us so don’t really like walking on narrow roads to get to a place.
TonyPaz
Ashford, UK117 contributions
Ambleside Road which is a continuation of St Johns Street in Keswick is an ideal place to park. You will then walk along a quiet residential road 0.5 mile to the public footpath, it is free to park. You can park along Borrowdale Road car park, a shorter steeper walk to Walla Crag, but not as good a walk. Hope this helps.
Hi, can you do this walk with a baby in a back pack on lower paths?
Many thanks. X
Jackie B
Hamburg, Germany34 contributions
Yes, you can. If it's wet it could be slippery at the top.
Walla Crag (Keswick) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Walla Crag
- Hotels near Walla Crag:
- (0.00 mi) Manesty Holiday Cottages
- (0.03 mi) 3 bedroom accommodation in Keswick
- (0.03 mi) Latch Cottage, Keswick
- (0.03 mi) 2 bedroom accommodation in Keswick
- (0.03 mi) 2 bedroom accommodation in Keswick
- Restaurants near Walla Crag:
- (0.09 mi) Lake Road Brunch
- (0.09 mi) Cafe Bar 26
- (0.11 mi) Fellpack
- (0.10 mi) The Wainwright
- (0.08 mi) The Pocket Cafe Bar