A stunning walk through the River Greta gorge - OS Explorer Map OL4.
Since the reopening in December 2020 the trail is now accessible for all – all gradients and surface have been designed for all levels of mobility.
The trail (5km each way) follows the route of the old Keswick to Penrith Railway, and weaves its way over the River Greta on some of the original Victorian railway bridges and some rebuilt following Storm Desmond. This fast-flowing river is home to herons and dippers.
From the car park, the former railway station is on the right. The last train left Keswick station on 4 March 1972. After 1 km pass under the A66 road bridge through the Bobbin Mill tunnel, re-opened in 2020 after being buried following the construction of the Greta Bridge in the mid-1970s. The path leads to a shelter and seats, with information panels.
Beyond this, a railway bridge takes you on the final push to Threlkeld. Access on to the pavement via the zigzags next to the A66 and continue to the village for 0.75 km for refreshments in two pubs and a coffee shop and toilets in the village hall. Alternatively, turn right before the last bridge to follow permitted paths to Threlkeld Quarry for farm shop and museum (1.2km, not suitable for all wheelchair users).
There are no toilets along this route. The nearest public toilets are next to Bell Close car park in Keswick, approximately 10 minute’s walk from the trail start. There are further public toilets in Keswick town and at cafes in the local parks if you are using their services. In Threlkeld the toilets in Threlkeld Village Hall and Coffee Shop are open to the public, in the middle of the village 300m from the trail end.
Visit Keswick to Threlkeld Trail project history to find out how this route was upgraded following devastating storms.
Please note that mobility scooters must be class 2 or 3 on the route.
Public car park opposite old station building.
Postcode: CA12 4NP
Grid reference: NY 270238
W3W: ///longingly.scouting.resides
Grid reference: NY 314248
W3W: ///behalf.enforced.cook
Car parking and refreshments are all available at the start. Coffee Shop and pubs in Threlkeld.
Bus: services to Keswick from many destinations, visit traveline for details of timetables. The nearest bus stop is at County Corner on Penrith Road. Buses run regularly between Keswick and Threlkeld, service X4/5 Stagecoach, meaning you can make this a one-way linear walk. Car: follow the signs for the Leisure Pool where public parking is available, including disabled bays.
The trail is surfaced with smooth tarmac over the whole 5km, and gradients are very low.
We designed the trail to encourage access for all, and is well used by people in conventional wheelchairs and mobility scooters as well as people using other mobility aids.
For a level access point the best place to start is Keswick Leisure Centre where there are marked parking spaces reserved for disabled people.
The trail can be busy at peak times and some visitors can find the tunnels disorientating, although they are well lit.
There are seats at regular intervals along the route.
Look at the video of the trail so you can see what it’s like.
The trail starts close to Keswick Town Centre. The map shows the start point. There are pleasant routes through Fitz Park to reach it. Our staff at the information centre in the Moot Hall can give you more information about the trail and routes to the start.
If cycling from further afield the trail is part of the C2C cycle route so connections can be made from east or west on that waymarked National Cycle Network route. Details can be found on the Sustrans website.
Please consider walking and cycling to the start if you can to help our communities and environment.
The trail can easily be reached by bus service X4/X5 which runs every hour between Penrith, Threlkeld, Keswick and Workington. This bus is also ideal if you would like to walk one way and take the bus back.
Keswick also has good bus connections from Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside and Carlisle on route 555 and bus connections with Borrowdale and Buttermere.
Latest information and timetables can be found at Traveline or the Stagecoach website.
If you are travelling by car there is a car park at Keswick Leisure Centre, at the start of the trail (pay and display) which includes two spaces marked out for disabled people. If this is full there are a number of other car parks in Keswick. For more details see the Keswick Town map, and details of charges
There is very limited public parking in Threlkeld. You can park at Threlkeld Old Station which is 900m walking route only from the trail or at Threlkeld Cricket Club which is a 2km walk from the trail.
Please consider our local communities and do not park on roads or verges, especially if blocking access to land and properties. These roads are needed for access for larger vehicles such as tractors, buses or for emergency ambulances.
Yes, there are seated areas along the route at regular intervals to enable you to sit and rest.
There is a picnic area at the Tunnel entrance and various seats along the route.
The nearest public toilets are next to Bell Close car park in Keswick, approximately 10 minute’s walk from the trail start. We hope that permanent public toilets can be developed at the Keswick station end of the trail in the future. There are further public toilets in Keswick town and at cafes in the local parks if you are using their services. In Threlkeld the toilets in Threlkeld Village Hall and Coffee Shop are open to the public, in the middle of the village 300m from the trail end.
No, horses are not permitted on the Keswick to Threlkeld route.
