Thinking about doing Catbells but want something quieter but just as gorgeous?  Already done Catbells and want a similar challenge?  Then look no further than Barrow Fell, starting in Braithwaite Village, just outside of Keswick.  Thanks to Lee Benson for another cracking contribution to the family walks blog.

Parking for this walk is found in Braithwaite village.  We were lucky and got parked for free on one of the roads but there is also parking at the school over the weekend.

The walk starts at Braithwaite Lodge (OS map OL4, grid reference 233232), which is a farm just around the corner from the village shop. Head down the lane past the farm and through the gate on to the fell.

The fell itself is quite steep in places but both girls made it up with plenty of stops for drinks and a look at the views. Once reaching the summit you get views of Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick, Derwent Water and lots of surrounding fells including Catbells.

There is a path leading off the summit that takes you down the other side.  This path loops round the fell and back to Braithwaite making it a circular walk.

The walk is about three miles, good easy followed paths all the way round and took us about two and a half hours.  This included plenty of breaks for drinks and to play in patches of snow, both girls made it all the way round.

Similar to Catbells with a lot less people.  We had the summit to ourselves, with jaw dropping 360 degree views from the top.

The Coledale Inn in Braithwaite is a family and dog friendly pub. Does good pub grub and fine ales too.

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