Latrigg
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Latrigg is a 369 m Wainwright above Keswick, with views over Derwentwater and Borrowdale. Walk from town via Spooney Green Lane, or choose the shorter Gale Road route to the viewpoint. The limited-mobility path ends at the viewpoint; the continuation to the summit is steep and uneven.
Latrigg above Keswick
Latrigg is a 369 m Wainwright in the Northern Fells, overlooking Keswick and Derwentwater. The grassy top offers a rewarding introduction to fellwalking, with woodland on the lower approaches and open slopes above. Choose a route to suit your fitness and the conditions.
Summit and viewpoint
The Database of British and Irish Hills records an inscribed stone at the true summit, grid reference NY279247. The popular viewpoint bench lies to the southwest. Its view takes in Keswick, Derwentwater and Borrowdale; Skiddaw rises behind the fell. The precise summit used by Wainwright remains uncertain in the hill database.
Walking from Keswick
The Keswick Tourism Association itinerary starts and finishes at Moot Hall. It follows Fitz Park and Spooney Green Lane, crosses the A66 by bridge and climbs to Gale Road car park before looping over the summit and descending past the bench. The publisher gives 3 miles, approximately 4.8 km, and 2–2.5 hours. Expect a sustained climb and a descent that can be muddy.
Shorter viewpoint route
The National Park’s limited-mobility route is about 2 km return from Gale Road car park. It ends at the viewpoint, with a separate steep, uneven path continuing to the summit. Check the published gradients and equipment advice before choosing it: the initial 150 m is 1:7, and the authority does not recommend it for self-propelled wheelchairs. Mobility scooters must be class 2 or 3 and suitable for the slopes.
Planning your visit
The small Gale Road car park is above Applethwaite, reached from the A591 via Applethwaite or Ormathwaite. Keswick is the practical bus base for a walk from town. Toilets and refreshments are in Keswick. Carry suitable footwear and weatherproof layers; open ground can be windy, and mud, ice or snow can make paths slippery. Leave enough daylight for your return.
Landscape and history
Latrigg’s bedrock belongs to the Skiddaw Group: predominantly sedimentary mudstone and siltstone of the Kirk Stile Formation. Its walking history includes a mass access protest in 1887 after attempts to close routes onto the fell. The full origin of the name is uncertain; proposed early elements include words for a hill-slope or a lair.
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Latrigg from Moot Hall, Keswick (return with summit loop)
Start and finish at Moot Hall, Keswick. Follow Fitz Park and Spooney Green Lane over the A66, then climb via Gale Road car park to the summit; descend past the viewpoint bench and rejoin the outward path. Keswick Tourism Association publishes 3 miles (about 4.8 km) and 2–2.5 hours for this itinerary. Includes a sustained steep climb and potentially muddy descent.
Latrigg viewpoint from Gale Road (return; limited-mobility path)
Gale Road car park (NY281253) to the viewpoint bench (NY276246) and back, about 1 km each way. Follow the signed limited-mobility path and retrace it. The National Park grades it “For some”: a firm stone surface includes 150 m at 1:7. Not recommended for self-propelled wheelchairs. The steep, uneven continuation to the summit is outside this route.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
369m
1,211 ft
Prominence
72m
Coordinates
54.6125, -3.1179
NY279247
OS Map
89 90
Explorer: OL4S
At the Summit
The Database of British and Irish Hills records an inscribed stone at the 369 m summit. The popular viewpoint bench lies southwest of the true summit and is the destination of the limited-mobility path.
Terrain & Geology
Latrigg is underlain mainly by the Kirk Stile Formation of the Skiddaw Group. These Ordovician sedimentary rocks are chiefly mudstone and siltstone, with some sandstone. British Geological Survey records a Kirk Stile locality on Latrigg at NY2812 2432.
Views & Scenery
The viewpoint overlooks Keswick, Derwentwater and Borrowdale. Skiddaw and the surrounding Northern Fells rise behind the hill; clearer weather opens views towards the higher fells at the head of Borrowdale.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name’s full origin is uncertain. Place-name scholarship has considered an early element meaning “hill-slope” and Old Norse látr, meaning “lair”. A single certain translation is not established.
Historical Significance
Latrigg was the scene of a mass access protest in 1887 after attempts to close routes onto the fell. The campaign is part of the Lake District’s history of defending public footpaths and access to the countryside.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Small car park at the head of Gale Road, above Applethwaite (NY281253; CA12 4PH). Reach it from the A591 via Applethwaite or Ormathwaite. It is the start of the National Park’s limited-mobility viewpoint route. Check signs and availability on arrival; walking from Keswick avoids relying on a space here.
Public Transport
Use Keswick as the bus base, then walk to Moot Hall for the town-start route. X4/X5 connect with Penrith railway station; the 555 serves Ambleside and Windermere, and 553/554 services link Carlisle. Routes and seasonal timetables vary, so check current Stagecoach information before travel.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities on the National Park’s viewpoint walk. Toilets, cafés and shops are available in Keswick; bring what you need for the hill.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Steep climbs and potentially muddy or slippery descent paths.
- Open slopes and the viewpoint can be windy; mist may obscure paths and views.
- The limited-mobility path includes a 1:7 gradient for 150 m and is not recommended for self-propelled wheelchairs. Suitable class 2 or 3 mobility scooters only.
- The path beyond the viewpoint to the summit is steep and uneven.
- Ice or snow can make paths slippery; check the weather and allow enough daylight.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Latrigg?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Latrigg through the maps
Are there other walkers around Latrigg?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Latrigg search or of course create your own walk for Latrigg
Can I organise a walk to Latrigg?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Latrigg.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Latrigg?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Latrigg here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
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Community Discussion
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Location
Grid reference: NY279247
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