Walla Crag

Start Point: Keswick

Keswick – Springs Road – Springs Wood – Rakefoot – Walla Crag â€“ Lady’s Rake – Cat Gill – Derwent Water – Millennium Stone, Derwent Water – Cockshot Wood – Castlehead – Keswick

Distance:8.5km
Total Ascent: 370m
Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes
Start Time: 09:05
Weather: Sunny. 3ºC
Finlay’s Wainwright Count:26/214 (1 new this walk)

Today was supposed to happen tomorrow as the 27th March is Finlay’s first birthday (further details in the post below) – however the weather was forecast good today and less so tomorrow so I thought it was near enough, especially with such fine weather and magnificent views. This walk is well worth it for a half-day out from Keswick; the scenery is sublime.

Climbing above Springs Wood, the views start to open up looking across Derwent Water to Catbells.
Climbing up the track from Rakefoot looking to a snow capped Skiddaw. It was really quite warm in the sunshine, a beautiful spring morning. The weather forecast was correct today as the best of the weather was expected to be early on.
Climbing a little higher, following the wall and looking back, there is a great view to Blencathra.
Through the gate and into the wooded area there is a fabulous view overlooking Derwent Water from the very edge of Walla Crag.
The full magnificence of Skiddaw with Keswick nestled below.
Looking across to the Coledale fells, Robinson beyond Catbells to the left.
What do you think of that fine view Finlay?!
On the rocky summit plateau of Walla Crag looking to the north-east. Clough Head (left, our previous walk last week) has a sprinkling of snow as do the Dodds and the rest of the Helvellyn range.
The rocky top of Walla Crag.
What a great view along the Derwent valley to Bassenthwaite Lake flanked by Barf and Dodd.
Looking into Borrowdale, there is a good sprinkling of snow on Bowfell, the Scafells and Robinson.
On March 27th 2025 I was descending Walla Crag when I received news that some Bearded Collie puppies had been (and were being!) born – just the news we were waiting for. Fast forward 364 days I thought I would repeat the walk (it would have been 365 but I went for the weather window) up to Walla Crag as a little early birthday celebration for Finlay. He looks every inch the fell walker now – onwards and upwards Finlay, that is Wainwright #26 in the bag!
Happy Birthday for the 27th March, 1 year old!
What a beautiful view from the top of Cat Gill, just before the steeper than steep descent. There were lots of people climbing that way as we descended (and I must say not a great deal of cheery banter from anyone – perhaps they were too puffed!).
By the time we made it down to Derwent Water, the blue sky was gone and the clouds had come over dulling the scenery a little…it is so beautiful here that it didn’t really matter. It was still relatively mild and as ever, the views were lovely. Always time for a dip for Finlay – he loves the water.
The Millennium Stone, Derwent Water looking to Castle Crag and the jaws of Borrowdale.
Get your feets off the couch!
Rather than walk through Keswick, I cut across from the busy landings and through Cockshot Wood , across the road and up to Castlehead. Surely Castlehead must be the best ‘bang for buck’ top anywhere – the views are fabulous and only 10 minutes easy climbing from the centre of Keswick. Have you climbed it? It is often missed by people heading for higher ground…

7 thoughts on “Walla Crag”

  1. Pete Juniper

    Great walk and photos, as ever. I recall going up Castlehead one bright morning before breakfast while staying in a Keswick B&B a few years ago. Excellent views and bacon & egg to follow….recommended!

    Reply
  2. John & Brenda

    First of all – Happy 1st Birthday Finlay, and congratulations on your 26 Wainwrights. Did Dad get you a birthday present in addition to the birthday walk?

    Hi Sean,
    Fabulous set of photos, especially the one of Finlay on the bench with his tongue hanging out, judging by the photos you and Finlay had the best of the day’s weather
    We’ve never been to Castlehead even though we’ve been to Walla Crag several times, and taken walks around Derwentwater, so thanks for the info, we’ll make sure its included on our next visit.
    Best wishes,
    John & Brenda

    Reply
    1. StridingEdge.net

      Hi John & Brenda – plenty of Bonio’s for the 1 year old, that’s for sure! I was glad we got out early to get some lovely Spring weather, it felt good to have the sun on my back again. Castlehead is well worth it – give it a go. Thanks, Sean

      Reply

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