Keswick - Lakeside & Friar's Crag

Essential Intel

This is a linear quest, so it finishes at Friar's Crag rather than looping back to Moot Hall in Keswick. To return to Moot Hall, you can retrace your steps along the lake shore, follow the Strandshag Bay route back to the B5289 and then use the footpath or pavement back into Keswick, or continue to Calfclose Bay and return by bus or by the B5289. The Strandshag Bay route can be muddy in parts.

Navigating The Route

This is a linear Treasure Hunt from Keswick town centre to Friar's Crag, with Treasure Hunters helping Ewe Herda, a shepherd boy said to have lost a rare neolithic gold amulet while bringing it down from the hills around Keswick, by following his clues to find the missing gold.

The quest covers approximately 1 mile and should take around 1.5+ hours to complete. You'll begin in Market Square outside the main entrance to Moot Hall, follow lanes, pavements and a pedestrianised section of Lake Road, pass through an underpass, investigate Hope Park, then continue along lakeside paths and the promenade beside Derwent Water before finishing at Friar's Crag.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route is along lanes, pavements and clearly defined paths and is described as fully accessible, although the return option via Strandshag Bay can be muddy in parts.

The start area can be busy if the market is on. Take care on the road section on Lake Road, through the underpass, beside the lake, and on the B5289 if you use that return option.

Getting There

By car: Begin your hunt at Market Square, outside the main entrance to Moot Hall, Keswick (CA12 5JR), using ///vouch.wand.onions. The recommended car park is Central off Heads Road (CA12 5DP), the nearest long stay car park to the start. Alternatively, use Lakeside Car Park (CA12 5DJ), a much larger car park down near Derwent Water on Lake Road.

By public transport: Make your way to Keswick town centre, then head for Market Square and the main entrance to Moot Hall to begin the treasure hunt.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort stops are available at Cafe Hope in Hope Park, after Clue 07, where a small donation is requested if you are not buying, and at Lakeside Car Park, after Clue 08.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If four-legged Explorers are joining the search, keep them close around the busier start area, the Lake Road section, the underpass, lakeside paths and any stretches near traffic. 🐾

Expect clearly defined paths, pavements and promenade walking on the main route, with the chance of muddy paws if you choose the Strandshag Bay return option.

Food & Drink Stops

Stock up on provisions in Market Square before setting off after Ewe Herda's missing gold. There are also a few cafes en route, including Cafe Hope in Hope Park.

For a celebratory picnic, Friar's Crag is the suggested spot once the treasure trail has led you to the lakeside finish.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Hope Park

Hope Park makes a lovely family pause along the quest, with ornamental gardens and a miniature golf course. The land was originally used to graze the coach horses that had brought visitors down from the train station to stay in the town. Sir Percy first opened the miniature golf course in 1927, and the ornamental gardens were once the private gardens of Lady Hope.

Derwent Water

Derwent Water, known here as 'The Queen of the Lakes', is a star part of the adventure. It is the widest lake in The Lakes at 1.25 miles and 3 miles long. The National Trust acquired their first property in The Lakes in this area in 1902 and now own most of the area around the lake.

Friar's Crag

The hunt finishes at Friar's Crag, a viewpoint described by John Ruskin as one of the three most beautiful views in Europe. St Herbert's Island lies ahead, named after the saint who brought Christianity to the area in 685 AD. It was once a place of pilgrimage with monks embarking from this crag, which is said to be how the name came about.

Derwent Island

Look out across the water for Derwent Island as you enjoy the lakeside setting. It was owned by Fountains Abbey until the Crown took it over and sold it on to the Company of Mines in 1569. German miners then came looking for gold and made it their home by keeping animals, growing vegetables and even brewing beer.

Strandshag Bay and Calfclose Bay

If your Explorers still have energy after Friar's Crag, you can make the return journey part of the adventure. One option is to follow the signposts to Strandshag Bay, though the path can be muddy in parts. Another is to continue to Calfclose Bay, about a mile away from Friar's Crag and described as well worth a visit.