Local Area

Merlestead sits in a quiet secluded location on the  edge of the little village of Applethwaite. It offers easy access to local walks and yet is conveniently located just two miles from Keswick.

For those who don’t want to venture far there is a good selection of local walks that start at Merlestead, or in the immediate vicinity. The range of walks detailed in the Local Walks section cater for all levels of fitness including, for those seeking a bit of a challenge direct access to Skiddaw. For those wishing to venture further afield and explore other parts of the Lake District, Merlestead offers easy and quick road access to many different locations :

• Borrowdale ≈ 20 minute drive
• Buttermere ≈ 30 minute drive
• Ulswater (Glenridding) ≈ 35 minute drive
• Ambleside ≈ 30 minute drive

Whilst its lovely to be in a beautiful remote location, it’s always important to have easy access to key facilities and of course places to eat and drink if you want to go out. The pretty market town of Keswick is just 2 miles away from Merlestead and offers a wide range of quality attractions for visitors, including the very popular Keswick Market on Saturday and Thursday.

There are some great pubs in Keswick, probably the best, which also happens to be the nearest, is the Pheasant on the Crosthwaite Road just off the A66. And if you would like an excellent café in lovely surroundings, it’s hard to beat the Lingholm at Portinscale,