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Castlehead Viewpoint from the Moot Hall, Keswick

Just to the south of Keswick is a small often overlooked bump. It is almost unseen from the Borrowdale Road despite that passing across its foot slopes, and yet this outcrop of rock is an excellent vantage point. It's so good there is a toposcope pointing out and naming the fells in view. The field of view is across Derwent Water to the distinctive stepped ridges of Cat Bells, Grisedale Pike, and the nessie like ridge of Causey Pike with its five summit bumps. Further south down the length of the lake is the dark toothed labyrinth of fells dubbed by early visitors as the Jaws of Borrowdale, and which Wainwright described as the 'loveliest square mile in Lakeland'.

The walk starts at the Moot Hall in the middle of Keswick town centre. It's the distinctive building comprising a clock tower, with only an hour hand, at one end and the Tourist information Centre at the other. Leaving the town centre there's a little road walking to do, and a moderate gradient past The Alhambra Cinema. The shops are soon left behind and after a few houses and occasional views of Skiddaw between them, you leave the road and head for the viewpoint.

Castlehead Viewpoint is wooded and going through the gate at its feet you have a bit of a short sharp climb through trees. Nearing the top there is a little rocky step to clamber up, only then is the view revealed. On top are a couple of benches to sit on and contemplate. A toposcope helps to name the fells.

The return back to Keswick crosses the often busy Borrowdale Road into Cockshot Woods. You can turn right and make a bee-line straight back, but we think an amble to Friar's Crag is in order. Crossing a small field you get to Strandshag Bay where there is a gravel shore line path to Friar's Crag. From there it's an easy stroll to return to Keswick and the Moot Hall.

There are a number of Keswick town centre car parks, all pay and display.