Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick, England

🐶 - A nice walk for most active dogs, the field that the stone circle is in is generally safe for dogs to play fetch - please do make sure that there are no sheep in the field first, though, and if there are keep your dogs under close control

🚗 - Pay and display parking in Keswick. There are also a handful of spaces by the stone circle itself, but these are firs come first served, and can be difficult to get in and out of depending on flow of traffic

📏 - Under 3 miles

Castlerigg Stone Circle is the most famous of the Lake District stone circles, and when you consider the incredible 360-degree view of the Lakeland fells, including Helvellyn, Blencathra, Catbells and Walla Crag, it’s easy to see why the English Heritage site attracts thousands of visitors every year. Dating back to somewhere around 3,000BC, it is believed that the original circle was built by prehistoric farming communities. Now a total of 38 stones (having formerly contained 42), the inner sanctuary of 10 stones was probably added at a later date, although the reason behind that isn’t known. Whilst the site is no longer used for the potential rituals and exchanges of the Neolithic period in which it was likely built, it still holds cultural significance. Both locals and tourists alike flock to the circle to celebrate the summer and winter solstices.

It’s possible to park right by the site of Castlerigg, but where possible it’s recommended that you walk, due to the narrow roads and very limited parking that’s available. There are a couple of different walks, depending on available time and ability. You can walk straight up from the town centre, following the path along Penrith Road for about a mile until you reach the fork that will either take you to Penrith, if you turn left, or to Windermere if you turn right. Cross the road to the left and walk as though you were going to walk towards Penrith, and then take the first right, up Eleventrees. Keep following the road uphill for another half mile, and you’ll eventually get to the field which contains Castlerigg Stone Circle on your right. The hill can get pretty steep in places, and this is the main road between the site and Keswick, so do be careful of cars coming in both directions. This walking route takes around 45 minutes.

If you prefer a more picturesque walk, you can head up Springs Road from the town centre. Head right to the end of Springs Road, passing Springs Farm on your right, and the tea room on your left. Go through the gate and head as though you’re going up Walla Crag. You’ll pass a bridge on your left, and you want to aim in the opposite direction, following the path to the right, and then round to the left. After a short but steep section, you’ll see a signpost on your left-hand side. Keep going straight past the signpost, and you’ll get to a bridge that crosses the river. Cross the bridge, and go through the gate, then follow the path round to your left. You’ll come to a sheep field, which has a path down the left-hand side. Please make sure to keep dogs on a lead and under control. Once you get to the other side of the field, be incredibly careful crossing the busy road. Follow the sign along the country road, again being careful of any passing cars and tractors! You’ll come to a gap in the wall, which you’ll have to climb through using the stone steps, and this will take you into the Castlerigg Stone Circle field. There are often sheep in the field, so please do be aware of this if you have dogs with you. You can either retrace your steps, or head back into Keswick via the road.