Latrigg: Height, Walks and Views above Keswick

Latrigg gives you a proper fell-top outlook without the height of its Skiddaw neighbours. Rising to 369 metres above Keswick, it is known for its grassy slopes and wide views across Derwentwater towards Borrowdale. For many walkers it is a first Wainwright; for others, a familiar place to return when time is short or the higher summits are in cloud. Its modest height is part of its appeal.

A low fell with a wide outlook

Latrigg stands immediately north-east of Keswick, below the much higher ground of Skiddaw. Its rounded, grassy upper slopes contrast with the steeper, more imposing outlines behind it, while woodland covers parts of its lower flanks. At 369 metres (1,211 feet), it is a small fell by Lakeland standards, but its position above the town gives it an outlook that height alone would not suggest.

The best-known view looks across Keswick to Derwentwater, with Borrowdale beyond and the fells around Newlands rising to the west of the lake. Cat Bells is a recognisable part of that scene. Buildings, fields, wooded shores and open fell all sit within the same prospect, making Latrigg a particularly good place to understand how Keswick fits into its surrounding landscape.

Latrigg in the Northern Fells

Latrigg appears in The Northern Fells, Book Five of Alfred Wainwright's Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. It ranks 206th by height among the 214 Wainwrights, placing it firmly among the collection's lowest summits. Its summit grid reference is NY279247. These modest statistics tell only part of the story: this is one of the most approachable introductions to the Northern Fells.

Its neighbouring Wainwrights include Lonscale Fell, Skiddaw Little Man, Carl Side and Skiddaw. Together, they place Latrigg at the lower edge of a much larger upland landscape. The contrast is useful for walkers getting to know the district: Latrigg offers an accessible taste of open fell country, while the higher summits nearby involve substantially more ascent and greater exposure to mountain weather.

A familiar walk above Keswick

Latrigg's reputation rests on its proximity to Keswick and the quality of its views rather than on difficult terrain or a dramatic summit. It is commonly walked from the town, while the high-level car park at its northern side allows a shorter outing. A limited-mobility path from that side is another important part of its appeal, though surface conditions, gradients and individual access requirements still matter.

The familiar viewpoint bench is a natural place to pause above Keswick. There is no need to treat Latrigg simply as a summit to collect before moving on to something higher. Its enduring attraction is the chance to spend time looking across a well-loved stretch of Lakeland, with the town close below and the higher fells setting the horizon.

Where Latrigg stands

Summit at grid reference NY279247 · open full map

The real Latrigg

Walking Latrigg

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• Latrigg (lakedistrict.gov.uk)
• Latrigg from Keswick Walking Route (keswick.org)
• Latrigg walk near Keswick - an easy & quick route with ... (hikingphotographer.uk)

Weather on Latrigg

Conditions estimated at summit height (369 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Latrigg on your wall

A painting of Latrigg can recall a first Wainwright, a regular walk from Keswick or an afternoon spent watching light move across Derwentwater. On the wall, that familiar rounded fell brings a connection to the Lakes that needs little explanation.

Own “Luminous Latrigg Above White Buildings” — our painting of Latrigg → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Northern Fells

• Lonscale Fell 715 m
• Skiddaw Little Man 865 m
• Carl Side 747 m
• Skiddaw 930 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.