Stage 4 of the Cumbria Way runs Keswick to Caldbeck: about 13.9 miles (22.4 km) with around 945 m of ascent and a high point of 645 m. It's rated Challenging and takes most walkers 7–8 hours. The wildest stage: behind Skiddaw to remote Skiddaw House, along the infant River Caldew and over High Pike, the highest point of the walk, to Caldbeck.
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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 route climbs out of Keswick onto the slopes of Latrigg, then follows a terraced path around Lonscale Fell high above the Glenderaterra valley to Skiddaw House, one of the most remote buildings in the Lake District.
From Skiddaw House the Way follows the young River Caldew east through the empty moorland of Skiddaw Forest, past old mine workings, before climbing onto the Caldbeck Fells and over High Pike. At 658 m, this is the highest point of the entire Cumbria Way, with views to the Solway Firth and Scotland.
The descent north from High Pike needs care in mist: follow a compass bearing rather than drifting onto the wrong path. The route then drops past Nether Row, near Hesket Newmarket, and through farmland to the village of Caldbeck. There are no shops or cafés between Keswick and Caldbeck, so carry food and water for the whole day.
Getting to the Start & Finish
Start: Keswick has buses to Penrith, Windermere and Cockermouth. Escape route: the Mosedale road is the only practical way off the middle of this stage. Finish: Caldbeck has very limited public transport, so check timetables or arrange a taxi.
Always check current timetables. Rural services are limited in the evenings, on Sundays and in winter.
Where to Stay & Eat
Caldbeck is a small village with a pub, café and a few B&Bs, and more options at nearby Hesket Newmarket. Book early. Skiddaw House is a simple hostel roughly a third of the way along, which some walkers use to break the stage.
Accommodation or café near Caldbeck?
Walkers use this page to plan where to stop on Stage 4 of the Cumbria Way. Advertise here free for 6 months, with no obligation to continue.
Become a Trail Partner →Stage 4 FAQs
Our GPX measures 13.9 miles (22.4 km) from Keswick to Caldbeck, with around 800 m of ascent, the most of any stage, and the walk's high point on High Pike. Allow 7 to 8 hours.
High Pike, at 658 m (2,159 ft), on Stage 4 between Keswick and Caldbeck. It's one of the most northerly Lakeland fells, with views over the Solway Firth to Scotland.
Yes. From Skiddaw House a lower alternative follows the track west past Whitewater Dash (Dash Falls) towards the Orthwaite road, but guidebook authors describe it as boggy and unsatisfactory. In poor weather, the sensible choices are to wait, or to use the Mosedale road as an escape.
No. There are no shops, pubs or cafés between Keswick and Caldbeck, so carry enough food and water for a full day in remote country.
Yes. You can download a free Stage 4 GPX (Keswick to Caldbeck) 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