Under Starry Skies - Friar's Crag

This is such a short walk, but it serves a purpose. With International Astronomy Day falling on 12th October, this short stroll will take you to a local viewpoint very close to Keswick where you can leave the light pollution behind and watch the stars from this perfect spot.

Technical sheet

n°64488839

Creation:
11 Oct 2024

Last update:
15 Oct 2024

Last review:
–

Activity: Walking
Distance: 1.78 km
Average duration: 0h 30
Difficulty: Easy
Return to departure point: Yes
Vertical gain: + 5 m
Vertical drop: - 5 m
Highest point: 88 m
Lowest point: 79 m

Country: United Kingdom
Area: Lake District
District: Keswick
Start/End: N 54.596459° / W 3.13825°
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Description of the walk

Start: Lakeside Car Park, Lake Road Keswick (CA12 5DJ) Grid ref. NY 265 229

(S/E) Leave the car park and walk towards Derwent Water along Lake Road, past the Theatre by the Lake towards the shore and jetties. Linger here to see the abundance of winged wildlife before continuing along the shore path.

(1) Turn off the promenade and follow the path that leads uphill towards Friar's Crag. The ascent is easy, and the views improve with each step. Friar's Crag is easily accessible and is the perfect waypoint to set up to see the stars.

(2) At the top of Friar's Crag, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Derwentwater, the surrounding fells, and the distant mountains. Once you have delighted in nature's starry spectacle, descend from Friar's Crag and follow the same path to return to the start point (S/E)

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 83 m - Lakeside Car Park, Keswick - Theatre by the Lake
1 : km 0.53 - alt. 83 m - Boat House/End of the Lane
2 : km 0.82 - alt. 79 m - Friar's Crag
S/E : km 1.78 - alt. 83 m - Lakeside Car Park, Keswick - Theatre by the Lake

Practical information

Start & Parking: Lakeside Car Park, Lake Road Keswick (CA12 5DJ) Grid ref. NY 265 229

In the nearby area

If you would like to see the stars, Friar's Crag near Keswick is the perfect spot. This is one of the most scenic locations in the lake District to see the stars and is suitable for young families or amateur astronomers. There's even a bench, so make yourself comfortable, maybe with a picnic, a thermos of hot tea or coffee and a warm blanket, and spend the evening watching the stars!

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The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. They were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting and finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way there are 10 Wainwrights, 1 lake, 3 tarns and a ferry.

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