Outdoor shops in Keswick?

Plus any good walks?

9 messages
11/08/2010 at 16:47
I'm going to spend a few days in Keswick next week, will obviously want to look at shiny kit because you can never really have too much!

What and where are the best places close to Keswick? I'm particularly interested in places that stock lightweight and ultralight kit, not so interested in run of the mill outdoors retailers, unless there are any particularly good places

Also, are there any particularly good walks (peaks or low level) in the nearby vicinity? Will be with the wife and my dog so nothing uber challenging!
11/08/2010 at 18:18

Well in Keswick itself or, if you get sick of that, Ambleside are the two huge places for kit.

In either place you can basically walk into any shop you want and, if it isn't a kit shop yet, then it probably will be if you wait around! Its silly. Could be running a risk of driving wife and/or dog rather mad mind

Some really good independents in both places but I wouldn't be too fixated on specific shops  as even the Cotswolds in Keswick seems to have some freedom to get in the odd intriguing thing. Nowhere specifically relaly lightweight stuff I think (yet anyway!). 

Not at all short of options for walks. Masses. 

SD
11/08/2010 at 22:08
Winwoods in Keswick is worth a look.
11/08/2010 at 22:09

Needlesports!  they stock a huge range of harder to find makes, even though they're tiny.  the staff are fantastic - mostly climbers forced to work for a living as far as i can tell.  they usually carry the latest gear as well as the old favourites.

just at the bottom of the main pedestrian street, past the strawberry cafe.  not so much footwear on offer, but then you won't be able to afford shoes once you've bought all the clothes and gizmos...

as for walks... erm... there's just about everything...  by vicinity do you mean not having to drive from the town?

11/08/2010 at 22:26

Winwood isn't there any more - they operate out of a shed in Wigton (iirc) now.

Needlesports is always first on my list for Keswick, a great shop. Followed probably by George Fisher's at the other end of town. In between you can find Ultimate Outdoors, Cotswold, two Rathbone's (good for Paramo), Rohan, and several others including Blacks/Millets that I generally find less interesting. There are 3 bike shops too if that interests you at all.

Winwood was the one that dealt in some specialist lightweight kit from the US, but these days you'll probably find some nof to lightweight in one or two of the others.

Walks - loads and loads. Good options around Derwentwater, possibly using the boat service to make it linear. Also along the Derwent down Borrowdale, or walk up the NT cafe at Watendlath. Other options for hills of various sizes include Latrigg, Catbells, Walla Crag, or even Skiddaw but the 'tourist' route up from Keswick is a bit of a drag imo.

11/08/2010 at 22:31
There was a New Balance factory outlet there as well, just round the corner from Needlesports. Very good if you want athletics type footwear.
12/08/2010 at 00:24
Thanks folks, sounds like there are plenty of opportunities to look at kit!

Not sure what walks I'll do, I know there are loads of options, that's sort of why I asked if there are any particularly good well trodden ones. Once I pick up a map it'll be grand I'm sure
12/08/2010 at 08:34

There are lots of well trodden routes around the Keswick area, too numerous to list in fact.   It's also very difficult to suggest walks because there are that many, ranging from low level half hour strolls to a mega full day out on the high fells.

Popular fells surrounding the Keswick area are Catbells (best to get the launch across to Hawes End because parking is severely restricted around the base of Catbells); Skiddaw, Blencathra, Causey Pike, Barrow, Grisdale Pike, Great Dodd and the rest of them along the ridge.   The list is endless.

For ideas of routes, mileages, how long they will take, and photos, have a look at the following sites:

Andrew Leaney Lakeland Walks

David Hall Lakeland Walks

John Dawson Lake District Walks

Another idea would be to join in on one of the free Ranger led walks that the Lake District Voluntary Rangers put on.   There's lots to choose from and because the Voluntary Rangers know so much about their areas, you'll also learn lots.   You can search for a guided walk using the following link, or pick up one of the Lake District Nat Park Event Guides in the Moot Hall at Keswick.  

Lake District Guided Walks

If you do choose to go on one of the guided walks, make sure you turn up early, wearing the correct clothing and footwear, and add your name to the list which the Voluntary Ranger will have with them, as they are very popular and operate on a first come first served basis.  

Edited: 12/08/2010 at 08:36
12/08/2010 at 11:01
Lorraine, thanks a lot, that's very helpful!
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