Keswick has earned its reputation as Britain's most dog-friendly town, winning the Kennel Club's award three years running. Nestled between the bulk of Skiddaw and the beauty of Derwentwater, this northern Lake District market town provides exceptional walking, welcoming pubs, and a genuine culture of canine appreciation.
What sets Keswick apart is variety. You can stroll the lakeside, climb challenging fells, explore ancient forests, or simply browse dog-friendly shops before settling into a pub for post-walk refreshment. The compact town centre puts everything within easy reach, whilst surrounding landscapes deliver some of England's finest walking.
Walks Around Derwentwater
Derwentwater Circuit
Distance: 10 miles | Time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
The classic Keswick walk circumnavigates the lake on waymarked paths through varied scenery.
The Route: Starting from the boat landings in Keswick, the path winds through woodland, along the shoreline, past bays and headlands, through fields, and alongside the famous Borrowdale valley entrance.
Highlights: Friar's Crag viewpoint (John Ruskin called it one of the finest views in Europe), the National Trust Centenary Stone, atmospheric woodland sections, and continuous mountain views.
Dog Considerations: Keep leads handy for sections with livestock. Numerous swimming opportunities along the shoreline.
Shortcut Option: Use the Keswick Launch boat service to shorten the walk. Dogs travel free. Hop off at various jetties around the lake.
Warning: Blue-green algae occasionally affects Derwentwater in summer. Avoid letting dogs swim if warning signs are present.
Friar's Crag (Miles Without Stiles)
Distance: 1.5 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
An accessible walk to one of the Lake District's most celebrated viewpoints.
Dog Considerations: Level, well-maintained paths suit all dogs. Perfect for older or less mobile dogs who still enjoy lakeside scenery.
Walla Crag
Distance: 6 miles | Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
A rewarding circular from Keswick town centre to a summit high above Derwentwater.
The Route: Start from Market Square, climb through woodland to the 379-metre summit, return via the famous Ashness Bridge.
Highlights: Summit views over Keswick, Derwentwater, and Bassenthwaite Lake. Ashness Bridge, possibly the Lake District's most photographed location.
Dog Considerations: Some steep sections. Most fit dogs manage well. Keep on leads near cliff edges at the summit.
Latrigg
Distance: 4 miles | Time: 2-2.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
The "little fell" rising directly above Keswick provides accessible summit walking.
Dog Considerations: Well-maintained paths suit most dogs. Excellent views reward modest effort. Popular with local dog walkers.
Fell Walks
Catbells
Distance: 4 miles | Time: 2.5-3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
One of the Lake District's most popular small mountains, providing spectacular views for reasonable effort.
The Route: Start from Hawse End (accessible by Keswick Launch) or car park near Grange. The path climbs steeply to the 451-metre summit.
Highlights: Summit views over Derwentwater, Borrowdale, and surrounding fells. Wainwright called it "a favourite of all fell walkers."
Dog Considerations: Rocky sections near the summit require sure-footedness. Most fit dogs manage well. Keep on leads on steep sections and near cliff edges.
Refreshments: The Swinside Inn on the western shore of Derwentwater welcomes tired walkers and dogs with water bowls and free biscuits.
Skiddaw
Distance: 8 miles | Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
One of the Lake District's highest peaks (931m), accessed via well-maintained paths.
Dog Considerations: Long ascent requires very fit dogs. Exposed summit. Weather can deteriorate rapidly. Only for experienced mountain dogs.
Blencathra
Distance: Variable | Time: 4-6 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
Dramatic mountain with various routes including the famous (and dangerous) Sharp Edge.
Dog Considerations: The standard route via Blease Fell suits fit dogs. Avoid Sharp Edge with dogs. The White Horse Inn at Scales provides perfect post-walk refreshment.
Dodd Fell
Distance: 3 miles | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Skiddaw foothill accessed through Dodd Wood, offering 360-degree summit views.
The Route: Waymarked paths through forest lead to the open summit with views to Keswick, both lakes, and across to Scotland on clear days.
Refreshments: The Old Sawmill Tearoom at the start/finish welcomes dogs.
Whinlatter Forest
England's only true mountain forest lies just 10 minutes' drive from Keswick, providing extensive off-lead territory.
Trails: Multiple waymarked routes through conifer and broadleaf woodland, from short family walks to longer hiking options.
Facilities: Visitor centre, dog-friendly cafe (Cafe West), Go Ape high ropes, bike trails.
Dog Considerations: Excellent off-lead walking through the forest. Keep under control near other visitors and any wildlife.
Highlights: Views over Bassenthwaite Lake, red squirrel spotting, osprey viewing (spring-summer).
Keswick Launch
The boat service circling Derwentwater enhances walking possibilities whilst providing rest for tired legs and paws.
Dog Policy: Dogs travel free. Welcome on all boats.
Useful Jetties:
- Ashness Gate (for Walla Crag and Ashness Bridge)
- Lodore (for Lodore Falls and Borrowdale walks)
- High Brandelhow (for west shore walks)
- Hawse End (for Catbells)
- Nichol End (for canoe hire and west shore)
Practical: Boats run every 30 minutes in summer, less frequently in winter. Clockwise and anticlockwise services alternate.
Dog-Friendly Attractions
Derwentwater Shores
The lake itself provides the main attraction. Various access points allow dogs to paddle and swim (check for blue-green algae warnings in summer). Calf Close Bay on the east shore has a decent pebble beach.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
One of Britain's most atmospheric stone circles stands on a hillside above Keswick with panoramic fell views. Dogs on leads welcome. Free access. Perfect for sunrise or sunset visits.
Derwent Pencil Museum
Learn about graphite mining and the pencil's undercover role in WWII at this quirky museum. Dogs on leads welcome throughout. Cafe has dog-friendly outdoor seating.
Puzzling Place
Optical illusion experience in Keswick town centre. Dogs welcome to explore the mind-bending exhibits.
Hope Park
Mini golf, croquet, and putting with cafe. Dogs welcome throughout. Pleasant town-edge green space.
Canoe Hire
Hire canoes or kayaks from Nichol End Marina on Derwentwater's western shore. Well-behaved dogs welcome in boats that won't be rocked too enthusiastically.
Podgy Paws
Essential stop for dog owners. This specialist shop stocks everything from everyday essentials to unusual items including goggles, hearing protectors, and carriers.
Dog-Friendly Pubs
Keswick possibly has more dog-friendly pubs per square metre than anywhere in Britain.
Town Centre
The Dog and Gun: Famous for goulash and dog welcome. Central location. Dogs typically sprawl by the bar.
The Kings Arms Hotel: Lounge and bar welcome dogs throughout the day. Dog-friendly accommodation available.
The Bank Tavern: Traditional pub with hearty British comfort food and local ales. Dogs welcome.
The Square Orange: Cafe/bar with continental flavour, stonebaked pizzas, and tapas. Dogs welcome throughout.
The Wainwright: Named after the famous fellwalker. Real ales and warming atmosphere. Dogs welcome.
Lakes Bar & Bistro: Modern venue welcoming dogs.
Surrounding Area
The Swinside Inn: Western Derwentwater shore. Possibly the best beer garden view in the Lake District (Catbells). Water bowls, free biscuits, pub dog Milo.
The White Horse Inn (Scales): Below Blencathra. Perfect post-fell refreshment. Coast to Coast route. Dogs welcome.
Twa Dogs Inn (Penrith Road): Name says it all. Between Latrigg and Skiddaw. Great garden with fell views. Coast to Coast route. Dogs very welcome.
The Old Sawmill Tearoom (Dodd Wood): Excellent for tea and cake after Dodd Fell. Dogs welcome.
Dog-Friendly Cafes
Cafe West (Station Road): Actively encourages dogs. Great for refreshment breaks.
Bryson's Tea Room: Traditional Keswick institution. Dogs welcome in certain areas.
Java Cafe: Central location. Dogs welcome.
Shopping with Dogs
Keswick's town centre welcomes dogs in numerous shops:
Podgy Paws: Essential for dog owners.
Outdoor Shops: George Fisher, Cotswold, and various outdoor retailers generally welcome dogs.
Local Shops: Many independent shops welcome dogs. Look for water bowls outside as an indicator.
Accommodation
Keswick offers extensive dog-friendly accommodation from hotels to cottages.
Location Choices
Town Centre: Maximum convenience for pubs, shops, and restaurants. Limited parking.
Lakeside: Direct Derwentwater access. Premium locations.
Borrowdale: South of Keswick. Quiet valley setting with excellent walking access.
Bassenthwaite: North of Keswick. Quieter lake with good walking.
What to Look For
Drying facilities for wet weather and lake-swimming dogs.
Enclosed gardens help in this sheep-farming region.
Ground floor access for dogs who struggle with stairs.
For more Lake District options, see our guide to dog-friendly Lake District accommodation.
Practical Information
Getting There
Keswick lies on the A66 between the M6 (Junction 40) and the west Cumbria coast. Approximately 30 minutes from Penrith, 1 hour from Carlisle.
Parking: Pay and display car parks throughout town. Lakeside car park closest to Derwentwater. Fills quickly on summer weekends.
Best Times to Visit
Spring: Daffodils, lambs, longer days. Easter can be busy.
Summer: Long evenings, swimming weather. Busiest period.
Autumn: Golden colours, atmospheric mists, fewer crowds.
Winter: Quiet fells, cosy pubs, dramatic weather. Some facilities closed.
Blue-Green Algae
This potentially fatal toxin occasionally affects Lake District waters in warm weather. Warning signs are posted when present. Never let dogs swim in affected water.
Livestock
Sheep graze throughout the Lake District. Keep dogs on leads when livestock are present. Lambing season (spring) requires particular care.
Combining with Wider Lake District
Keswick provides an excellent base for exploring the northern Lake District. Day trips easily reach:
Borrowdale: Dramatic valley stretching south from Derwentwater.
Buttermere: Quieter lake accessible via stunning Honister Pass.
Bassenthwaite: Less crowded northern lake.
Thirlmere: Reservoir with forest walks, accessible via old railway path from Keswick.
Consider combining Keswick exploration with Windermere or Ambleside for complete Lake District experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keswick really the most dog-friendly town in Britain?
+Can dogs go on Keswick Launch boats?
+What's the best walk from Keswick with a dog?
+Can dogs swim in Derwentwater?
+Are there dog-friendly pubs in Keswick?
+Is Catbells suitable for dogs?
+Where can I buy dog supplies in Keswick?
+Can dogs visit Castlerigg Stone Circle?
+Discover Britain's Most Dog-Friendly Town
Keswick delivers everything dog owners seek in a Lake District holiday. Spectacular walking, welcoming pubs, water-loving opportunities, and a genuine culture of canine appreciation create memorable experiences for four-legged visitors and their owners alike.
Ready to explore? Book your dog-friendly Keswick accommodation and discover why this northern Lake District gem wins awards for its canine welcome.
Luke explores Keswick with Charlie the German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers Buster and Ember, Labradors Simba and Max, and French Bulldog Molly. The pack particularly enjoys the Derwentwater circuit and well-earned goulash at The Dog and Gun.
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