Castlerigg Stone Circle, Tewet Tarn, and Low Rigg

Tewet Tarn

Tewet Tarn

Forget Stonehenge. The best stone circle is here in the Lake District. Castlerigg Stone Circle is set within an amphitheatre of fells that provide an atmospheric setting to this ancient monument, thought to be one of the oldest stone circles in the country. Unlike Stonehenge, at Castlerigg you can walk amongst the stones at any time of day or night, all year round. Unfortunately, it’s not on any major walking routes, and as a result, many visitors simply drive to the circle, have a look around, and then return to their cars. As a result, they often miss the delightful landscapes that can be explored in the surrounding area.

This walk begins at the stone circle, followed by a brief section along the narrow lanes leading to the circle, before a walk up to a delightful secluded tarn. From the tarn the walk takes you onto the summit of Low Rigg, a small fell that punches well above its height in terms of the views it offers. The walk can be very boggy after prolonged periods of rain, so is best tackled in the summer. A circular route is available if preferred, and the route is not suitable for pushchairs. Dog owners may be concerned about the presence of livestock.

Quick Facts

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 2-3 hours

Terrain: Road, farm tracks with boggy sections when wet

Suitable For: Children 5+, Babies and Toddlers in Carriers

Parking: Limited free parking is available on the lane adjacent to Castlerigg Stone Circle; Use CA12 4RN for satnavs; During peak periods, you will need to arrive early; Alternatively, it is a 30-minute walk from Keswick, and the Stagecoach 73A bus from Keswick stops nearby

Facilities: The Hungry Heifer Café is located at the Keswick Climbing Wall, which is located a few metres along the road from the stone circle

The Start of the Walk – Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Start the walk with a visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle. There is a limited amount of parking on the lane by the circle, so do try to get their early. Early visitors will be rewarded with the low-level sun and rising mists creating a mystical atmosphere that enhances the ancient monument’s mystery. Access to the circle field is via two gates adjacent to the parking area that are clearly signposted. Take some time to explore the circle, taking in the views of Skiddaw, Blencathra, and the Helvellyn range. Then head back out of the gate onto the lane.

Following the Road

Blencathra as Seen from the Road

Blencathra as Seen from the Road

From the circle field, turn right out of the gate and walk along the lane, going past the entrance to the Keswick Climbing Wall where there is a café. Shortly beyond the climbing wall, you will pass a gate on the right and a sign denoting a public footpath across a field. You can take this path to cut the corner off the road, and it will take you through two fields. However, these often have cattle in them, so for this guide we have used the road route which uses quiet lanes. At the end of the road, turn right, and then shortly after, turn right again at the next junction.

Leaving the Road

The Gate for the Path to Tewet Tarn

The Gate for the Path to Tewet Tarn

Continue to follow the road, until you reach a turning on the right, signposted for St Johns in the Vale church. Take this turning, and you will now be on a much narrower lane that gently leads up. Keep an eye out for a gate with a signpost for a public footpath on the right hand side. The path is signposted for Tewet Tarn. Go through the gate and you will now be in a narrow field that may be occupied by sheep. There is now a gentle climb up through the field to its opposite end.

The Hole in the Wall & Quarry

The Hole in the Wall

The Hole in the Wall

At the opposite end of the field there is a hole in the wall that you can walk through. The path continues through another field, largely following the wall to your right. You will pass the remains of a small old quarry on your left, which is fairly safe for children to explore. Continue past the quarry, and the path is less clear here, but if you keep close to the wall on your right you will eventually see a signpost for the footpath, and the tarn becomes visible in the distance.

Tewet Tarn

Tewet Tarn

Tewet Tarn

Head towards the tarn. When this guide was created, there was a gentle breeze creating a current on the water. However, on a calm day, the water here becomes like a mirror that provides a perfect reflection of Skiddaw and Blencathra that tower above it. The tarn also has panoramic views of the surrounding fells, including the Helvellyn range. However, it is not as well known as other larger tarns, and as a result, you will find it incredibly peaceful here.

Leaving the Tarn

The Gate in the Wall

The Gate in the Wall

As you stand facing the tarn from the direction you arrived at, look to your left (towards the Helvellyn range), and you will see in the near distance a wall with a gate. Head towards the wall and go through the gate, then turn to your right. The path will bring you back along the side of the tarn, and it is from here that you will find the best photography spots. Continue straight ahead past the tarn.

Heading Toward Low Rigg

A Gate with Low Rigg in the Distance to the Left

A Gate with Low Rigg in the Distance to the Left

After leaving the tarn, you will see a fence in the distance. The ground is boggy here after wet weather and you may find you need to pick your way through the field to get to the gate in the fence. Go through the gate. Low Rigg is ahead, just to your left, and is the nearest summit to you. This is where you need to aim for. Again, the ground is boggy in this field, and the path is not clear, so you will simply need to keep heading towards the right hand side of Low Rigg, trying to avoid the wettest areas.

The Summit of Low Rigg

Blencathra and Tewet Tarn from Low Rigg

Blencathra and Tewet Tarn from Low Rigg

Once you have crossed the field and reached the bottom of Low Rigg, the ground becomes firm again. You will see that a path leads away from Low Rigg along the right hand side of the summit. You can take this path to continue on the circular walk, but it is worth the very small effort to climb up the grassy summit to the top. Here you will be rewarded with panoramic views. Skiddaw, Blencathra, Threlkeld Common, the Helvellyn Range, Whinlatter, Grasmoor are all visible from the summit.

Leaving Low Rigg

The Wall & High Rigg in the Distance from Low Rigg

The Wall & High Rigg in the Distance from Low Rigg

At this point, you can choose to head back the way you came, or continue on the circular route that will take you through farmland. From the summit of Low Rigg, look south (the opposite direction from the tarn) and to your left you will see a stone wall that leads down the hill and beyond. In the distance, High Rigg, with its distinctive lumpy summit is visible. If you follow the wall down the hill side, you will see a gap with some stone steps. Head down the hill towards this gap and go over the wall using the steps. Children may need assistance here.

The Youth Centre

The Wall by the Youth Centre

The Wall by the Youth Centre

Once over the wall, the path is much clearer. You will see buildings in the distance – the church and the youth centre. Head towards these buildings, following the path. You will arrive at a stone wall, and again, there is a gap in the wall and stone steps allowing you to cross. On the other side of the wall, you will see the youth centre and will now be on a road. Turn right, and you will see a gate ahead. Go through the gate, which marks the end of the road.

Entering the Farm Land

The Gate at the End of the First Field

The Gate at the End of the First Field

Once through the gate, the road becomes a track and this winds down the hill. At the end of the track, you will arrive at a narrow farm road. Go across the road and you will see a gate opposite you with a signpost for a public footpath. Once through the gate, you will be in a field. The path is not clear, but if you head in a fairly straight line across the field to the other side, you will come to some large boulders in the ground to climb down with a gate to go through. Once through this gate, the path is clearer, and you will again need to walk straight across this second field to the gate on the other side.

The Bridge & the Signpost

The Signpost in the Field

The Signpost in the Field

Once through the gate, directly ahead of you there is a footbridge over a small stream. Cross the bridge and once more you are in a field. At this point, you need to head directly across the field to a wooden signpost at the other end. However, there may be cattle in the field. Therefore, you may wish to turn left, head to the wall, then turn right to walk along the wall on the edge of the field. There is a gate in the corner at the end of the wall. Stay in the field and turn right, heading along the track that runs along the edge of the field. You will see a signpost ahead that looks quite new with a flat stone bridge. Go across the bridge and continue along the track.

Joining the Road

The Gap in the Wall

The Gap in the Wall

Once across the bridge, you will see a stone wall ahead. There is a gate to go through that will take you into another field. In this field, the path leads up alongside the wall that is to your right and eventually leads you to the other side where there is a stone wall and a gap with steps for you to cross over. Once across, you will be in the final field and it is just a short walk up a gentle hill to the other side of the field where there is a gate that will lead you onto the side of the A591.

Returning to Castlerigg Stone Circle

Herdwicks Seen from Castle Lane

Herdwicks Seen from Castle Lane

You will now be on the side of the A591, and children should be supervised closely. Turn right. If you prefer, you can cross over to walk along the pavement that is on the other side of the road, or you can stay on the same side you arrived at and walk along the grass verge. Follow the road for 25 metres until you see a turning on the right, with a small layby and a bus stop. Turn right here and you will be on Castle Lane, which is a very narrow lane that is rarely used. Walk to the end of the lane (about 2/3 of a mile), and at the end of the lane, you will be back the layby for Castlerigg Stone Circle.