Braithwaite Tourist Information

A walker’s paradise, Braithwaite has a selection of fine inns and a pretty beck runs directly through the village. A wide choice of footpaths and gentle walks like the Spout Force Walk surround the village, as well as challenging hikes around Grisedale and Causey Pike. The Newlands Valley with popular walks like Catbells sits right on your doorstep and Braithwaite affords easy access to both Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake. The village is within walking distance of Keswick’s many attractions, bustling markets, shops and arts venues.

Outdoor Activities around Braithwaite

Braithwaite is located at the foot of Whinlatter Pass, which pushes through Thornthwaite and ends up at the villages of High Lorton and Low Lorton. Places of interest around the village include Force Crag Mine, the last working metal mine in the Lakes; also take a walk around the beautiful Grisedale mountains which form the backdrop of the village. Nearby Thornthwaite nestles by Thornthwaite Forest, one of the Lakes’ most treasured treescapes, with rare red squirrels, deer and stunning bird life. Thornthwaite Forest has a visitors centre where you can take a break and grab a cuppa before heading off into the ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’.

Walk down Whinlatter Pass from Braithwaite and you’ll arrive at High Lorton with attractions including The Yew Tree Hall by the ancient Yew tree, which is said to be over a thousand years old. Low Lorton nestles alongside the peaceful River Cocker and is home to Lorton Hall, a 15th century tower, plus great real ale inns where you can rest for a pint of local real ale. Crummock Water and Buttermere offering further fantastic walking territory are within easy reach of Braithwaite.

Things to Do in Whinlatter Forest Park

A fantastic choice of mountain bike trails and family outdoor activity centres sit within Whinlatter Forest Park just to the west of Braithwaite village. This magnificent mountain forest is renowned as a top UK location for mountain biking featuring the Altura Trail which pushes up to 500m and offers a real challenge to mountain bike fans as well as spectacular views from the Whinlatter tops. Award winning outdoor activity centre Go Ape in Whinlatter Forest includes high wire and zip slides and guarantees a fun family day out.

Walking around Braithwaite

Popular Northern Fells walking hotspots within a 12 mile radius of Thornthwaite and Braithwaite include the Skiddaw range, Helvellyn Range and the Langdale Pikes. Arts and crafts shopping west of Keswick can also be found in attractions like the Thornthwaite Galleries. For visitors looking for a gentler way of exploring the area west of Keswick, there are some spectacular scenic drives around Whinlatter Pass, Newlands Pass and Honister Pass.

Braithwaite makes a great gateway base into the Newlands Valley and arguably one of the most famous walks in the Lake District, Catbells which begins at Hawes End. Popular with experienced fell walkers and new visitors alike, Catbells was a favourite walk with Alfred Wainwright and offers stunning views of West Keswick, Derwent Water, Borrowdale, the Newlands Valley and Skiddaw.