Bassenthwaite Weekend Trip

April 10, 2025 LAKE DISTRICT WALKS

If you’re after a quieter corner of the Lake District for a walking weekend, Bassenthwaite is a brilliant shout. It’s much less busy than spots like Ambleside or Keswick, but you’ve still got loads of great walks nearby, plus the added bonus of actual peace and quiet. We stayed in a self-catering cottage on a working farm just outside the village which was perfect! Here’s an itinerary for a Bassenthwaite weekend trip.

A view of Binsey, a fell in the Lake District, with a ram in the foreground. The ram is lying down. — View of Binsey on a clear day

Why Bassenthwaite?

Bassenthwaite is tucked up in the north-west Lakes, just outside Keswick, and feels way less touristy than some of the central Lake District hubs. There isn’t a village centre as such – there’s the Sun Inn pub and a village green, but that’s about it. It’s only a short drive from the essentials (and by essentials, I mostly mean wine and chips). It’s a brilliant base for getting out onto the fells without the crowds – especially if you fancy trying some of the quieter ones like Binsey, Ling Fell or Dodd. A Bassenthwaite weekend trip is a quiet weekend trip, and sometimes you just need some peace and quiet!

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Bassenthwaite Holiday Cottage

We booked a self-catering cottage at Barkbeth Farm in Bassenthwaite, and it was perfect – peaceful, comfy and full of character. As it was a working farm, and lambing season, the sheds were full of ewes and lambs. It also had a kitchen we could actually cook in without bumping elbows. It was lovely coming back to our own space after a long walk and having the option to either cook or nip out to the pub a short drive away. When I say cook, I mean warm up some pizzas.

There was a shared room for us all, a modern bathroom and a really cosy living area with books, DVDs and games for when the weather turned.

For a more budget-friendly option, you might like Kestrel Lodge Campsite at the foot of Skiddaw. We stayed here for a week in May and had an amazing time.

Our Weekend Walking Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival + Binsey

On our way to the cottage we went for a quick afternoon walk up Binsey. It’s a small fell, but the views are surprisingly brilliant – you can see across the Solway Firth on a clear day (which we didn’t get!) and it’s a great little out-and-back if you want to stretch your legs without doing anything too strenuous. It only takes about an hour or so and we had the whole hill to ourselves. Presumably because of the weather.

Walks in the Lake District: Binsey | 1.5 Miles

Day 2: Big Walk Day – Graystones, Ling Fell and Whinlatter

This was our full-on walking day, and we went for a slightly off-the-beaten-path loop that took in the Wythop and Lorton Fells including Graystones, Ling Fell and Whinlatter. It had a bit of everything – open ridges, forest paths, and a few steep bits to get the heart rate up. The best part? Hardly any other walkers. We stopped for a picnic on the fellside with views for days, and only had to share it with a few sheep.

The Wythop and Lorton Fells | 12 Miles

Day 3: Dodd

On our last day, we squeezed in a few shorter adventures before heading home. We started with a walk up Dodd – a relatively easy climb but one that gives you amazing views over Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater from the top. There’s a well-maintained path and a proper viewpoint, so it’s ideal if your legs are still feeling the previous day’s miles. The Old Sawmill Tearoom is a great spot for a post-walk cuppa.

Dodd Fell Summit Trail | 4 Miles

Then, just before we left, we went for a quick dip in Bassenthwaite Lake. It’s one of the lakes in the district you’re allowed to swim in (there are a couple that you can’t), and although it was definitely refreshing (code for cold), it felt like the perfect end to the weekend.

Handy Tips for Bassenthwaite

Fewer people = fewer facilities, so stock up on supplies before you arrive. There is a Lidl in Keswick for all your essentials, and The Sun Inn in Bassenthwaite is a great shout for an evening meal.
Binsey and Dodd are great shorter walks if you’re after something less full-on.
Wild swimming is allowed in Bassenthwaite Lake – just keep an eye out for wildlife, boats, and signs.
If you’re heading to Whinlatter for a longer walk, there’s a pay-and-display car park, café and toilets.

Bassenthwaite was such a good choice for a relaxed but active weekend. We got to hike some gorgeous (and quiet!) fells and stay somewhere peaceful. It felt slower-paced than some of our other Lake District trips, but in the best way possible.