Castlerigg stone circle, with Blencathra in the distance

Walkers and cyclists will be able to get on track with a new circular walk in the Lake District.

The 10km (6-mile) route follows part of the course of the old Keswick to Penrith Railway and is aimed at walkers who are not able to tackle some of the area’s more strenuous routes.

The Keswick Railway Path has been devised by national park staff and starts at the town’s former railway station and runs to Threlkeld, returning via cycle paths and quiet roads.

The route takes in the Castlerigg stone circle, Brundholme Wood and has views of Blencathra.

It also incorporates short cuts so users not wanting to make the full journey can shorten their trip. National park officers say it would be ideal for a half-day outing or an evening stroll.

Details of the walk will be in a leaflet available for 70p from Keswick’s tourist information centre.

National Park publications coordinator Charlotte Crosby said: “We believe the path will also be popular for people with limited mobility and families with children not yet ready for the more strenuous Lake District walks. There really is a lot going on for such a short path.”

She added that the route from Keswick to Threlkeld along the old railway line has always been a popular ‘there and back’ walk, but now by incorporating sections of cycle routes on quiet roads south of the A66 a circular route has been created to appeal to even more users.

The path will also pass Tewet Tarn and make its way under the popular paragliding centre on Threlkeld Knotts.