Castlerigg Stone Circle Walk: Routes, Tips & Guide! 2023

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Looking for information about the Castlerigg Stone Circle walk? You’re in the right place! Visiting this gem in the Lake District is one of the best things to do for all visitors due to its accessibility and interesting history.

Situated just a short distance from the town of Keswick, the Castlerigg Stone Circle can either be visited from the nearby car park; or part of a hike from Keswick and around Low Rigg.

Deciding on the route will depend on the time you have, the amount of walking you want to do and what you’re interested in seeing.

In the following post, I explain everything you need to know about the Castlerigg Stone Circle walk, including where to start, what to do, what you’ll see and what you need to pack. So, let’s get started!

Still have a question about the Castlerigg Stone Circle walk? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

Other Lake District posts:

• Lake District in December: Everything You Need To Know!
• 13 Tips for Walking in the Lake District (Guide)
• Lake District Solo Travel: Ultimate Guide
• Getting Around the Lake District Without a Car FULL GUIDE

What is the Castlerigg Stone Circle?

Similar but older than Stonehenge, the Castlerigg Stone Circle is a mystical circle of stones set against a stunning backdrop in the Lake District.

Constructed over 5000 years ago, the Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the oldest stone circles in Britain and one of the best preserved. With 38 unique, curved stones in a perfectly round circle, the site has been attracting tourists since the 1700s and is a fun, free and easy trip out in the Lake District.

Of all of the stone circles in Britain (and there are over 300 of them), Castlerigg may be the most dramatic. With the backdrop of High Seat and Helvellyn, the views alone are enough to warrant a visit.

Plus, the Castlerigg Stone Circle walk is accessible to most; making it a great day out for all of the family.

Castlerigg Stone Circle: 4 Popular Walking Routes

As previously mentioned, the Castlerigg Stone Circle is located close to the town of Keswick. There are many walks you can take to reach the stone circle, but this post focuses on four of the most popular trails.

Each section explains where to start the walk to the Castlerigg Stone Circle and how far in distance you will need to go. The Castlerigg Stone Circle is accessible for most, due to its mix of flat, grassy terrains. 

If you’re visiting the Lake District for the first time, I highly recommend buying OS Explorer maps. Not all of the streets and paths are on Google Maps, especially off-the-beaten-track trails. These maps are great for directions, especially if you are trying a new route or hiking mountain trails.

1. Visiting Castlerigg Stone Circle from the car park (>100m)

The easiest and quickest way to see the Castlerigg Stone Circle is via the nearby roadside parking just 100m away from the stones themselves.

From Keswick, the Castlerigg Stone Circle is a 4-minute drive (see directions here). The road leading to the stone circle – named ‘Eleventrees’ – has plenty of roadside parking (but it does get busy during school holidays). There’s even an ice cream man parked up on the side of the road on sunnier days!

If you are parking close to Castlerigg Stone Circle, the walk is less than 100m to see the stones. The trail is accessible by most and is a terrain of grass and gravel.

From the stone circle, you can see the dramatic surroundings of Thirlmere Valley, the mountains of High Seat and Skiddaw, as well as the famous Helvellyn. Not bad for a short stroll!

2. Castlerigg Stone Circle walk from Keswick (6.5km)

If you’d prefer a longer walk to reach the Castlerigg Stone Circle, you can start the trail from Keswick town centre.

It’s around a 3.25km walk each way, so 6.5km if you are doing the 2-hour circular route back to the town centre. The total elevation gain is around 150m, and most of the terrain is either a flat path, gravel or grass.

Start your walk at the Keswick Moot Hall, and follow the ‘Threlkeld Railway Path’ until you reach the small path directing you to the stone circle. It’s a straightforward walk; meaning it’s hard to get lost!

There are no facilities on the route, so be sure to use the loo and stock up on refreshments in Keswick. The closest car park to Moot Hall is the Keswick Central Car Park, and costs around £5 ($6.50) for the day.

3. Castlerigg Stone Circle walk from Castlerigg Hall (5km)

Another option when looking to do the Castlerigg Stone walk is to start at the Castlerigg Hall camping site. This is a beautiful scenic route through the Lake District countryside, and the loop there and back shouldn’t take longer than 2 hours.

From Castlerigg Hall campsite, pass the Castlerigg Farm, admire the views and peek a look at the nearby roaming animals! Continue through the gate, and follow the stone wall to your left.

Keep left until you reach the A591, cross the kissing gate and finally follow a road named Castle Lane. Once you reach a slate stone stile, hop over it, and you’ve reached the stone circle (you won’t be able to miss it)!

It’s a much more peaceful walk than the one from Keswick and is suitable for most. Note that there are some stiles to cross and climb, as well as gates en route.

4. Castlerigg Stone Circle walk to Low Rigg (5km)

This is a bit of a different Castlerigg Stone Circle walk, as it starts actually at the stones. For this walk, I recommend parking on Eleventrees (CA12 4RN for Satnav reference).

Admire the Neolithic stone circle before heading back through the gate. Head towards the Keswick Climbing wall (where there’s a cafe and toilets) before following a public footpath across the field (which is signposted).

Continue until you see a signpost for St John’s in the Vale Church. This is a right turning, with a following lane. When you reach a sign for Tewet Tarn, take the right and walk through a field to the ‘hole in the wall’ (a wall with a big gap in the middle).

From here, continue walking until you see Tewet Tarn. With incredible views of Skiddaw, Helvellyn and the surrounding mountains, you can stop off here for a picnic or continue walking to Low Rigg.

As you leave the tarn, look for a gate to your left. As you walk through the gate, look to your left, and the lower summit is Low Rigg. If it’s a wet day, the ground here can become muddy, so it’s best to do this walk on a dry day.

Low Rigg is worth the effort, and you’ll be rewarded with views of the Helvellyn Range, Blencathra, Skiddaw, Grasmoor and more. It’s a beautiful scene, and worth every step!

Where is the Castlerigg Stone Circle?

The closest town to the Castlerigg Stone Circle is Keswick. It is around a 30-minute walk from the centre of town. For Satnavs, enter the postcode CA12 4RN for the Castlerigg Stone Circle parking.

Getting to the Castlerigg Stone Circle

🚘 GETTING TO CASTLERIGG STONE CIRCLE BY CAR

If you are driving directly to the Castlerigg Stone Circle by car, these are some rough estimated driving times:

Ambleside > Castlerigg Stone Circle: 40 minutes

Keswick > Castlerigg Stone Circle: 5 minutes

Grasmere > Castlerigg Stone Circle: 30 minutes

Bowness > Castlerigg Stone Circle: 50 minutes

Coniston > Castlerigg Stone Circle: 55 minutes

🚌 GETTING TO LATRIGG BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

To reach the Castlerigg Stone Circle by public transport, you can get the 555 bus from Ambleside or Bowness to Keswick. From Keswick, you will need to either walk for 30 minutes or jump in a taxi.

From most other locations, the journey to the Castlerigg Stone Circle by public transport is at least 2.5 hours or doesn’t exist. It might be best to hire a car or bicycle depending on where you’re staying.

Where to park for the Castlerigg Stone Circle

If you are taking the short walk to the Castlerigg Stone Circle, you can park on the road under 100m away from the site. Putting in the postcode CA12 4RN will take you directly there.

From Keswick, you can park in any of Keswick’s main car parks in the town centre. The best starting point in Keswick is Moot Hall, so Central Car Park is the closest.

How long is the walk to the Castlerigg Stone Circle?

This depends on the route you are taking. There is nearby street parking if you would like to visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle without doing any additional walking (under 100m from the stones). If you are walking from Keswick, it is around a 5-6km round trip.

What to expect at the Castlerigg Stone Circle

The Castlerigg Stone Circle site is one of the best things to do when in the Lake District. With its Neolithic history and stunning views, it’s a fun and easy activity for all of the family and is well-located near the bustling town of Keswick.

When you arrive, you will walk around 100m into a grassy field to see the stones. The atmospheric circle of stones has a backdrop of Helvellyn and the High Seat mountains in the background, making it one of the most beautiful stone circle sites in Britain.

There are no facilities at the Castlerigg Stone Circle, apart from an ice cream man in the summer months. If you need the toilet or would like a bite to eat, it’s worth walking to the Keswick Climbing Wall Centre’s cafe, around a 2-minute walk away.

Can you wild camp at the Castlerigg Stone Circle?

Camping at the Castlerigg Stone Circle is banned, and police frequently roam the area to check for wild campers. Wild camping is not permitted anywhere in the Lake District without the landowner’s permission. 

Can I do the Castlerigg Stone Circle walk if I’m afraid of heights?

Yes! There is little-to-no elevation when visiting the Castlerigg Stone Circle. There are no edges or drops, and the Castlerigg Stone Circle is on flat ground.

Is the Castlerigg Stone Circle walk suitable for dogs?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Castlerigg Stone Circle, but must be on a lead. This is due to the sheer number of tourists at the site throughout the day.

Do I need hiking boots for the Castlerigg Stone Circle walk?

No, you do not need hiking boots for the Castlerigg Stone Circle walk. The terrain is flat and mostly gravel or grass. You can wear regular sports trainers or any comfortable shoes.

Is Castlerigg Stone Circle free?

Yes! This Neolithic site is totally free to visit. It’s a great road trip stop or a morning out from the centre of Keswick. Who doesn’t love something that’s fun for everyone and doesn’t cost any money?!

What to pack for the Castlerigg Stone Circle walk

As the Castlerigg Stone Circle is a fairly easy walk, you don’t have to worry too much about packing anything in particular. Just your regular day bag and a reusable water bottle!

However, if you’re likely to walk off the track and explore more of the area, I recommend packing:

• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
• An umbrella
• A waterproof day bag
• A waterproof phone case (which can also be used for wild swimming when it’s sunnier)
• A portable charger
• Lots of layers
• A GoPro for waterproof camera footage
• A waterproof backpack cover
• A chilly bottle to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
• A Dry Robe, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
• As well as using bug spray, we have midge-repellent wristbands.

Related post: What to Pack for the Lake District: Ultimate First Timer Guide

Where to stay in the Lake District

If you’re only staying in the Lake District for a few nights, I recommend staying in Ambleside. Ambleside is known as the ‘heart of the Lake District’, and is one of my personal favourite areas, as it’s within walking distance of Lake Windermere.

If you’re only visiting the Lake District briefly, it’s an easy way to see some of the quintessential grey slate buildings, traditional pubs, and modern Lake District restaurants. Ambleside is also only a ten-minute drive from the Helm Crag walk starting point.

• If you’re a solo traveller in Ambleside, I recommend staying in the YHA Hostel. It’s a short distance from the centre of Ambleside, and you’ll be able to meet other solo backpackers. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!

• Want a cute and cosy cottage in Ambleside? Our favourite is Grayling Cottage. It’s just a one-minute walk from Ambleside town centre and is beautifully decorated. ➡ BOOK THIS COTTAGE NOW!

• For a luxurious one-night stay in Ambleside, check out The Ambleside Inn. It’s an 18th-century hotel which will give you a true ‘English countryside’ experience. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

Getting around the Lake District

If you can, take a car to get around the Lake District. If you only have one day, you don’t want to spend hours waiting for public transport. Don’t have a car? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

However, if you haven’t got access to a car, exploring the Lake District can still be done! The Lake District has amazing public transport (a lot better than some of the rest of the country), and you can whizz around on buses and boats. For more information about travelling around the Lake District without a car, you can check out my guide here.

➡ Need to hire a car in the Lake District? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗 LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

Castlerigg Stone Circle walk: FAQs

1) What is the myth of the Castlerigg Stone Circle?

There are many stories and myths about the Castlerigg Stone Circle, but none of them have been proven to be true, and are just theories. In fact, we are still unsure why the stones are there and the use they would have had thousands of years ago.

Said to be constructed in 3000 BC, one theory about the dramatically placed stones is that they have astronomical significance, and are placed in line with certain stars or planets (although this has not been proven).

One thing historians strongly believe about stone circles (such as Castlerigg) is that they were common gathering places for the Neolithic people. A meeting point, a religious centre or a trading area; the stones were significant sites in their everyday life. They’re also an important insight for us to learn more about daily life 5000 years ago in Britain.

2) How many stones are in the Castlerigg Stone Circle?

There are 38 stones in the Castlerigg Stone Circle near Keswick. The Stone Circle is open 24 hours a day and is a totally free site to visit in the Lake District.

You might also like: Coniston Water Swimming: BEST Swim Spots

3) Is Castlerigg older than Stonehenge?

Yes! The Castlerigg Stone Circle was constructed over 5000 years ago (in 3000 BC), whereas Stonehenge was around 2500 years ago. This makes the Castlerigg Stone Circle older than Stonehenge!

🤯 In fact, the Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District is as old as the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, which were also built over 5000 years ago!

Fancy seeing the Lake District caves that are over 200 years old? The Rydal Caves are a great, easy walk in the Lake District, and can either be added onto a Rydal, Ambleside or Loughrigg Fell walk. Or, head there in the morning and have a picnic! Need more info? Check out my detailed Rydal Caves travel guide here.

4) Who owns Castlerigg Stone Circle?

The National Trust owns the Castlerigg Stone Circle. In 1888, it was preserved through the Ancient Monuments Protection Act, and then acquired by the National Trust in 1913.

5) When is the best time to visit the Lake District?

You can visit the Lake District 365 days a year; as it’s an ‘any kind of weather’ destination in the UK. However, if you want the cheapest accommodation prices, visit in the shoulder season (autumn and spring). During the winter months (November – February), you can expect layers of snow to cover the trails and paths.

Summer months in the UK (June – August) are always the most expensive months to visit the Lake District, as well as being the busiest. But of course, it’s when you’ll get the best weather, with dry, hot and sunny days.

➡ Visiting the Lake District in winter? Check out this detailed guide on what to do during the colder months, or specifically in December here!

6) Do I need a car to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re visiting the Lake District and are short on time, I recommend hiring a car. However, it is possible to get around the Lake District using public transport.

If you’re looking to hire a car in the Lake District, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in the UK now!

Related posts: Getting around the Lake District without a car

7) Do I need a SIM card to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

Related posts: Coniston Water Swimming: BEST Swim Spots

Don’t forget travel insurance for Europe!

If you’re visiting Europe as a tourist, it is so important to have travel insurance.

As a full-time traveller and digital nomad, I recommend SafetyWing. From my own personal experience, I believe it is the best travel insurance on the market.

And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month!

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s frustrating to spend $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something does happen?

If you need medical help at any point whilst in Europe, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

If you’ve been putting off researching the best travel insurance companies, I get it, it takes a long time. But it’s my job to make your travels as easy and as successful as possible, so that’s why I’ve done all the hard work and research for you!

➡ Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

Castlerigg Stone Circle walk: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the Castlerigg Stone Circle walk in the Lake District. When you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Lake District content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

🇬🇧 Other Lake District posts you might like:

• Lake District in December: Everything You Need To Know
• Latrigg Walk, Lake District: Complete Guide & Tips!