08:45
Age 18 & over on 31 Dec 2025
£155-£160
KMF25 has a new look - it's going to be glorious! You won't want to miss it.
Keswick Mountain Festival delivers a wonderfully immersive experience with an emphasis on outdoor sports, activities, live music, inspirational speakers, and an incredible array of outdoor brands plus top-notch food and drink stalls.
There's a big schedule of sporting events and outdoor activities, including a new adventure race, revised mountain run, two new hikes, a local schools’ duathlon, trail runs once again from 5K to 50K, open water swims, two cycle sportive routes (one of which is new), and three hiking events (two of which are new).
2025 details are to be confirmed.
This event is part of Keswick Mountain Festival.
Vacant Weekend | Steel Foxes | Bossyking | Foxtrap | The Northern Threads | State of Satta | Delagrave | Thieving Magpies
Joel Gardner | Clara Pople | Hang Dimension | Ewan Scarlett | Stoney Broke | Jordan Worsfold | J Lewis | Chloe Jane Hirst | Open Folk Session
Each of these stages will see a showcase of incredibly talented, local music acts. Importantly, having two stages will also enable a more continuous live music experience to be delivered from early afternoon till dusk, plus offer protection against any adverse Cumbrian weather. And for the first time, there will also be live music during the day on Sunday at the Band Stand which will be located in the heart of the reimagined food and drink zone.
So, expect chilled out vibes and acoustic sets there, while you unwind after your sporting exertions. Or if you’re feeling the adrenaline, head into the Big Top for some electric performances.
Chrissie Wellington | 3 Dads Walking | Timmy Mallet | Sean Conway | Louise Minchin | James Forrest | Cameron McNeish | Jamie Aarons | Nicky Spinks | Alan Hinkes | Black Trail Runners | Alastair Humphreys | and more
Not only will 3 Dads Walking be leading out the Keswick 3 Peaks Hike, they will also feature in an enhanced, packed programme of speakers which will take place both on Crow Park and in Theatre by the Lake.
Inspiring speakers who will keep you thoroughly entertained over the weekend include Timmy Mallett, Louise Minchin, Sean Conway, Chrissie Wellington, Mel Nicholls, Cameron McNeish, Alan Hinkes, James Forrest, Jamie Aarons, Nicky Spinks, Alastair Humphries, and Black Trail Runners. And that’s not all! There will be more compelling headline speakers added in the coming months.
Pump track | Axe Throwing | Caving | Bike Stunt Show | Orienteering | Maze | Climbing Wall | Canoeing | Segway | Standup Paddleboarding | Army Assault Course | Birds of Prey | Treasure Hunt | Yoga | Balance Bike Racing
Party Games | Boules | Space Hopper Racing | Hoopla | Bean Bag Toss | Giant Connect 4 | Giant Jenga | Giant Skittle Alley | Giant Tin Can Alley
Outdoor and Travel Brands Expo | Food and Drink Stalls | Exhibitors
So, if you live in the area, come on down. There is going to be plenty to keep you entertained. Why not have a go at axe throwing, space hopper racing, or even get up close to birds of prey? And there'll be more outdoor and travel brands such as adidas, Acai Outdoorwear, and Craghoppers who will be offering unique festival activities, as well as showcasing their marvellous merch.
Lakeside
Lake Road
Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 5DJ
UK
Keswick is located in the heart of the Lake District and is the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the UK. Keswick is very accessible by all means of transport, meaning that you can consider the environment when planning your route to Keswick Mountain Festival.
The KMF campsite is located at Springs Farm, Springs Road, Keswick CA12 4AN, only a 15 minute walk away from the Festival Village on Crow Park.
Camping is the best way to enjoy the festival, getting back to nature and sleeping in the fields, wake up to the view of Skiddaw – it doesn’t get much better. Facilities include showers, toilets, cafe serving hot food/drinks every day. Tents only, no campervans/motorhomes.
A weekend camping ticket includes 3 nights camping from 10am Thursday to 5pm Sunday and a car parking space.
From the M6 (traveling both North or South) take Junction 40 at Penrith for the North Lakes. From J40, follow the A66 West for approximately 17 miles to Keswick.
With a timetable, and a little planning, you can reach Keswick Mountain Festival and many other beautiful Lake District places by bus. If you are a walker, you can use the bus to complete a linear walk without the necessity of having to return to where you left the car.
These are the services to consider:
Penrith, Carlisle and Kendal (via Oxenholme) are served by the West Coast Main Line – a fast, frequent and easily accessible service from all over the country. The nearest railway station to Keswick is Penrith, a distance of 17 miles. A bus service (journey of approx 40 minutes) connects Penrith railway station with Keswick Bus Station. Alternatively you can pre-book a taxi from Penrith train station to Keswick.
The historic Settle to Carlisle line brings passengers from Yorkshire via the Eden Valley.
The West Coast line is operated by Virgin Trains.
Manchester Airport and Newcastle Airport both offer convenient access to the North of the UK. Manchester serves more domestic destinations than any UK airport which, together with its first class road and rail link make it an ideal gateway to Cumbria.
Manchester Airport has its own railway station, with direct links to Oxenholme – the Lake District, Kendal, Windermere and the West Coast Main Line. Newcastle Airport also has good road links to Cumbria and the Lake District.
The Festival Village is located adjacent to The Theatre By The Lake close to Derwentwater.
Point to point 3.6km
Take in the views of surrounding hills, Catbells and Skiddaw and swim past the several islands on the lake, including St Herbert’s Island, Rampsholme Island and Derwent Island, on your journey to the finish at Crow Park.
You will be whisked off to Brandlehow from the Festival Village via Keswick Launch (cost included in entry) and then set off for your swim back to the Festival Village.
Back O’ Skiddaw 100K
Challenge yourself with the 100k sportive which starts off moderately hilly before ramping up the mountain passes for the finish.
The Back O’Skiddaw 100k sportive has approximately 1,625 metres of ascent most of which is in the last 30km so save some energy for the grand finale.
The course is fully tarmac, ranging from steeply undulating narrow single track, gated farm roads, to the quieter B and A roads in the area. Heading around the Back O’Skiddaw before climbing up to Buttermere and over the Newlands Hause Pass.
Trail 25K
The 25km Trail Half Marathon (and a bit!) is graded ‘Hard’ with 866m ascent. Technical, fast flowing and rugged trails take you around Derwentwater and the Borrowdale Valley with the Watendlath Valley thrown in for good measure.
KMF Triathlons are not officially registered with British Triathlon. However, for insurance purposes we do operate the events using their race rules. Under these rules the water temperature must be 14oC before wetsuits become optional.
Derwentwater has a history of Blue Green Algae presence in the water and over the past few years, with warmer winters, the bacteria which causes this is not always killed off over the winter months. It is therefore possible for blooms to occur as the temperatures rise in the Spring. (Many of you will remember that in 2019 the Keswick Mountain Festival swims were cancelled due to very late blooming of the algae. This is something we do not wish to see repeated.) We work closely with National Trust and the Environment Agency who help us to monitor the water in the run up to the Festival and inform us of any potential blooms.
Blue Green Algae is present in many water courses and not all forms are toxic. The greatest risks of a toxic algae are for animals and young children who drink water containing the algae and, in the case of dogs in particular, may pick up algae on their coats and then lick their coat, thereby consuming even more.
Blue Green Algae forms as a localised bloom, meaning that large parts of the lake can be unaffected even if it is present in some areas. Even when present, it is entirely possible to swim in Derwentwater without ever coming into contact with the algae.
What do we do if there is blue green algae in the water at the time of the Festival?
We will test the water, with support from the Environment Agency, in advance of the Festival and we will identify and monitor where the blooms are. If we find there are blooms of Algae in the water we will conduct a full analysis and amend courses if needed, so we are satisfied that the routes used in the KMF swims and the triathlons are safe for swimming.
KMF is on a mission to do some good. A mission to make the festival more sustainable, accessible, inclusive and diverse, as well delivering a positive impact for the people of Keswick.
Alongside National Trust, the charity partner, a new sustainable legacy project with Fix the Fells. Everyone who is coming to the Festival is invited to help on that journey. The aim is to raise £10,000 per year, which will cover the annual cost for the Catbells conservation work. You’ll be able to donate at checkout on the website when buying your tickets. Please do so if you can. Catbells provides the stunning festival backdrop and helping to preserve this national, natural treasure is a wonderful thing to be part of.
The Festival works with venues and stakeholders in Keswick, to integrate aspects of the festival into the town, especially the evening programme. So, when the live music stops on Crow Park at 9:00pm on the Friday and Saturday, the ‘after party’ can continue in restaurants and bars throughout Keswick, boosting the benefits for the local economy.
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Open and Female Overall. We will also award 1st Place Open and Female prizes for Junior (under 18), Senior (18-39), Vet (40-49), Super Vet (50-59), & Vintage (60+) Ages will be as at 31/12/24.
Your guide will be available to download before the event.
Entry fee
£155.00
Valid to 31/01/2024
Entry fee
£160.00
Valid from 31/01/2024
Had a ball. Thank you all. Be there next year. Yipeeeee. Jenny
We had an absolute blast this weekend. So well organised, friendly people, amazing setting, just perfect thank you. Yoga
Such a great festival, superbly organised - wonderful atmosphere. Joanne
Had an awesome weekend - already looking forward to the next. Thanks to all involved. James
Awesome event! Will definitely be back. Joanne
We met lots of lovely people in a beautiful part of the world. We did the Back O Skiddaw which was clearly marked and marshalled with the medic man just around the corner. Thank you. Eugenia
Our first Keswick Mountain Festival and we all had a fab weekend! Thank you! Claire
It's been worth the wait, BRILLIANT weekend. Rick
Brilliant festival. Thank you! Campsite was great and point to point swim really well organised. Carl
Had a fab time, thank you! See you next year! Sue
A message from the Festival Director:
It was a big call to take a break from the full multi-sport festival, but it gave us the ideal opportunity to take a deep look at what we want this event to be in the longer term. Keswick Mountain Festival is very special to us and to many of you who share our love of this wonderful part of the world and the outdoors in general. We took the time to reflect on all of that and on the changing nature of big events.
There are now new and very different challenges involved in delivering a festival like ours in a responsible and sustainable way. We’re really excited about how we’re tackling those head on, in a way that still offers all of the aspects that our regular visitors tell us they love so much, and more. It’s going to be a vibrant, multi-faceted and inclusive event for everyone, and we can’t wait to welcome you all back in May. Nicola Meadley
13:00
Age 10 & over
£20-£42.50
09:00
Age 18 & over
£47.50-£52.50
11:00
Age 18 & over
£55-£60
06:00
Age 18 & over
£70-£75
16:30
Age 18 & over
£37.50-£42.50
08:00
Age 15 & over
£32.50-£97.50
08:45
Age 18 & over
£60-£65
12:00
Age 18 & over
£50-£55
14:00
Age 12 & over
£20-£47.50
18:30
Age 18 & over
£45-£50
08:30
Age 18 & over
£60-£65
08:30
Age 18 & over
£50-£95
07:30
Age 12 & over
£20-£50
06:30
Age 18 & over
£55-£60
08:30
Age 12 & over
£20-£45
16:00
All ages
£10-£40