Stage 3 of the Cumbria Way runs Great Langdale to Keswick: about 16.2 miles (26.1 km) with around 680 m of ascent and a high point of 484 m. It's rated Challenging and takes most walkers 7–8 hours. Over Stake Pass from the head of Great Langdale, down lonely Langstrath into Borrowdale, then along the shore of Derwent Water to Keswick.
Splitting at Rosthwaite for a 6-day walk? Langdale → Rosthwaite GPX · Rosthwaite → Keswick GPX
Free and un-gated, no sign-up. Waymarks are patchy, so carry the GPX with you.
Pairs perfectly with our GPX files: import this file into Our Fells, save the OS map offline and follow the line with live GPS. 7-day free trial, then 10% off your first year with code . Affiliate link
Elevation Profile
Elevation derived from the route GPX sampled against a digital elevation model (Open-Meteo (Copernicus DEM)). Figures are approximate.
Key Facts
The Route & What to Expect
The finest mountain day on the walk. From the head of Great Langdale the route follows Mickleden between Bow Fell and the Langdale Pikes, then zig-zags up to Stake Pass at around 480 m.
Beyond the pass, the path descends the long, remote valley of Langstrath to Stonethwaite and Rosthwaite in Borrowdale, then follows the River Derwent past Castle Crag to Grange.
The final miles follow the western shore of Derwent Water through woodland and past the landing stages into Keswick. The climb is steady rather than steep, but Stake Pass is exposed high ground, so check the mountain forecast and carry a map and compass.
Getting to the Start & Finish
Start: the Langdale bus runs from Ambleside. Mid-way: the Borrowdale bus links Rosthwaite and Grange with Keswick, handy if you split the stage or need to cut it short. Finish: Keswick has buses to Penrith (for the West Coast Main Line), Windermere and Cockermouth.
Always check current timetables. Rural services are limited in the evenings, on Sundays and in winter.
Where to Stay & Eat
Many walkers split this stage with a night in Rosthwaite or Stonethwaite in Borrowdale, which turns the Cumbria Way into a six-day walk. Keswick has the widest choice of accommodation, food and outdoor shops on the whole route, so it's ideal for a rest day. There are cafés in Rosthwaite, Grange and Portinscale.
Accommodation or café near Keswick?
Walkers use this page to plan where to stop on Stage 3 of the Cumbria Way. Advertise here free for 6 months, with no obligation to continue.
Become a Trail Partner →Stage 3 FAQs
Stake Pass is about 480 m high (our GPX tops out at 479 m), the highest point of Stage 3. The path zig-zags up from Mickleden at the head of Great Langdale and descends through Langstrath into Borrowdale.
Yes. A night in Rosthwaite (or nearby Stonethwaite) in Borrowdale splits the stage into two shorter days and makes the Cumbria Way a six-day walk. The Borrowdale bus also links Rosthwaite with Keswick.
Our GPX measures 16.2 miles (26.1 km), with the climb to Stake Pass (about 480 m) the main effort. Allow 7 to 8 hours, or split it at Rosthwaite: we have separate free GPX files for both halves.
Yes. You can download a free Stage 3 GPX (Great Langdale to Keswick) from this page, with no sign-up. Full-route and all-stage files are on our Cumbria Way GPX page.
Continue the Walk
All five stages, itineraries and transport: Cumbria Way guide · Kit & safety